Can You Buy Sweets with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether sweets, previously known as food stamps, qualify as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Sweets with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy sweets with EBT or Food Stamps.

Sweets are considered eligible under SNAP because they fall under the category of food items. The program allows the purchase of most edible goods, including candy, cookies, and other treats, as long as they are intended for human consumption. This flexibility helps recipients enjoy a variety of foods, including occasional indulgences, while managing their benefits.

How to Check If Sweets 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:

• Bag of chips: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.

• Hot pizza slice: 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.

Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Besides sweets, 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.

• Special Dietary Foods: Gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and allergen-free foods.

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 covered by SNAP benefits. You can either remove the item from your purchase or pay for it using another form of payment, such as cash or a credit card.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on the types of sweets you can buy with EBT?

While most sweets are eligible for purchase with EBT, there are some restrictions. Items that are primarily marketed as supplements, such as certain protein bars with "Supplement Facts" labels, are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared sweets meant for immediate consumption are also not covered by SNAP benefits.

Can you buy holiday-themed sweets with EBT?

Yes, holiday-themed sweets like Halloween candy, Christmas cookies, and Easter chocolates are eligible for purchase with EBT. As long as these items have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption, they fall under the category of SNAP-eligible foods.

Do SNAP rules for buying sweets vary by state?

No, SNAP rules for buying sweets do not vary by state. The program is federally regulated, meaning the eligibility criteria for sweets are consistent across all states. However, individual stores may have different policies on labeling and displaying SNAP-eligible items.

Can you buy gift baskets containing sweets with EBT?

Gift baskets containing sweets can be purchased with EBT if the value of the food items is more than 50% of the total price. If the basket includes non-food items like toys or decorations that make up the majority of the cost, it will not be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.