A common question many SNAP recipients often wonder is, “Can you buy seasoning with EBT?”, and the answer is yes. From dried spices and food seasoning blends to mixed condiments, you can use your EBT card to pay for them at eligible retailers.
In the complete guide below, we’ll break down what’s allowed what’s not, and how to make the most of your benefits.
1. Can You Buy Seasoning with EBT?
Many people across the United States search for answers on official government websites or directly on the SNAP homepage for questions like “Can you buy seasoning with EBT?”, “Can you buy spices with EBT?”, or “Can you buy food seasoning with EBT?”. The answer is: YES.
Whether you’re looking to purchase seasoning, spices, or food seasoning, you can absolutely use your EBT card at authorized retailers, as long as the seasoning products are intended for consumption and do not contain any non-food components.
Eligibility of seasonings under the SNAP program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries that contribute to a nutritious diet.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), EBT benefits can be used to purchase a variety of seasoning items, including:
- Herbs and spices (e.g., salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon)
- Mixed seasonings and spice blends
- Marinade mixes and dry rubs (if they are not marketed as non-food or household products)
These items are eligible because they are classified as food ingredients used to prepare meals at home. As long as the seasonings are labeled and sold as food, and not as non-food products, they can be purchased with your EBT card.
The difference between food seasonings and non-eligible seasoning products
While most seasoning products are EBT-eligible, it’s important to understand the difference between food seasonings and seasoning-related products that are not covered by SNAP:
EBT-eligible seasonings
- Sold in the food section of the store
- Intended for human consumption
- Do not include supplements or non-food additives
Non-eligible items
- Scented bath salts or essential oils labeled as “seasoning” for aromatherapy
- Scented candles or potpourri
- Any product marketed as inedible, decorative, or medicinal
Understanding this distinction can help you avoid confusion and potential issues during checkout.
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2. What Can You Buy with EBT?
The EBT card used through the SNAP program allows recipients to purchase a wide variety of food items intended for home preparation and consumption.
SNAP strictly supports the purchase of food that can be prepared and eaten at home. Below are some of the most approved categories:
- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
- Even everyday items like spices, seasonings, and condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, hot sauce) are considered eligible.
In addition to the staples mentioned above, the SNAP-approved list also extends to:
- Frozen foods
- Infant formula and baby food
- Baking ingredients (flour, sugar, oil)
- Bottled water and energy drinks with nutrition labels
- Protein shakes marketed as food (not as dietary supplements)
While SNAP offers flexibility for grocery shopping, there’s a clear distinction between what can and cannot be purchased with an EBT card. Items not eligible under the SNAP program include:
- Hot or prepared food meant for immediate consumption (e.g., deli meals, hot rotisserie chicken)
- Household supplies and hygiene products
- Vitamins, dietary supplements, and medications
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Pet food or cosmetics
In cases of food loss due to power outages, natural disasters, or equipment failure, SNAP recipients may qualify for replacement benefits through the Food Replacement SNAP program.
This special policy allows households to request reimbursement for SNAP-purchased food that was lost, by submitting a claim within a specified period, typically within 10 days of the incident.
While many shoppers are familiar with the basics, the list of SNAP-eligible items is broader than you might think. There are several surprising things you can buy with food stamps, items that many assume are not allowed but qualify:
- Lobster or steak: Premium items are permitted if they are uncooked and intended for home preparation
- Bakery cakes: Allowed if they are not primarily decorative (e.g., minimal non-edible decorations)
- Energy drinks: Like Red Bull or Monster, if they carry a Nutrition Facts label rather than a “Supplement Facts” panel
- Protein powders and shakes: Eligible only if labeled and sold as food, not as dietary supplements
- Snack foods: Chips, candy, cookies, and soft drinks are all covered, even though they’re considered junk food by many
These examples of surprising things you can buy with EBT show just how flexible EBT benefits can be and why so many shoppers are surprised by the wide range of products covered under SNAP guidelines.
>>> Learn more about Surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart
3. How to Maximize SNAP and EBT Benefits?
Joining the SNAP program not only helps you access essential groceries but also opens the door to a variety of benefits from other government assistance programs. One of the most valuable among them is the Lifeline Program, which helps low-income individuals and families stay connected in today’s digital world.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a federal assistance program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that offers monthly discounts on phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers. The goal is to ensure that everyone can access basic communication services without the burden of financial hardship.
A hassle-free path to qualify for the Lifeline program is through your enrollment in federal aid programs. Among them, SNAP stands out as one of the most universally recognized.
If you are currently receiving SNAP benefits, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for Lifeline. Simply show evidence of your SNAP enrollment, and you’re already unlocking Lifeline benefits.
The seamless connection between SNAP and Lifeline ensures that recipients not only have access to food security, but also affordable communication, an essential need in modern life.
Partnering with trusted providers like AirTalk Wireless
Among the many Lifeline service providers, AirTalk Wireless stands out for its reliability, customer satisfaction, and extensive benefits for eligible users.
Through AirTalk Wireless, qualified customers can receive:
- A free smartphone from top brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and more, with no monthly costs
- Free monthly talk, text, and data
- Nationwide coverage on a trusted network
- Simple online application with fast approval
- Device upgrade options and affordable add-on services
If you’re using an EBT card for food purchases, don’t stop there, explore your eligibility for Lifeline to get a free phone from reputable providers like AirTalk Wireless.
Final Words
Understanding the basics of shopping with EBT is no longer a barrier for consumers. Now that you know the answer to the question “Can you buy seasoning with EBT?”, along with other SNAP-eligible items and benefits, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your food assistance. Start shopping smartly, check your local store’s EBT policy, and take full advantage of your benefits!