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 hygiene products qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Hygiene Products with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy hygiene products with Food Stamps or EBT.
Hygiene items are not eligible under SNAP because the program is designed to assist with purchasing food and beverages. The primary goal of SNAP is to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, and non-food items like hygiene products fall outside the scope of this objective. Therefore, these items must be purchased with other forms of payment.
How to Check If Hygiene Products 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, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-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 hygiene products 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.
Pet Foods: Food items intended for pets are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Household Supplies: Cleaning products, paper goods, and other household items are not covered by SNAP.
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 to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any states where hygiene products are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, hygiene products are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. The federal guidelines for SNAP strictly limit the use of benefits to food items, and hygiene products do not fall under this category.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy hygiene products with them?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy hygiene products. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase.
Can I purchase a basket of items that includes both food and hygiene products with SNAP benefits?
You can purchase the food items in the basket with your SNAP benefits, but you will need to use a different form of payment for the hygiene products. The checkout system will separate the eligible and ineligible items automatically.
What should I do if I am unsure whether a hygiene product is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
If you are unsure whether a hygiene product is eligible, check the label for a "Nutrition Facts" label, which indicates eligibility. You can also ask a store assistant or refer to the USDA rules for further clarification.
