Arkansas SNAP junk food ban: What you should know about the new rules
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Arkansas has new SNAP restrictions on “ junk food” starting on July 1, 2026. These rules limit which drinks and sugary items you can buy with your SNAP benefits.
These changes will apply to every SNAP food purchase made in Arkansas, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and which foods and drinks are now banned or limited.
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What are the newly restricted items in Arkansas?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-items-in-arkansas
Starting July 1, 2026, you can no longer use your SNAP benefits to buy any of the following categories of food and drinks in Arkansas:
- Soda, including low and no-calorie soda
- Candy (including candies that are made with flour or are artificially sweetened)
- Fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50 percent natural juice
- Other “unhealthy” drinks (including energy drinks or ready-made drinks like coffee or tea with sugar or artificial sweeteners)
Arkansas has an accessible list of which products are and aren't SNAP-eligible under the new rules. You can find out more on the state website.
How do the new food restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-food-restrictions-work
Under the changes, SNAP recipients in Arkansas will no longer be able to buy soda, candy, fruit drinks that contain less than half real juice, and other “unhealthy drinks” with their SNAP benefits in Arkansas.
According to the new state rules, candy is considered to be any product made primarily from sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners. This may include chocolate, hard candy, gum, and candies that contain flour.
Arkansas now bans using SNAP on regular soda as well as diet and low- or no-calorie soda and fruit and vegetable drinks that contain less than 50 percent natural juice.
The state also has a ban on other “unhealthy drinks,” including ready-to-drink coffee or tea with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, as well as energy drinks.
Some beverages are not included in Arkansas's restrictions and can still be purchased with SNAP, including:
- Flavored water and carbonated flavored water
- Sports drinks
- Fruit or vegetable drinks with 50% or more natural juice
What this means for you:
- Some items that used to be SNAP-eligible may no longer ring up at checkout.
- You may see “item not allowed” messages when trying to purchase groceries online.
- You can still buy the item with another form of payment (cash, debit, credit, or TANF).
- You won’t get in trouble if you accidentally buy something that’s part of the ban because the store where you’re shopping allows it.
What is still SNAP-eligible?#what-is-still-snap-eligible
You are generally allowed to use your SNAP benefits to buy any food item with a “nutrition facts” label. This still includes:
- Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
- Proteins like fish, meat, eggs, and beans
- Dairy, like cheese, yogurt, and milk
- Grains, like rice, farro, and corn
- Pantry and cooking staples like cooking oils, spices, salt, and pepper
- Infant formula and baby food
What can’t you buy with SNAP?#what-cant-you-buy-with-snap
The new purchase restrictions are in addition to the items that you’re never allowed to buy with SNAP under federal rules, which include:
- Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
- Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies and household items
- Diapers and wipes
- Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)
Quick tips#quick-tips
These new rules may take some getting used to. Here are a few quick tips to help make the transition easier and help you get the most out of your benefits.
- Find substitutes: While most sodas are now off-limits for purchase with SNAP, drinks that are mostly fruit and vegetable juice, flavored water, and carbonated flavored water are still SNAP-eligible in Arkansas.
- Avoid self-checkout confusion: If you’re unsure about some of your items, regular checkout may be simpler because you can talk to a cashier if you need help.
- Use online shopping to test item eligibility: Online shopping carts may label items as “EBT-eligible” or “EBT not accepted” before you pay.
- Use the Propel app to stay up to date: Propel gives you real-time balance and transaction info so you can see whether a purchase went through. It will also send you benefit updates and alerts to keep you up to date on all new SNAP state restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions
Can I still buy juice with SNAP in Arkansas?#can-i-still-buy-juice-with-snap-in-arkansas
Yes—you can still buy juice with SNAP in Arkansas as long as it has more than 50 percent natural juice. Drinks that are more than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume are not part of the ban and are still SNAP-eligible.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Arkansas?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-arkansas
Yes—frozen meals, like pizza, are still allowed, as is cold take-and-bake pizza that you finish cooking at home.
Can I buy hot food with my EBT card in Arkansas?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-arkansas
No—you can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Arkansas.
