If ice cream is the dessert you crave most, it’s worth knowing how it fits under SNAP benefits. Can you buy ice cream with EBT? In fact, there’s no shortage of sweet treats you can pick up with your benefits.
1. Can You Buy Ice Cream with EBT?
With SNAP benefits, recipients can purchase a wide range of groceries, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and other essential food items. SNAP aims to reduce food insecurity and ensure access to healthy meals, but it has specific rules about what can and cannot be purchased.
1.1. Can You Buy Ice Cream with EBT?
Of course, you can buy ice cream with the EBT card.
The SNAP program allows you to purchase most foods meant for home consumption. Ice cream is considered a non-alcoholic, edible grocery item, just like bread, cereal, or juice.
With your EBT card, you can purchase:
- Commercially packaged ice cream tubs (like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s).
- Ice cream novelties (such as Drumsticks and Choco Tacos).
- Frozen yogurt in tubs or bars.
- Sorbet (fruit-based frozen dessert).
- Popsicles and other frozen treats.
Keep in mind there are restrictions. SNAP benefits do not cover prepared foods made for immediate consumption. This includes ice cream served at ice cream shops or parlors, such as Baskin-Robbins, when sold ready-to-eat.
Similarly, you cannot purchase ice cream cones from fast-food restaurants or stands, like Dairy Queen or McDonald’s, using SNAP EBT.
All in all, you can use SNAP to purchase packaged ice cream, such as pints or cartons, from SNAP-authorized retailers like Walmart and Target, which you can then take home and enjoy.
1.2. Can You Buy Ice Cream Cake with EBT?
Cake is one of the surprising items SNAP recipients can buy with an EBT card.
In general, you can purchase an ice cream cake using SNAP EBT, but there are a couple of rules to keep in mind.
When ice cream cakes are SNAP-eligible:
Ice cream cakes are eligible for purchase with SNAP if they are sold at a grocery store, supermarket, or bakery and intended for home consumption.
Most standard ice cream cakes from retailers like Walmart and Safeway can be bought with your EBT card. Edible decorations, such as frosting and sprinkles, are also allowed and do not affect eligibility.
When ice cream cakes are not fully eligible:
The restriction applies if the cake includes non-food decorations. According to the SNAP rules:
If the non-edible decorations, such as plastic toys, figurines, candles, or elaborate toppers, make up more than 50% of the cake’s total price, the cake cannot be purchased with EBT.
1.3. Other Eligible Cold Desserts/Snacks: What Cold Foods Can You Buy with EBT?
Several cold desserts and snack items are eligible for purchase with EBT. Examples include:
- Yogurt (refrigerated)
- Pudding cups (refrigerated or shelf-stable)
- Packaged cheese or string cheese
- Other frozen desserts made from milk or milk alternatives
You can use an EBT card to buy ice cream and any other frozen desserts at most authorized food retailers. Almost all major supermarkets and big-box stores accept EBT/SNAP, such as:
- Target
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- ALDI
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club
You can also use EBT to purchase online through platforms like Amazon and Walmart.
2. What Food Items Cannot Be Purchased with EBT?
- Non-food items: These include household supplies (cleaning products, paper goods, soap, pet food, and hygiene items). Even though you can find these in the same store, they cannot be purchased with EBT.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, and vaping products are not covered by SNAP benefits. Similarly, vitamins, supplements, or medicines are not eligible.
- You cannot generally buy hot or prepared foods meant to be eaten right away. For example, a rotisserie chicken from the deli counter is not eligible.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP):
While SNAP generally does not allow hot or prepared meals, there is an exception in some states via the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
In states that adopt RMP, eligible SNAP recipients (usually the elderly, disabled, homeless, or their spouses) can use EBT to buy hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants.
3. Important State-Specific Restrictions
Recently, some states have pushed to restrict what SNAP benefits can buy, especially focusing on “junk food” (sugary drinks, candy, desserts with low nutritional value). The aim is to promote healthier eating and reduce consumption of high-sugar, low-nutrient foods in low-income populations.
Impact on ice cream:
Ice cream is largely considered a dairy product or frozen dessert under SNAP rules, so it is not the primary target of most “junk food” bans.
However, in states where “prepared desserts” or “sweetened foods” are being restricted, it’s possible that ice cream cakes or ice cream with heavy decor or candy toppings could be scrutinized.
Residents in states adopting restrictions should check state SNAP guidelines to see whether ice cream (or certain types of ice cream) gets excluded under the waiver rules.
4. More Resources: The Lifeline Program with Free Phones
If you’re on SNAP, check out the Lifeline program, a federal initiative designed to make phone service more affordable.
Eligibility for Lifeline is often based on participation in federal assistance programs like SNAP. This means that if you already receive SNAP benefits, you automatically qualify for Lifeline as well.
Through Lifeline, you can claim a free monthly service as well as a free cell phone from a participating provider. Several providers may also offer tablets or smartwatches.
Here’s how to apply for Lifeline with AirTalk Wireless to get a free device:
- Visit AirTalk Wireless and enter your ZIP code to view available local Lifeline plans.
- Choose a plan that best fits your needs.
- Select a free device from the available options.
- Upload your documents (if required)
- Submit your application. If approved, you’ll receive confirmation along with your free device and service.
>>> Read more: Get a Free iPhone Nearby for Low-Income U.S Individuals & Families
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry about missing out on sweet treats when using your SNAP benefits. Ice cream and many other desserts are generally eligible with EBT.