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 gas station coffee qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Gas Station Coffee with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy gas station coffee with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items that can be prepared at home. Since gas station coffee is considered a hot, ready-to-eat item, it does not qualify under the program's guidelines. SNAP focuses on providing essential groceries, not convenience foods or beverages that are ready for immediate consumption.
How to Check If Gas Station Coffee Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, if the item is hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption, it is likely not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Bag of chips: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is packaged for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot dog from a convenience store: 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.
Additionally, 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 gas station coffee that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited under SNAP guidelines.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not eligible.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods prepared for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
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 payment 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.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits is easier with Benny. Our app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the eligibility of gas station coffee vary by state?
No, the eligibility of gas station coffee does not vary by state. SNAP guidelines are federally regulated, meaning that hot, ready-to-eat items like gas station coffee are universally ineligible for purchase with EBT benefits across all states.
Can you buy a basket of groceries that includes gas station coffee with SNAP?
No, if your basket includes gas station coffee, you will need to pay for it separately using another form of payment. SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible items, so the ineligible coffee must be excluded from the EBT transaction.
Will your EBT benefits be halted if you try to buy gas station coffee?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy gas station coffee. However, the transaction for the coffee will be declined, and you will need to use another payment method or remove the coffee from your purchase.
Why is gas station coffee not eligible for purchase with SNAP?
Gas station coffee is not eligible for purchase with SNAP because it is considered a hot, ready-to-eat item. SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing groceries that can be prepared and consumed at home, not for convenience foods or beverages meant for immediate consumption.
