Can You Get Energy Drinks with EBT? 5 Shocking Facts You Must Know!
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Many SNAP participants often search for information about “can you get energy drinks with EBT”, wanting to understand which beverages qualify under the program.
This article provides a complete breakdown of the rules surrounding EBT-eligible energy drinks, explains why certain products are excluded, and offers practical tips to help you stretch your SNAP benefits further.
1. Can You Get Energy Drinks With EBT?
Many SNAP users search for information about “Can you get energy drinks with EBT?”. The short answer is: You can buy certain types of energy drinks with your EBT card, but not all. To better understand why and how to identify which ones are eligible, let’s explore the two key sections below.
SNAP rules for energy drinks
When purchasing energy drinks with your EBT card, it’s important to understand how SNAP classifies these products. The main rule lies in the type of label printed on the bottle or can: whether it shows “Nutrition Facts” or “Supplement Facts.”
Here’s how it works:
- Before buying it, check the label. If you see “Nutrition Facts,” you’re good to go; if it says, “Supplement Facts,” avoid it.
- Retailers also receive clear guidance on this classification from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Why are some energy drinks not EBT-eligible?
So why are many energy drinks not eligible for EBT purchases? There are two main reasons:
- First, if the product carries a “Supplement Facts” label, it is categorized as a dietary supplement, and the SNAP program prohibits payments for these items.
This typically applies to energy shots, pre-workout drinks, or energy beverages enhanced with vitamins or special extracts, because the manufacturer positions them as performance or energy boosters rather than regular beverages.
- Second, if the drink contains alcohol, controlled substances, or any ingredients not approved by SNAP, even if it displays “Nutrition Facts”, it will still be ineligible.
For example, if the marketing emphasizes “herbal extract,” “extreme energy boost,” or “formulated for athletes,” there’s a strong chance the product is considered a dietary supplement rather than a standard beverage.
2. What Energy Drinks Can You Buy With EBT?
Understanding which beverages can and cannot be purchased with EBT helps you plan your shopping more efficiently, make smarter buying decisions, and avoid payment refusals at checkout.
List of popular EBT-approved energy drink brands
Below are some of the most popular energy drink brands that many shoppers report being able to purchase with EBT, as long as the product label displays “Nutrition Facts”.
However, “popular” doesn’t mean every single version of these brands is approved, since some variations may carry the “Supplement Facts” label instead.
- Red Bull: The original feature of the “Nutrition Facts” label is listed as SNAP EBT Eligible on several online retail sites.
- Monster Energy: Core products like Monster Original and Monster Zero Sugar display “Nutrition Facts” and are commonly marked as SNAP EBT Eligible by multiple retailers.
- Rockstar Energy: Certain versions are also marked as SNAP EBT Eligible in various online product listings.
- Celsius: Standard versions with “Nutrition Facts” are noted by both users and informational sites as likely eligible for EBT purchases.
(*) Important notes:
- Even if a brand is labeled “EBT Eligible,” you must check each specific product, as the same brand may sell other lines labeled “Supplement Facts.”
- Point-of-sale systems at stores may occasionally have errors. If your card is declined, ask the cashier or double-check the label before assuming it’s not covered.
So, while the answer to Can You Get Energy Drinks with EBT? is technically yes for certain nutrition-labeled drinks, always double-check ingredient labels and your state rules before you head to checkout.
>>> Learn More: Can You Buy Candy with EBT?
Energy drinks you cannot buy with EBT
On the other hand, there are types of energy drinks that cannot be purchased with EBT, usually because of their classification or ingredients. Here are the two most common categories:
- Products labeled “Supplement Facts”: When a can or bottle displays this label, SNAP classifies it as a dietary supplement, not a regular food or beverage, according to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Therefore, products like energy shots or formulas designed to boost athletic performance are typically ineligible.
- Products banned or under state waivers: Some states have applied for waivers allowing them to restrict or completely remove “energy drinks” and “soft drinks” from SNAP eligibility.
(*) For example, Nebraska has been approved to prohibit soda and energy drink purchases under SNAP starting January 1, 2026. As a result, even if a product appears to have an eligible label, you might still be declined if your state enforces specific restrictions.
So, while the answer to can you get energy drinks on food stamps is yes for certain brands, always double-check the product label and confirm eligibility in your state before checking out.
3. Tips to Maximize Your SNAP Benefits
When figuring out Can You Get Energy Drinks with EBT?, remember that your SNAP benefits don’t stop at the checkout counter. You can combine them with other federal assistance programs like Lifeline to reduce additional living costs such as phone and internet services.
Lifeline is a long-standing federal telecommunications assistance program designed to help low-income households reduce their monthly phone and internet costs.
Through trusted national providers like AirTalk Wireless, eligible SNAP recipients can access a variety of free and discounted services, including:
- Free 4G LTE/5G smartphones from top brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, or Google.
- Free monthly plans with unlimited talk and text, perfect for checking your EBT balance or managing grocery deliveries.
- High-speed data (5–16 GB per month or more, depending on your state and eligibility).
- International calling options to select countries, keeping you connected with family abroad.
- “Bring Your Own Device” flexibility, allowing you to keep your current phone.
Providers like AirTalk Wireless also offer fast shipping, multilingual customer support, and a simple online application so you can start saving right away.
Final Words
Understanding “can you get energy drinks with EBT” helps you make smarter, more confident shopping decisions while using your SNAP benefits effectively. Always check product labels and stay informed about eligibility rules to avoid payment issues. Start applying these tips today to maximize your benefits and shop wisely every time you use your EBT card.
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