Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether essential oils qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Essential Oils with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy essential oils with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to cover food items that provide nutritional value. Essential oils, while beneficial for various uses, do not fall under the category of food or beverages. Therefore, they are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
How to Check If Essential Oils Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not eligible. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot pizza: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like essential oils that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and personal care products are not eligible for purchase.
Hot, Prepared Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale or meant for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that essential oils are not SNAP-eligible?
No, there are no exceptions. Essential oils are universally classified as non-food items and do not meet the nutritional criteria required for SNAP eligibility. Therefore, they cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy essential oils with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy essential oils. However, the transaction will be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the essential oils from your purchase.
Can I purchase a basket of items that includes essential oils with SNAP?
No, if your basket contains essential oils, you will need to separate those items and pay for them with a different form of payment. Only the SNAP-eligible items in your basket can be purchased with your EBT card.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for essential oils vary by state?
No, the rules regarding the eligibility of essential oils for purchase with SNAP benefits do not vary by state. Essential oils are consistently classified as non-food items and are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits nationwide.
