There are certain rules everyone should follow when using government benefits. When it comes to alcohol, the rules are clear but often misunderstood. So, can you buy alcohol with EBT? Now you will know with our essential guide.
1. Can You Buy Alcohol with EBT?.
The goal of SNAP is to help low-income households access nutritious food, and alcohol is considered a non-essential item. You cannot use EBT cards to buy alcohol through SNAP benefits. Federal law prohibits the purchase of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor, using SNAP benefits.
Even products that contain minimal or trace amounts of alcohol are often still ineligible. This includes low-alcohol beer, dealcoholized wine, and any other food or beverage product that includes alcohol in any form.
Please note that cooking wine, wine vinegar, and any cooking extracts are generally SNAP-eligible because they’re used as ingredients in meal preparation, not consumed as standalone beverages. They are not considered alcoholic beverages.
2. What Drinks Can You Buy with EBT?
It’s certain that you cannot buy any type of alcohol with EBT cards, but you can purchase many other beverages. Here’s a list of beverages you can often buy with your SNAP benefits
- Milk and milk alternatives: soy milk, oat milk, and more
- Juices: 100% fruit and vegetable juices (orange juice, apple juice, etc.)
- Bottled water
- Coffee and tea (non-prepared): ground coffee, tea bags, etc. These are EBT-eligible if you’re buying them in packaged form to prepare at home. However, you cannot use EBT to buy hot coffee or tea from a restaurant or café.
- Infant and pediatric drinks: Infant formula, etc.
- Sports and energy drinks with a Nutrition Facts label. Drinks with “Supplement Facts” labels are not EBT-eligible.
- Sodas and soft drinks
In general, a drink has a “Nutrition Facts” label (instead of a “Supplement Facts” label), and is intended to be consumed at home, it’s usually eligible for purchase with EBT.
However, several states are moving to limit what can be purchased with SNAP benefits, with a growing focus on sugary drinks and other processed foods.
- Nebraska became the first state to receive a USDA waiver to ban sugary drink purchases with SNAP benefits.
- Iowa and Indiana received similar approvals.
- Nebraska’s waiver targets soda and energy drinks
- Iowa’s bans most “taxable” food items under state law
- Illinois also plans to restrict soda and candy purchases.
- Arkansas, Texas, and West Virginia have submitted waiver requests still awaiting USDA decisions.
3. Other Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT
The list of what qualifies as “food” under the program includes many unexpected items. And just as importantly, some products people assume are eligible are actually not.
Here are some surprising things you can buy with food stamps that are commonly misunderstood but are EBT-eligible:
- Seeds and food-producing plants
- Snack foods and bakery sweets (candy, cake, ice cream, and soda): While some states are exploring ways to limit these options, just mentioned above, they’re currently allowed in most places.
- Baking ingredients (sugar, flour, baking powder, cocoa)
- Seafood (fresh or frozen fish, shellfish)
- Baby food and formula
- Restaurant meals (for some states): If you’re elderly, disabled, or homeless and your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you may be able to buy hot prepared meals at approved restaurants.
- Protein powder and shakes (Only those with a “Nutrition Facts” label are SNAP-eligible)
What can you not buy with EBT? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically lists alcohol as an ineligible purchase, along with other restricted items:
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars)
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Cleaning and household supplies
- Hot, prepared foods: Foods meant to be eaten on-site or served hot are not SNAP-eligible in many states (unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program).
4. How Lifeline Connects EBT Users to More Benefits
Lifeline is a long-running federal program that makes phone and internet services more affordable for low-income individuals. And the good news is that if you’re an EBT user, you likely already meet the eligibility requirements to get Lifeline benefits, too.
Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet services for eligible households. For qualifying residents living on Tribal lands, that discount increases to $34.25 per month. Depending on the provider and your plan, you will also get:
- Free or low-cost smartphones, tablets, or smart watches
- Monthly talk, text, and high-speed data
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) options with extra data if you already have a compatible phone
Receiving SNAP EBT benefits is one of the easiest ways to qualify for Lifeline. Here’s how SNAP users can apply for Lifeline in a few simple steps:
- Visit a Lifeline provider’s website (such as AirTalk Wireless). Enter your ZIP code to view plans available in your area.
- Choose a plan that fits your needs.
- Upload required documents (if needed).
- Submit your application and wait for approval.
>>> Also read: How to Get a Free Phone for Food Stamp Recipients (SNAP)
FAQs
Can you buy alcohol with EBT cash in California?
Keep in mind the difference between SNAP food benefits and EBT cash benefits.
- You cannot use SNAP benefits to buy alcohol across any state, including California.
- Some households receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other state-run cash assistance programs through their EBT cards. These cash benefits can be used to withdraw money from ATMs or make purchases in stores that accept EBT cash. Nonetheless, using EBT cash for alcohol is discouraged, and some establishments, like liquor stores, are prohibited from processing EBT cash transactions.
Can you buy protein drinks with EBT?
If the drink has a “Nutrition Facts” label, it is eligible for purchase with EBT. However, if it has a “Supplement Facts” label, it’s treated as a dietary supplement and is not EBT-eligible.
Does EBT cover Starbucks drinks?
You cannot buy Starbucks drinks, such as lattes, prepared and ready to drink, with EBT. However, you can use EBT to purchase Starbucks packaged coffee or tea meant for home brewing, as these are considered grocery items under SNAP guidelines.
Is bottled water EBT eligible?
Yes, bottled water is EBT-eligible.
Can I buy juice with EBT?
You can buy juice with an EBT card as long as it’s intended for home consumption and has a “Nutrition Facts” label. Items sold as supplements with a “Supplement Facts” label or served hot and ready-to-drink are not EBT-eligible.
Can you use EBT to buy Gatorade?
Gatorade is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Buy it from a SNAP-authorized retailer since eligibility also depends on the store’s participation in the program.
Can you use SNAP benefits to buy pizza?
You can use SNAP benefits to buy frozen or refrigerated pizza from grocery stores, as these are considered food items for home preparation.
However, hot, ready-to-eat pizza from restaurants is not eligible for purchase with EBT unless your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). In that case, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and buy pizza from approved restaurants that accept EBT in the state.
Conclusion
Where do you think most people get confused about using their EBT benefits? Social media and word of mouth may spread a mix of facts and myths. To avoid misinformation, still follow official sources.