Customers are purchasing frozen desserts less frequently, but when they do indulge, they’re willing to spend more, according to a Statista report. Although overall consumption is declining, revenue for core categories like ice cream continues to rise.
When starting to use an EBT card, many people are unsure whether frozen foods qualify under SNAP benefits.
Before you head to the store or place an online order, take a moment to learn “Can you buy frozen food with EBT?”, “Can you buy frozen dinners with food stamps?” and how to make the most of your EBT card when shopping for frozen meals, fruits, vegetables, ice cream, and more.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Can You Buy Frozen Food with EBT?
Frozen foods are fully covered and a convenient, practical choice for many households.
You can buy frozen food with an EBT card, as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allows recipients to purchase most foods meant for home preparation and consumption.
In general, if the item is frozen, packaged, and intended for home preparation or consumption, it is eligible for purchase with an EBT card/SNAP benefits.
>>> Read more: When does EBT reload in your state?
EBT cards are widely accepted at stores and some online retailers. You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items, including frozen foods, at a wide range of stores across the U.S.
The goal of the SNAP program is to make food access convenient, so most food retailers are equipped to accept EBT payments.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Aldi
At these stores, you can buy frozen foods like vegetables, meats, frozen meals, and desserts using your EBT card at checkout, just like you would with a debit card.
>>> Surprising things you can buy at Walmart
Discount and Convenience Stores
- Dollar General
- 7-Eleven (select locations)
These stores usually carry frozen meals, pizzas, vegetables, and other essentials, and accept SNAP/EBT cards as payment.
Wholesale and Membership Clubs
- Sam’s Club
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
You can buy bulk frozen foods in these stores, which is often a cost-effective way to use your benefits.
In addition, EBT can be used to purchase frozen and other SNAP-eligible foods online through approved retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart.
Farmers Markets and Local Food Co-ops
Many farmers markets now accept EBT as part of programs that encourage access to fresh and frozen local foods.
Before shopping, check if a store accepts EBT. You can use the USDA SNAP Retail Locator online to find nearby authorized retailers.
(Image by Pexels)
2. List of SNAP-Eligible Frozen Foods
These are foods you can store and prepare at home. All of them qualify under SNAP guidelines. Common examples include:
- Frozen fruits and vegetables: Items like frozen broccoli, corn, peas, and mixed vegetables.
- Frozen meats and fish: Options such as chicken, beef, pork, and other frozen proteins.
- Frozen desserts: Ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other frozen sweets.
- Frozen dinners and meals: Frozen pizzas, lasagna, burritos, frozen TV dinners, etc. Frozen meals ranked as the top-selling category in the U.S. frozen food market. Frozen meals are considered SNAP-eligible. They’re convenient and often budget-friendly.
>>> Read more: Are there any meal kits that accept EBT?
3. Can You Buy Frozen Food with EBT Online?
Online shopping with EBT gives you the flexibility to buy frozen and other SNAP-eligible foods from the comfort of your home. It’s especially helpful if you have limited transportation or mobility.
Several major retailers now accept EBT payments online, allowing you to order groceries for pickup or delivery. Here’s how it works and where you can shop:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of SNAP-eligible products for home delivery. You can use your EBT card to purchase frozen foods and groceries.
- Walmart: Most states allow EBT payments for online grocery orders at Walmart. You can choose curbside pickup or home delivery (delivery fees must be paid separately).
EBT can only be used to pay for eligible food items, such as frozen foods. Delivery fees, tips, and non-food items must be paid with another form of payment, like a debit or credit card.
4. What Food is NOT Allowed on an EBT Card?
While your EBT card can be used to purchase a wide range of foods for home preparation and consumption, there are clear restrictions on what cannot be bought using SNAP benefits.
EBT rules divide purchases into eligible and ineligible items. Eligible foods include things you can cook or prepare at home, while ineligible items are either non-food products, hot foods, or prohibited substances.
What you cannot buy with your EBT card:
Hot Foods: Prepared and sold at the point of sale, such as hot rotisserie chicken from the deli section. However, if your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and you qualify, you may be able to buy certain hot meals at approved restaurants.
Non-Food Items:
SNAP benefits cannot be used for items that are not meant for consumption. Even though these products are often sold in grocery stores, they are not eligible for EBT:
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergent, dish soap, and household cleaners.
- Paper products: Paper towels, toilet paper, and paper plates.
- Hygiene items: Shampoo, soap, diapers, and feminine hygiene products.
Prohibited Substances:
Certain products are completely banned under federal law and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. These include:
- Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic drinks.
- Tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements: Any item with a “Supplement Facts” label is ineligible.
Please note that items with a “Nutrition Facts” label are generally allowed, while those with a “Supplement Facts” label are not.
5. Maximize Your Benefits with Lifeline Services
There are simple ways to maximize your service and stay connected. The federal Lifeline program helps low-income individuals across the U.S maintain reliable phone or internet access, a vital resource for work and safety.
Interestingly, SNAP recipients are automatically eligible for Lifeline.
Get your Lifeline service and a free smartphone with unlimited talk by applying through AirTalk Wireless.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy lower monthly phone bills and receive a free device such as the iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy A42 5G, or AirVoice A67L.
Get the best deal in your area!
Conclusion
Frozen items can help you save time, reduce food waste, and keep nutritious options on hand. If you’re planning your grocery trips with EBT, there are plenty of eligible choices that fit within SNAP guidelines.
FAQ
Can I buy frozen juice or smoothies with EBT?
Yes. In general, you can buy frozen juice and frozen smoothie mixes with SNAP benefits/EBT card. SNAP benefits can be used for most food items intended for home preparation and consumption.
Can I buy frozen ice cream with EBT?
Packaged ice cream and other packaged frozen desserts, such as frozen yogurt, are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Can you purchase ice with an EBT card?
You can buy regular bags of ice or block ice with a SNAP EBT card, but you cannot buy dry ice or ice used for non-food purposes with SNAP benefits.
Can I buy frozen food from Trader Joe’s with EBT?
All Trader Joe’s locations accept EBT cards for eligible food purchases.