Can you buy protein shakes with EBT?

Yes, you can buy protein shakes with EBT (also called SNAP) at SNAP-eligible grocery stores and retailers. But not every type of protein shake or protein powder is SNAP-eligible—any shakes that are considered a “supplement” won’t qualify.

Here’s what to look for when shopping for protein shakes and drinks with your EBT card.

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What protein shakes can I buy with EBT?#what-protein-shakes-can-i-buy-with-ebt

Supplements are not SNAP-eligible, so you can’t buy a protein shake with EBT if it’s considered a supplement rather than a food.

If a protein shake is considered a supplement, it will have “supplemental facts” instead of a “nutritional facts” label. So if you’re shopping with your EBT card, make sure to choose a protein shake with nutritional facts listed on the side.

Nutritional facts imply that the protein shake is a meal replacement, and you can use your SNAP benefits to purchase it. If a protein shake is meant to be a supplement or addition to a meal, it will have a supplemental facts label and will not be EBT eligible.

There are plenty of protein shakes that you can buy using EBT, including:

• Atkins Protein Shakes
• Boost Nutritional Drinks
• Core Power Protein Shakes
• Ensure Protein Shakes
• Glucerna Diabetes Nutritional Shakes
• Muscle Milk Protein Shakes
• Premier Protein Shakes
• PediaSure Grow & Gain Shakes

Can I buy protein powder and drinks with EBT?#can-i-buy-protein-powder-and-drinks-with-ebt

Yes, you can buy protein powder and drinks with EBT, but not all types. Protein powder and nutritional drinks have the same rules as protein shakes, so if there’s a nutritional facts label on the product, you should be able to use your EBT card.

Remember, if the item is meant to replace a meal, it’s probably SNAP-approved.

What else can I buy with food stamps?#what-else-can-i-buy-with-food-stamps

Protein shakes, powder, and nutritional drinks aren’t the only surprising things you can buy using your EBT card.

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

EBT can’t be used for:

• Hot prepared beverages, including coffee and tea
• Hot prepared food, such as rotisserie chicken or hot dogs
• Gas
• Alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes
• Toilet paper
• Diapers

Some states also ban using SNAP funds on certain items that might be considered “junk food,” like soda or candy.