EBT programs help millions of Americans afford food every month, but some rules are changing in 2025. The new EBT restrictions aim to tighten how benefits are used and ensure that assistance goes toward essential groceries.
These updates include both federal and state-level adjustments that may affect where and what you can buy. In this guide, you will learn what the new rules mean, which items remain eligible, and how to manage your benefits confidently using tools and services like AirTalk Wireless to stay informed.
Understanding the New EBT Restrictions
The new EBT restrictions introduced are designed to make food assistance programs more transparent and efficient. These changes aim to reduce misuse, improve accountability, and ensure that benefits are spent on essential food items that support healthy living.
What Are EBT Restrictions?
EBT restrictions are federal or state rules that determine how and where recipients can use their EBT cards. The guidelines outline what purchases are allowed under programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and which items are prohibited.
For example, EBT cards can only be used to buy eligible food products such as meat, dairy, bread, and produce. Items like alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or prepared hot meals are not allowed. These restrictions exist to make sure public funds are used strictly for nutritional support.
Over time, these rules are reviewed and updated by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and individual states to align with current food policies and consumer behavior.
Why the 2025 Updates Matter
The 2025 EBT updates are important because they reflect new efforts to strengthen food security programs nationwide. The main goals behind the changes include:
- Ensuring fair use of benefits by reducing unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
- Encouraging healthier eating habits by monitoring high-sugar and non-essential food purchases.
- Aligning state programs with updated USDA guidelines to keep the system consistent across all states.
- Improving digital tracking for online EBT transactions and grocery delivery programs.
These updates affect both SNAP users and retailers. Understanding the new EBT restrictions will help recipients continue using their benefits correctly and avoid transaction issues in 2025.
What are the new EBT restrictions?
The new EBT restrictions for 2025 and beyond represent the USDA’s latest effort to ensure SNAP benefits are used for healthy, essential foods. These reforms focus on improving nutrition standards and giving states more control over how EBT programs are managed.
Nationwide Updates
At the federal level, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has introduced several policies to enhance program integrity and encourage nutritious food purchases. The key national changes include:
- Tighter tracking systems for EBT transactions to prevent card misuse and fraud.
- Updated retailer compliance rules, requiring stores to clearly label approved and restricted food items.
- Security improvements for online EBT use to ensure safer grocery transactions.
- Encouragement for states to apply for waivers that align SNAP benefits with local health priorities.
These reforms apply across all states and are intended to strengthen accountability while maintaining access to essential food items.
State-Level Changes to Watch
Several states have taken additional steps by submitting SNAP Food Restriction Waivers to the USDA. These waivers allow states to restrict the purchase of certain high-sugar or low-nutrition items.
Approved or pending waivers include:
- Arkansas, Florida, and Texas: Limiting or banning soda, energy drinks, and candy.
- Iowa: Restricting most taxable snack foods except seeds and plants used to grow food.
- Louisiana and Oklahoma: Prohibiting energy drinks and certain processed sweets.
- Colorado and Utah: Removing soft drinks from eligible SNAP items.
These state-level updates will take effect throughout 2025 and 2026, depending on each state’s approval date.
If your state hasn’t submitted a waiver, your EBT rules remain unchanged for now.
What You Can and Cannot Buy Under the New EBT Rules
While state-level restrictions vary, most EBT users will not see dramatic changes in their day-to-day grocery shopping. The new rules mainly reinforce what is already allowed or prohibited under SNAP.
Eligible Purchases (No Change)
SNAP still covers essential grocery items that support balanced meals, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy and eggs
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants used to grow food
These remain fully eligible in every state.
If you’re wondering what food items are not allowed on EBT, the standard restrictions still apply:
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Hot, prepared foods meant for immediate eating
- Non-food products such as soap, paper goods, or pet food
>>> Learn more: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
Restricted or Monitored Purchases (New Focus Areas)
Under the 2025–2026 policy changes, some states are adding a “monitored” category for products that may be limited in the future. These include:
- Sugary drinks and energy beverages
- Candy, chocolate bars, and sweet desserts
- Highly processed snack items that provide little nutritional value
Even in states without official waivers yet, these products are now being reviewed through SNAP data monitoring to evaluate potential nationwide restrictions.
How These Restrictions Affect SNAP Families
The new EBT restrictions are designed to protect the integrity of the SNAP program while encouraging healthier food choices. Although most households will see only minor changes, understanding the purpose and possible impacts can help you plan your grocery spending more effectively.
The Purpose Behind the Changes
The main goal of the 2025 EBT updates is to make sure benefits are used for nutritional purposes. These restrictions were introduced to:
- Encourage healthier eating habits by reducing purchases of sugary drinks and snacks.
- Prevent program abuse and improve tracking of EBT spending.
- Ensure consistency across states, so SNAP rules align nationwide.
- Support local agriculture and fresh food initiatives like farmers markets and produce programs.
By focusing EBT spending on nutritious food, states aim to improve public health outcomes and strengthen food security in low-income communities.
Possible Impacts
For most families, the new EBT restrictions will not affect regular grocery shopping. However, you may notice:
- Certain items such as soda, candy, or processed snacks are no longer approved in your state.
- Stricter verification during online EBT checkout.
- Labeling changes in stores showing which foods qualify under SNAP.
- State agencies provide more guidance on healthy substitutions.
These adjustments are intended to make SNAP more effective and transparent, ensuring families continue to receive the support they need while promoting better nutrition.
What You Should Do if You’re Affected
If your state has recently adopted new EBT restrictions, taking a few simple steps can help you adapt quickly and avoid disruptions in your benefits.
Stay Updated Through Official Channels
Always get information directly from your state’s SNAP or EBT website. Each state publishes approved food lists, benefit schedules, and new policy updates. You can also contact your local Department of Human Services for help if you experience declined transactions or rule changes in your area.
Manage Your Benefits Online and by Phone
Managing your benefits digitally helps you stay informed and in control. Most states let you:
- Check your EBT balance online or through a mobile app.
- Report lost or stolen cards.
- View recent transactions and remaining balance.
If you prefer mobile access, you can use your free phone service through AirTalk Wireless to check your EBT account anytime.
Through the Lifeline Program, AirTalk provides free smartphones with monthly talk, text, and data to eligible EBT users. This helps families track benefits, get state notifications, and stay connected without worrying about extra costs.
FAQs About New EBT Restrictions
What are the new rules for SNAP benefits?
The new EBT restrictions focus on limiting purchases of sugary drinks, candy, and processed snack foods in several states. These rules do not affect essential grocery items like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is to promote healthier food choices and reduce program misuse.
What changes are coming to SNAP in 2025?
In 2025, the USDA is allowing states to apply for SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that give them more control over which items can be purchased with EBT. States such as Florida, Texas, and Arkansas have already announced plans to restrict soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy beginning in 2026.
Will EBT cover toilet paper?
No. Toilet paper and other non-food household items such as cleaning supplies, paper goods, and pet food are not eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. SNAP funds can only be used for food items meant for home consumption.
Can I still buy snacks or soft drinks with EBT?
Yes, but it depends on your state. While most states still allow snacks and soft drinks, some have added new EBT restrictions to reduce sugary beverage and junk food purchases. Check your state’s SNAP website for an updated list of eligible food items.
Can I use my EBT card for online grocery orders?
Yes. Most major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and ALDI, accept EBT for online grocery purchases. However, certain states may restrict which items qualify for online SNAP payments under the new rules.
Final Thoughts
The new EBT restrictions are part of a broader effort to ensure food assistance programs focus on nutrition and fairness. While some states are tightening food eligibility rules, essential groceries and healthy items remain fully covered under SNAP.
If you receive EBT benefits, stay informed and manage your account regularly to avoid surprises at checkout. You can also apply for a free phone with AirTalk Wireless to monitor your balance, track benefits, and access updates about SNAP rule changes directly from your device.