Does Starbucks take EBT?
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No, standalone Starbucks stores do not take EBT as a payment method.
Starbucks doesn’t have a formal EBT policy listed on its website, and the USDA SNAP locator doesn’t list any standalone Starbucks locations on its map.
You may not be able to use EBT to make a purchase at a standalone Starbucks store, but you can buy Starbucks products at SNAP-approved stores, including Target, Walmart, and grocery stores. In some cases, a licensed Starbucks location inside EBT-approved grocery stores will accept SNAP as a form of payment.
Licensed Starbucks inside EBT-approved locations#licensed-starbucks-inside-ebt-approved-locations
You can use EBT at licensed Starbucks locations inside some EBT-approved retailers. This will vary by store, and even if the store is EBT approved, it does not guarantee that its on-site Starbucks will be.
For example, you can’t use EBT at licensed Starbucks inside Target stores, but you can use EBT at licensed Starbucks locations inside Kroger stores. You should double-check before attempting to make an EBT purchase at a Starbucks inside an EBT-approved retailer.
If you are able to use EBT at a Starbucks location inside a grocery store, you are limited to non-prepared items such as bottled or canned cold drinks and cold bakery items. Hot and cold made-to-order beverages are not eligible.
Starbucks products in the grocery aisle#starbucks-products-in-the-grocery-aisle
As a general rule of thumb, if an item at the grocery store has a Nutrition Facts label, it’s SNAP-eligible. Starbucks products that would qualify include:
- Coffee beans and ground coffee
- Tea bags and loose tea
- Instant coffee
- K-cups and coffee pods
- Iced coffee and bottled coffee drinks
- Bottled teas and drink concentrates
Keep in mind that if you live in a state with a soda or junk food ban, some of these items with added sugar or fruit juice may not be eligible, including packaged or bottled coffee beverages with added sugar.
Why can’t I use SNAP to buy hot or prepared beverages?#why-cant-i-use-snap-to-buy-hot-or-prepared-beverages
SNAP is designed to help people buy groceries to make meals at home. It’s not intended to cover the cost of meals or drinks on the go. Federal rules ban hot and prepared foods (or drinks) from being purchased with food stamps on your EBT card, even at stores that take EBT.
There are some exceptions to the hot-prepared foods rule:
- You live in a state that has the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and qualify for it. However, Starbucks does not participate in this program.
- You qualify for a Disaster SNAP hot foods waiver in an area with a declared emergency
You have EBT cash through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
