Indiana SNAP junk food ban: What you should know about the new rules
Indiana has new SNAP restrictions on “ junk food” starting on January 1, 2026. These rules limit the snack foods, sugary items, and processed foods you can buy with your SNAP benefits.
These changes will apply to every SNAP food purchase made in Indiana, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online grocery shopping. Here’s a breakdown of what is changing and which items are now banned or limited.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
What are the newly restricted foods in Indiana?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-foods-in-indiana
These are the categories of foods that are either fully banned or partially restricted in Indiana as of January 1, 2026.
- Soft drinks, including most regular and diet sodas
- Candies, like chocolate bars, gummies, hard candies, and caramels (anything that needs to be refrigerated is not included in the ban)
It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible based on the new rules—for example, drinks that are sweetened using only natural fruit juice aren’t included in the ban, so some kinds of alternative sodas and sparkling drinks marketed as healthy options may still be SNAP-eligible.
How do the new food restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-food-restrictions-work
Under the changes, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to buy soft drinks and candy with their SNAP benefits in Indiana.
According to the new rules, “soft drinks” are nonalcoholic beverages that have added natural or artificial sweeteners. But drinks that contain milk or milk substitutes (like soy or rice milk) aren’t considered soft drinks, and neither are drinks that are sweetened only with natural fruit or vegetable juice.
Candy includes sweets made with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners combined with “chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces.”
But anything that requires refrigeration for storage or safety is excluded from the candy definition and will still be SNAP-eligible.
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.
- Check the ingredients: Some items may still qualify for SNAP based on their ingredients, even if they appear to fall under a restricted category at first glance.
- 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 track your balance and transactions: 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.
Balance your grocery budget and get access to deals with Propel
Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions
Can I still buy soda with SNAP in Indiana?#can-i-still-buy-soda-with-snap-in-indiana
No—most regular and diet sodas with added natural or artificial sweeteners can’t be bought with SNAP in Indiana once the new rules are in place. Drinks with milk or milk substitutes, or beverages sweetened only with natural fruit or vegetable juice, are still allowed and can be purchased with your SNAP benefits.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Indiana?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-indiana
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 Indiana?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-indiana
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Indiana.
