CalFresh Shopping 101: What Can You Buy with CalFresh?

From fresh produce to frozen favorites, CalFresh benefits make it possible to fill your cart with nourishing foods. If you’re new to CalFresh, you probably have some questions: What can you buy with CalFresh? Can you buy snacks? What about soap or toilet paper? Are there things you shouldn’t try to purchase with EBT? You’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide breaks down what you can buy with CalFresh. 

1.  CalFresh Overview 

CalFresh helps you put healthy food on the table without the stress. In fiscal year 2023, about 1 in 7 California residents received CalFresh benefits. 

1.1. What is CalFresh?

CalFresh, also known as the SNAP/food stamps in California, provides financial assistance to low-income families to purchase nutritious food. CalFresh aims to alleviate food insecurity and improve access to healthy food options for eligible Californians. 

The amount of CalFresh benefits you get depends on a few things, like household size, your total income, and some allowable expenses.

1.2. Who Qualifies for CalFresh? 

CalFresh eligibility is mainly based on your household income, expenses, and citizenship or immigration status. You generally must apply through the state and meet specific rules. CalFresh income limits are set by the federal government. If you’re not sure, apply anyway. Many people are surprised to find they qualify.  

2. What Can You Buy with CalFresh? 

CalFresh benefits help you bring real food to your table. You can use your EBT card to buy food items for your household, and even seeds or plants to grow your own food at home. Here’s a look at what’s allowed with CalFresh. 

What Can You Buy with CalFresh Benefits? 

• Fruits and vegetables 
• Meat, poultry, and fish 
• Dairy products 
• Breads and cereals 
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages 
• Seeds and plants that produce food to eat

3. What Can You Not Buy with CalFresh? 

There are a few things your CalFresh benefits won’t cover. It’s good to know these ahead of time: 

What You Cannot Buy with CalFresh: 

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products 
• Vitamins 
• Household supplies 
• Pet food 
• Soap

4. Surprising Things You Can Buy with CalFresh 

Here are some surprising things you can buy with EBT in California, which might not be immediately obvious: 

Seeds and Plants: 

As previously mentioned, you can buy seeds and plants that will grow food, like tomato plants and herbs, at any authorized retailer, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets. 

Energy Drinks: 

Energy drinks with a “Nutrition Facts” label can be purchased with CalFresh; energy drinks with a “Supplement Facts” label fall under dietary supplements and are not eligible for purchase with CalFresh. 

Baking Supplies: 

You can use your benefits to buy ingredients like sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, baking soda, baking powder, and more. 

Baby Formula and Baby Food:  

CalFresh benefits cover a variety of baby food and formula items, including store-brand infant formula, cereals, baby food jars, and more.  

Bottled Water and Ice:  

You can use your CalFresh benefits to buy bottled water and bags of ice. 

Restaurant Meals: 

In states like California, eligible individuals can use their CalFresh benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). To qualify, you must meet certain criteria, like being elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless. Participating restaurant brands such as Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Taco Pete, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s.

5. Free Services You Can Get With CalFresh 

CalFresh also opens the door to free or low-cost communication services. That’s right!

If you’re on CalFresh, you meet the eligibility requirements for the Lifeline program in California, a government assistance initiative that helps low-income residents stay connected through affordable phone and internet services. Besides, Lifeline service providers like AirTalk Wireless offer free government phones for eligible customers.  

Here’s the Lifeline application process: 

• Choose a Lifeline provider, for example: AirTalk Wireless 
• Pick a Lifeline plan. 
• Select your free device (if available). Only certain Lifeline-assisted providers offer free devices as one of their benefits.  
• Submit the required documents. According to the latest updates, EBT cards are no longer accepted as proof of eligibility in California. You must upload one of the following documents, issued within the last 7 days: CalFresh Notice of Approval, CalFresh Notice of Action, and CalFresh Verification of Benefits Letter.
• Submit your application and wait for approval

6. Where to Use Your CalFresh EBT Card 

You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at a wide variety of locations. CalFresh benefits can be used at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and participating farmers’ markets. 

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: 

You can buy a wide variety of eligible food items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and grains, meat and poultry, and dairy products, at most local supermarkets and major grocery stores that accept CalFresh. 

Farmers’ Markets: 

One of the most beneficial ways to use CalFresh is at farmers’ markets, especially those that participate in Market Match.  

Market Match is a valuable program in California that helps families maximize the benefits of their CalFresh nutrition assistance. This program matches your CalFresh benefits, allowing you to get more fresh, local produce when you shop at participating farmers’ markets and farm-direct sites across the state. 

When you shop at a Market Match participating site, for every dollar you spend using your CalFresh benefits, you’ll receive additional “Market Match” dollars to spend on fresh produce. This doubles your purchasing power. 

Participating Online Retailers: 

Online shopping with CalFresh is an increasingly popular option. Amazon or Walmart allows you to order groceries and pay using your EBT card. Not all items on these platforms are eligible. Only CalFresh-eligible items can be purchased using your EBT balance. 

Select Restaurants Through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP): 

CalFresh benefits can be used at participating restaurants through the RMP. Restaurants include popular chains such as Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Taco Pete, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s, among others, in California.

>>> Read more: SNAP And EBT For College Students: Facts You Must Know In 2025

FAQs 

Can you buy frozen food with CalFresh? 

CalFresh allows recipients to buy a wide range of food items intended for home preparation and consumption. You can use CalFresh benefits to purchase frozen meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and even desserts like ice cream. As long as the item is not hot or ready-to-eat when sold, it qualifies for purchase under CalFresh. 

Can you buy soda with CalFresh? 

These days, some states have started announcing plans to prevent the use of food stamps to purchase soda and candy. These changes aim to encourage SNAP recipients to choose healthier foods. However, these changes still require federal approval and have not been widely implemented. You can still use CalFresh benefits to buy soda and other sugary drinks. 

Can you buy McDonald’s with EBT in California? 

California participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible CalFresh recipients, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness, to use their benefits to buy hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. You can find McDonald’s locations that accept EBT in California through the RMP. 

Can you buy toilet paper with EBT California? 

You cannot purchase toilet paper with CalFresh benefits. If you need assistance with non-food items like toilet paper, explore local resources that provide household supplies. 

Does Costco accept food stamps? 

Costco accepts EBT cards at all of its warehouse locations across the U.S, including California. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items in-store. As of now, Costco does not accept EBT cards for online orders or delivery.  

Can you use EBT on DoorDash? 

You can use your EBT card on DoorDash to purchase eligible grocery items from participating stores. DoorDash partners with many grocery and convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, ALDI, and Safeway. 

Does Target accept EBT? 

Target accepts EBT cards for eligible food purchases both in-store and online. Your EBT balance will cover the SNAP-eligible items. Any non-eligible items can be paid for with another payment method. 

Can I buy shampoo with CalFresh? 

You can not use CalFresh to buy soap, shampoo, and other hygiene products. Moreover, you can not purchase household supplies, pet food, vitamins, alcohol, and tobacco products with CalFresh benefits.

Conclusion 

CalFresh opens up a wide range of grocery options, but shop with awareness. Certain items aren’t covered by your EBT benefits. The more informed you are, the easier it is to fill your cart with confidence and keep your household happy and well-fed.