Does Papa Murphys Take EBT? The Guide for Pizza Lovers on SNAP
- Share This:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Many SNAP shoppers love take-and-bake pizza but often wonder “Does Papa Murphys take EBT” before placing an order. Papa Murphy’s is unique in the pizza world because several of its menu items qualify under SNAP rules, even though most pizza restaurants do not.
Knowing what you can buy, how payments work, and why this chain is treated differently can help you enjoy your favorite meals without confusion. This guide breaks down everything you need to shop in 2026.
1. Papa Murphy’s and EBT: What Most People Don’t Know
Many people are surprised to learn that you can use SNAP benefits at Papa Murphy’s, even though most pizza places do not allow it. A lot of the confusion comes from the way SNAP rules classify foods. Papa Murphy’s does not serve hot, ready-to-eat restaurant pizza.
Instead, the company sells uncooked, take-and-bake products that you bring home and prepare in your own oven. Because of this unique model, customers who search “does Papa Murphys take EBT” often discover that the answer is yes at many locations.
The ability to accept EBT depends on whether a store is registered as a SNAP retailer. Not every franchise chooses to participate, but the majority of Papa Murphy’s shops are approved. That makes the chain one of the few national pizza brands where SNAP users can purchase family meals without breaking program rules.
2. Why Papa Murphy’s Qualifies for EBT When Most Pizza Chains Don’t
SNAP rules are very specific about the types of food that qualify. Hot food that is meant to be eaten immediately is not eligible, which is why traditional pizza restaurants are not approved. Those chains prepare cooked meals on the spot, similar to fast-food or dine-in restaurants.
Papa Murphy’s operates differently. All pizzas, sides, and desserts are sold cold and uncooked. You assemble or bake them at home, just like groceries you would pick up from a supermarket. Because the food is not hot at the time of purchase, it falls under the category of “take-home, store-prepared items,” which are eligible under SNAP guidelines.
This take-and-bake model allows Papa Murphy’s to qualify as a retail food store instead of a restaurant. As a result, many of its menu items can be purchased with EBT, while chains like Domino’s, Papa John’s, or Pizza Hut remain ineligible in most states.
3. What You Can Buy with EBT at Papa Murphy’s
Understanding which items qualify can help you avoid surprises at checkout. Papa Murphy’s sells a mix of cold, take-and-bake products, and only some of them meet SNAP guidelines. If you have ever asked “Does Papa Murphys take EBT for all menu items?”, the list below makes it easy to see what is covered and what requires another payment method.
3.1. EBT-Eligible Items
These items are typically approved because they are cold, unprepared foods meant to be taken home and cooked:
- Take-and-bake pizzas of any size
- Build-your-own pizzas
- Stuffed pizzas
- Cold salads (such as garden or Caesar kits)
- Raw cookie dough
- Uncooked bread or cheesy bread
- Dessert items that are sold cold and need baking
- Bottled beverages that qualify under SNAP rules
As long as the product is not hot and is intended for home preparation, it generally qualifies.
3.2. Items NOT Eligible
SNAP benefits cannot be used for items that fall outside the food category or are considered ready-to-eat. These include:
- Hot pizzas (at the rare locations that offer them)
- Hot side dishes
- Paper plates, napkins, and disposable products
- Dipping sauces sold as condiments
- Promotional merchandise, branded apparel, or gift cards
- Delivery fees or service charges
- Any nonfood item offered at select franchise locations
If an item is warm, ready to eat, or not considered food, SNAP rules require a separate form of payment.
>>> Learn more: Food Stamps, SNAP vs EBT: What’s The Difference?
4. How to Use EBT at Papa Murphy’s (Smooth, Simple, No Awkwardness)
Paying with SNAP at Papa Murphy’s is straightforward once you know how the process works. Whether you order in person or online, the steps are simple and take only a moment to complete.
Many shoppers who search “does Papa Murphys take EBT when ordering ahead” are relieved to learn that the process is very similar to checking out at a grocery store.
4.1 In-Store
Using EBT inside the store is the easiest method. Bring your card to the counter, place your order, and let the cashier know you want to use EBT. After your items are entered, swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN. The system automatically applies your SNAP balance to eligible items. If your order includes anything that does not qualify, the register will prompt you to use a second payment method.
4.2 Online Ordering
Some Papa Murphy’s locations allow you to place an order online and pay in-store when you pick it up. If your store uses this system, you can build your pizza online and choose “pay in store.” When you arrive, simply use your EBT card at the register the same way you would for an in-person order.
Since online EBT payment is not supported at every franchise, checking your store’s payment options before ordering is helpful.
4.3. Tips to Avoid Declines
A few small steps can help your EBT transaction go smoothly:
- Make sure only cold, take-and-bake items are in your SNAP portion of the order
- Keep a second payment method ready in case you add non-SNAP items
- Verify that your local store is an approved SNAP retailer
- Double-check your card balance before ordering
- Enter your PIN correctly to avoid temporary lockouts
Following these tips keeps your checkout experience quick and stress-free, especially during busy hours or weekend evenings.
5. Bonus for SNAP Households:” A Benefit Most Pizza Lovers Don’t Know Exists
If you’ve ever checked whether “does Papa Murphys take EBT”, you may also qualify for another program designed to support households that already participate in SNAP. Many families are not aware that SNAP participation can open the door to free monthly phone service and even a free device through the federal Lifeline Program.
Lifeline helps low-income households stay connected to work, school, healthcare, and essential services. Because SNAP is one of the approved eligibility categories, you may be able to apply through a trusted provider such as AirTalk Wireless.
Once your eligibility is verified, you can receive:
- Free monthly talk and text
- A data allowance
- A free smartphone
- The option to upgrade to higher-end models at a reduced cost
To get started, enter your ZIP code on AirTalk Wireless, choose your plan, and select the free phone available in your state. Most applications take only a few minutes, and approved users receive their device by mail at no additional cost.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered “does Papa Murphys take EBT”, you now know why this take-and-bake chain is one of the few pizza places where SNAP benefits can be used. Understanding what you can buy, how checkout works, and the extra support available through programs like Lifeline can help you make the most of your benefits while enjoying meals your family loves.
FAQs
Does Papa Murphys accept EBT in all locations?
Not every Papa Murphy’s participates in the SNAP program. Most stores accept EBT, but some franchise locations choose not to register as SNAP retailers. Calling ahead or checking your store’s online listing is the fastest way to confirm.
Can you buy pizza with your EBT card at any restaurant?
Generally no. SNAP benefits do not cover hot, ready-to-eat foods from restaurants. Only cold or uncooked items meant for home preparation qualify. This is why most pizza chains are not eligible, and why shoppers often ask “Does Murphy’s accept EBT?” when looking for places that accept cold take-and-bake items.
Can you pay for Papa John’s with EBT?
No. Papa Murphy’s sells cold, uncooked pizzas that must be baked at home, which meets SNAP guidelines. Papa John’s, like other traditional pizza chains, sells hot prepared meals, which are not covered under SNAP rules.
Are all grocery-store pizzas EBT-approved?
Most cold, uncooked grocery-store pizzas are eligible because they are taken home and baked. Hot deli pizzas or any prepared meals designed to be eaten immediately are not covered.
Can I use EBT for Sprouts sandwiches?
Yes, you can usually use EBT to buy sandwiches at Sprouts as long as they are cold and not heated. SNAP rules allow the purchase of cold, ready-to-eat foods, but hot or prepared-to-eat items are not eligible.
That said, policies can vary slightly by store. It never hurts to ask a cashier or deli staff, as some locations may have specific labeling or checkout rules for cold sandwiches.
- Share This:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
