Can you buy energy drinks with food stamps?
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Yes, you can buy energy drinks with food stamps (also called EBT or SNAP) at SNAP-eligible grocery stores and retailers in most states. But some states have “junk food” bans that mean you can’t buy certain drinks with your EBT card if you’re on SNAP, and that can include energy drinks.
Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping with your EBT card.
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What energy drinks can I buy with EBT?#what-energy-drinks-can-i-buy-with-ebt
Under federal law, there are plenty of energy drinks that you can buy using EBT, including:
- Red Bull
- Monster
- Celsius
- Ghost
- Alani
- C4
- Prime
- Rockstar
A good rule of thumb is that supplements are not SNAP-eligible, so you can’t buy an energy drink with EBT if it’s considered a supplement rather than a food.
If an energy drink is a supplement, it will have “supplemental facts” instead of a “nutritional facts” label. So, if you’re shopping with your EBT card, select an energy drink with nutritional facts.
States with energy drink restrictions#states-with-energy-drink-restrictions
While most energy drinks are SNAP-eligible under federal law, some states have passed laws to restrict these items and other “junk foods” from purchase with EBT.
Junk food bans are different in every state that has one, but they often include some combination of:
- Soda and soft drinks, including energy drinks, in some states
- Candy
- Snack foods
- Frozen convenience foods
Not all states with junk food bans include energy drinks, but some states specifically include energy drinks in their soda ban, including:
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Virginia
Even states that don’t specifically mention energy drinks in their soda bans, certain types of energy drinks may not be SNAP-approved, based on things like the amount of sugar or if the beverage is carbonated. If you live in a state with a junk food ban, double-check, energy drinks may not be SNAP eligible.
What else can I buy with food stamps?#what-else-can-i-buy-with-food-stamps
SNAP also covers most grocery items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Pantry staples such as rice, beans, noodles, pasta, and bread
- Frozen meals and snacks
- Canned goods
- Snacks like chips, crackers, or nuts
- Beverages like juice, coffee, and tea
No matter where you live, EBT can’t be used for:
- Hot prepared beverages, including coffee and tea
- Hot prepared food, like rotisserie chicken or hot dogs
- Gas
- Alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Diapers and wipes
