{"id":13238,"date":"2025-04-26T09:07:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T09:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/?p=13238"},"modified":"2026-05-27T06:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:51:15","slug":"surprising-things-you-can-buy-with-ebt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/surprising-things-you-can-buy-with-ebt","title":{"rendered":"The Most Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT Card (Or Cannot)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits provide access to a variety of essential food items. But did you know there are some surprising items you can purchase with EBT that you may not expect? Let’s explore these unexpected facts: some of the most surprising things you can buy with EBT<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. What Is EBT? What Does EBT Cover? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, 1 in 11<\/a> people around the world experienced hunger. 18 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point; 6.8 million faced very low food security during the year, according to a report by the USDA Economic Research Service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNAP, also known as food stamps<\/a>, is a government program that assists eligible individuals and families in purchasing food<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will receive SNAP benefits each month through the EBT card<\/strong>. The EBT system enables SNAP recipients to access their benefits using a plastic card, much like a debit or credit card. EBT is used to make purchases for eligible food items at participating retailers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The way EBT operates can vary between states. For example, in California, CalFresh<\/a>\/SNAP benefits are issued via an EBT card known as the “Golden State Advantage” card. In Texas, the EBT card is simply referred to as the “Lone Star Card”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can you buy with food stamps? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNAP\/food stamps allow recipients to purchase a wide range of food products<\/strong> for home preparation and consumption. According to the USDA, eligible food items<\/a> you can buy with EBT include fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, dairy products, breads, and cereals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. 15 Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be surprised by just how many items you can purchase. While most people know they can buy essentials like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, there are plenty of unexpected, crazy things you can buy with EBT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re looking to make the most of your benefits, here’s a list of surprising things you can buy with EBT to help you get more bang for your buck.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.1. Seeds and plants <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the surprising things you can get with EBT is seeds and edible plants. Many people don\u2019t realize this, but we can use SNAP benefits to purchase seeds and food-producing plants<\/strong> at any SNAP-authorized retailer, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNAP recipients can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home, including popular items like tomato plants and cucumber seeds. Not only does this promote healthier eating habits, but it also supports long-term food security for families.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For every $1 spent on seeds and fertilizer, home gardeners can grow an average of $25 <\/strong>worth of fresh produce. Next time, add the seeds and plants to your carts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.2. Energy drinks <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If an energy drink has a “Nutrition Facts” label<\/a>, it’s considered a food item and can be <\/strong>purchased with an EBT card. Drinks with a “Supplement Facts” label are categorized as dietary supplements and cannot<\/strong> be purchased using EBT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean when you’re shopping? You\u2019ll need to check each can or bottle individually. Sometimes, popular brands have both types of products on shelves – one that’s SNAP-eligible, and one that isn\u2019t, based on labeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.3. Snack foods and sweets (like cakes) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A wide variety of snack and dessert items<\/strong> are surprising things you can buy with food stamps. Some popular EBT eligible items include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n