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 tampons qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Tampons with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy tampons with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because tampons are considered a non-food item and are not classified as essential groceries under the SNAP guidelines. The program is designed to assist with the purchase of food and beverages, excluding personal care items like tampons. Therefore, recipients need to use other means to purchase these necessary items.
How to Check If Tampons 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, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Frozen pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli sandwich: 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 tampons that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper towels, and laundry detergent are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Personal Care Items: Products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and cosmetics fall outside the scope of SNAP eligibility.
Alcohol and Tobacco: These items are strictly prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
Pet Food: Food for pets is not considered an essential grocery item and cannot be bought with EBT.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with an 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 tampons ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, tampons are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. They are classified as non-food items and fall outside the scope of essential groceries covered by the program.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy tampons with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy tampons with SNAP. 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 groceries that includes tampons with SNAP benefits?
No, if your basket contains tampons, you cannot use SNAP benefits to pay for the entire basket. You will need to separate the tampons and pay for them with another form of payment.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for tampons vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for tampons do not vary by state. Tampons are universally classified as non-food items and are not covered by SNAP benefits across all states.
