Can You Buy Red Bull With EBT? Here’s What Drinks Are Eligible Under SNAP
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If you’ve ever stood in line and wondered, “Can you buy Red Bull with EBT?”, you come to the right place. Many SNAP users want to know which beverages count as eligible under the program’s food rules.
The answer depends on how the drink is labeled. While some energy drinks can be purchased with EBT, others are not allowed because of how they are classified by the FDA. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which energy drinks qualify, what beverages are restricted, and how to use your EBT card wisely.
Can You Buy Red Bull With EBT?
Yes, you can buy Red Bull with EBT, but only certain versions.
If the can has a Nutrition Facts label, it is classified as a food or beverage and is eligible for SNAP purchase. However, if the product has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a dietary supplement and cannot be bought with EBT.
Most standard Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar energy drinks qualify because they carry a Nutrition Facts label. But specialized versions such as Red Bull Total Zero, Red Bull Energy Shots, or other concentrated formulas often have Supplement Facts labels and are not EBT-eligible.
To be safe, always check the back of the can before checkout. If it lists Nutrition Facts, you can pay for it using your EBT card at participating stores.
Understanding How EBT and SNAP Work
Understanding how EBT and SNAP function helps you know exactly which products are covered and why some beverages are not allowed.
What Is EBT?
The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system is how the government distributes food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Each month, approved funds are loaded onto an EBT card, which can be used like a debit card to buy eligible food and drink items.
EBT is accepted at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and approved online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart Grocery.
>>> Learn more: 15+ Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
How SNAP Decides What You Can Buy
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) determines which items qualify under SNAP. The rule is simple: only food and beverage products meant for home consumption can be purchased with EBT.
- Products with a Nutrition Facts label are usually eligible.
- Products with a Supplement Facts label are not, because they are considered vitamins or supplements rather than food.
This rule applies to energy drinks, protein powders, and other specialty beverages. If it’s marketed as a food item, it’s covered. If it’s labeled as a supplement, it’s not.
What Beverages Can You Buy With EBT?
If you use your EBT card for grocery purchases, it’s helpful to know which beverages qualify under SNAP rules. While most drinks are eligible, some are restricted based on how they are labeled or prepared.
Eligible Beverages
You can use your EBT card to buy most non-alcoholic drinks that are meant for home consumption and carry a Nutrition Facts label. These include:
- Bottled water and sparkling water
- Milk, yogurt drinks, and milk alternatives (soy, oat, almond)
- 100% fruit and vegetable juices
- Iced tea and coffee (ready-to-drink or bottled)
- Sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade
- Energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, or Rockstar – if labeled with Nutrition Facts
- Powdered drink mixes that list Nutrition Facts
You can buy EBT-approved beverages at:
- Major grocery chains: Walmart, Kroger, Target, Safeway, and Aldi
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Speedway (availability may vary)
- Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart Grocery, and Instacart (in participating states)
Look for the Quest or EBT logo near checkout or at the store entrance to confirm that the retailer accepts EBT payments.
Beverages You Cannot Buy With EBT
Not all drinks qualify under SNAP. Beverages that are classified as supplements or prepared foods are not eligible for purchase with EBT. These include:
- Energy shots such as 5-Hour Energy or Red Bull Energy Shots
- Drinks with a Supplement Facts label (not Nutrition Facts)
- Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor
- Hot coffee or tea sold ready-to-drink at cafés or gas stations
- Smoothies or beverages prepared on-site for immediate consumption
The USDA and FDA base EBT eligibility on how a product is classified. If an energy drink is marketed as a dietary supplement, it falls outside of SNAP’s definition of food and cannot be purchased with EBT.
For example:
- Red Bull Original → Eligible (Nutrition Facts)
- Red Bull Total Zero or Energy Shots → Not eligible (Supplement Facts)
This rule helps keep SNAP focused on food products rather than supplements. When in doubt, always check the product label, the difference between “Nutrition Facts” and “Supplement Facts” determines whether you can buy it with your EBT card.
>>> Learn more: 5 Steps To Get Free Phone Service With Food Stamps (SNAP)
Managing Your EBT Benefits Easily with a Free Phone
Keeping track of your EBT balance and benefit updates is much easier when you have reliable access to your account. If you are an EBT or SNAP recipient, you may qualify for a free government phone through the Lifeline Program.
Through AirTalk Wireless, an authorized Lifeline provider, eligible users can receive:
- A free smartphone
- Free monthly talk, text, and data
- Access to manage EBT and SNAP accounts online anytime
With your AirTalk phone, you can check your EBT balance, get state updates, and even shop online for eligible groceries without missing benefit notifications.
To apply:
- Visit AirTalk Wireless.
- Enter your zip code, choose a device and plan, and confirm eligibility with EBT, SNAP, or Medicaid by uploading valid proof of eligibility (if required)
- Complete the application.
Once approved, your free phone will be shipped to your home, helping you stay connected and manage your benefits easily.
FAQs About Buying Red Bull and Beverages With EBT
Can you buy Red Bull with EBT?
Yes, you can buy Red Bull with EBT as long as it has a Nutrition Facts label. Drinks labeled with Supplement Facts, such as energy shots, are not eligible for purchase.
What beverages can you buy with EBT?
You can buy most non-alcoholic drinks that have a Nutrition Facts label. This includes bottled water, juice, milk, iced coffee, sports drinks, and some energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster. Hot beverages, alcohol, and supplement-labeled drinks are not allowed.
What drinks are eligible for EBT?
EBT covers milk, 100% juice, bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks that are considered food items. Always check the product label before purchasing.
Can you buy Monster or Rockstar with EBT?
Yes. Monster and Rockstar are usually eligible for EBT if they carry a Nutrition Facts label. Versions labeled as supplements are not allowed.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy Red Bull with EBT? In most cases, yes, as long as it is labeled as food, not a supplement. Checking the product label is the simplest way to confirm whether it qualifies under SNAP guidelines.If you use EBT or SNAP benefits, staying informed helps you avoid checkout issues and make the most of your grocery budget. To manage your benefits conveniently, apply for a free Lifeline phone through AirTalk Wireless and access your EBT account anywhere, anytime.
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