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 gift baskets qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Gift Baskets with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy gift baskets with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items. Gift baskets often contain non-food items, which disqualifies them from being eligible under SNAP guidelines. Even if a gift basket contains some food, the presence of non-food items makes the entire basket ineligible for purchase with EBT or Food Stamps.
How to Check If Gift Baskets 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 pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot soup from a deli: 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 gift baskets that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, liquor, 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 hygiene products are not eligible for purchase with EBT.
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 to proceed with the transaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that gift baskets are not eligible for purchase with SNAP?
Generally, gift baskets are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits due to the inclusion of non-food items. However, if a gift basket contains only food items and no non-food items, it may be eligible. Always check the contents and labels to confirm eligibility.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for gift baskets vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for gift baskets do not vary by state. The federal guidelines set by the USDA apply uniformly across all states, meaning gift baskets containing non-food items are ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits nationwide.
Can your EBT benefits be halted if you try to buy a gift basket with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy a gift basket with SNAP. The transaction will simply be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
Are baskets containing only food items eligible for purchase with SNAP?
Yes, baskets that contain only food items and no non-food items are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Ensure that all items within the basket have a "Nutrition Facts" label to confirm their eligibility under SNAP guidelines.
