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 iced coffee qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Iced Coffee with EBT/ Food Stamps?
Yes, you can buy iced coffee with EBT or Food Stamps.
This is because iced coffee is considered a cold beverage, which falls under the category of eligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. As long as the iced coffee is not hot and is intended for home consumption, it qualifies for purchase using EBT or Food Stamps.
How to Check If Iced 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 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.
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.
Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT
Besides iced coffee, you might be surprised to know that SNAP benefits cover many of these items:
Plants: Vegetable seeds, fruit plants, and starters used to grow food at home.
Farmers’ Markets: Eligible at many markets, often via tokens or electronic payments.
Energy Drinks: Eligible if labeled with a "Nutrition Facts" panel (not "Supplement Facts").
Bakery Items and Birthday Cakes: Decorated birthday cakes and baked goods.
Seafood and Fresh Meat: Fresh, frozen, or canned seafood and meats.
Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.
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 for that specific item. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase to proceed with the checkout.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can 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
Is there a limit on the amount of iced coffee you can buy with EBT?
No, there is no specific limit on the amount of iced coffee you can buy with EBT. As long as the iced coffee is intended for home consumption and meets SNAP eligibility criteria, you can purchase as much as your benefits allow.
Can you buy iced coffee from a vending machine with EBT?
No, you cannot buy iced coffee from a vending machine with EBT. SNAP benefits are generally restricted to items purchased from authorized retailers, and vending machines do not fall under this category.
Are there any specific brands of iced coffee that are not eligible for purchase with EBT?
Most brands of iced coffee are eligible for purchase with EBT as long as they have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. However, if an iced coffee is labeled with "Supplement Facts" or is sold hot, it would not be eligible.
Can you buy iced coffee concentrate with EBT?
Yes, you can buy iced coffee concentrate with EBT. Since it is a cold beverage intended for home preparation and consumption, it qualifies as a SNAP-eligible item.
