Can You Buy Junk Food With EBT in 2025? Rules by State
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In 2025, millions of SNAP recipients want clear information about what they can purchase with their benefits, and one of the most searched topics is “can you buy junk food with EBT.” Want to stretch your benefits, stay compliant, and make the most of your SNAP/EBT funds this year? You have found just the right instruction!
1. Can You Buy Junk Food With EBT?
Yes, SNAP/EBT currently allows you to purchase most foods labeled with “Nutrition Facts,” including junk food items such as soda, chips, cookies, candy, and pastries.
However, some states have already implemented or are in the process of implementing their own restrictions on these products.
According to the latest 2025 updates, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa, and Utah have received approval to remove soda, candy, sugary drinks, and even some packaged snack foods from EBT eligibility starting in 2026.
In addition, Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Colorado, and several other states are considering similar changes.
>>> Read more: SNAP Restrictions – Everything You Need to Know About Limits & Eligibility
Can you still buy junk food with EBT in 2025?
At present, federal rules remain unchanged, so most SNAP/EBT recipients can still purchase soda, chips, cookies, and candy. The new restrictions in the six states mentioned above will take effect beginning in 2026.
According to USDA data and updated SNAP reports, there are no new federal-level regulations banning the purchase of junk food with EBT in 2025; all changes are currently happening at the state level through pilot programs approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This means that in 2025 you can still buy junk food with EBT in most states, unless your state has enacted its own restrictions.
Items you cannot buy with EBT
Alongside state-level efforts to limit junk food, SNAP/EBT always enforces a nationwide list of prohibited items, which includes:
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (such as beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, cigars).
- Hot prepared foods are sold in stores (like cooked meals and hot fast food).
- Non-food items that cannot be purchased with EBT, such as cosmetics, personal care products, pet food, paper products, vitamins, supplements, and any products labeled “Supplement Facts” instead of “Nutrition Facts.”
2. Junk Food and EBT Rules By State
As of 2025, no U.S. state has enacted a statewide law that completely bans junk food purchases with SNAP/EBT. The “soda bans” or “candy bans” you may read about are mostly proposals or USDA-approved pilot programs allowing certain states to test restrictions, not full, statewide bans.
Several states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah, have been approved to implement waivers restricting soda, sugary drinks, candy, and packaged snacks with EBT starting in 2026.
In addition, Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Colorado, and others are exploring similar policies. This means that in 2025, EBT users can still buy most junk food in nearly all states; only when these pilot programs officially take effect will there be concrete changes.
Therefore, it’s important to stay informed and regularly check updates from your state and the USDA.
3. Tips to Maximize EBT Benefits Besides Junk Food
Instead of worrying about what you can’t buy with EBT or about new state restrictions, focus on how to stretch every dollar of your SNAP/EBT benefits.
Beyond simply covering essentials like meat, dairy, and fresh produce, you can also tap into powerful support programs and exclusive discounts especially Lifeline and other EBT-discounts, to make your benefits go further.
Prioritize fresh & frozen produce
With USDA-funded SNAP Healthy Incentives programs, you can earn coupons, discounts, or bonus foods when purchasing fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and whole grains at participating retailers.
Frozen produce is often less expensive than fresh and helps reduce waste if you need longer storage.
Choose affordable protein sources
Compare cost per ounce or pound to find the best value on meat, seafood, and alternative proteins. Chicken, eggs, canned fish, or beans are usually far cheaper than red meat.
Buying in bulk, portioning, and freezing your purchases adds even more savings.
Make smart dairy choices
Select essentials like fresh milk, moderate-fat milk, and unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt.
Purchase larger containers when on sale and divide into portions. Many SNAP Healthy Incentives programs also reward dairy purchases.
Plan meals & shop strategically
Write a shopping list ahead of time and stick to essentials to avoid impulse buys. Opt for seasonal produce for better quality at lower prices and always compare unit prices, store brands are often more affordable than national brands.
4. Take Advantage of Lifeline & EBT discounts
To cut costs beyond groceries, look into federal and state programs designed for SNAP/EBT participants. The Lifeline Program helps low-income households reduce monthly phone or internet bills.
If you’re enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or similar programs, you may qualify for discounted internet and even a free phone from authorized providers such as AirTalk Wireless. Those living on Tribal lands can receive higher levels of support. Enrollment for EBT users is quick and straightforward.
You can also find exclusive EBT discounts through apps like Propel, which allow you to:
- Check your EBT balance and view transactions.
- Access updated support information and grocery deals.
- Discover phone/internet offers and special discounts available only to EBT users.
- See public services, utilities, tickets, transportation, and entertainment where discounts or free access apply.
By combining smart shopping strategies with programs like Lifeline and EBT discounts, you can maximize your benefits, save on essentials, and stretch your budget far beyond junk food.
Final Words
In 2025, understanding exactly can you buy junk food with EBT and how state rules are changing is the key to using your benefits wisely. By keeping up with USDA updates, focusing on healthy essentials, and leveraging programs like Lifeline and exclusive EBT discounts, you can stretch every dollar and get more value from your SNAP benefits. Stay informed.
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