Louisiana SNAP candy and soft drinks ban: What you should know about the new rules
Louisiana has new SNAP purchase restrictions starting February 18, 2026. Under the changes, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
These changes will apply anywhere you use your SNAP benefits in Louisiana, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what is changing and which items are now restricted.
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What are the newly restricted items in Louisiana?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-items-in-louisiana
These are the categories of foods and beverages that are restricted in Louisiana as of February 18, 2026.
- Soft drinks made with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners
- Energy drinks, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages that contain a stimulant, like Red Bull and Monster
- Candy, including candy bars or candy that comes in the form of pieces, like Snickers bars or M&Ms
It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible based on the new rules—for example, sports drinks marketed for hydration or electrolyte replacement, like Gatorade, may still be SNAP-eligible if they don’t meet the definition of a soft drink or energy drink.
How do the new restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-restrictions-work
According to the new rules, “soft drinks” are defined as carbonated, nonalcoholic beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
This does not include flavored carbonated water, drinks made with milk or milk substitutes (such as soy or rice milk), or drinks that are at least 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume.
“Energy drinks” are both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages that contain stimulants like fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, or taurine.
According to the new guidance, drinks with herbal extracts (like ginseng), mineral salts and vitamins, or high doses of organic acids, amino acids, inositol, sugars, or other similar compounds in addition to sweeteners may be included in the ban. Juices or natural fruit pulp or concentrates may also be added. Energy drinks are any drinks designed to boost “energy, alertness, or physical performance.”
Candy is defined as sweets made with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or similar ingredients in the form of “bars, drops, or pieces.” This includes candy that contains flour, but does not include protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients, like “sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, or chocolate chips.”
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.
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Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions
Can I still use SNAP to buy soda in Louisiana?#can-i-still-use-snap-to-buy-soda-in-louisiana
No—SNAP benefits can’t be used in Louisiana to buy most sodas that contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Carbonated drinks that do not contain these ingredients may still be allowed, like flavored sparkling water or naturally sweetened fizzy drinks.
Can I still buy snacks with my EBT card in Louisiana?#can-i-still-buy-snacks-with-my-ebt-card-in-louisiana
Most snack foods like chips, pretzels, or popcorn can still be purchased with your SNAP benefits in Louisiana unless they specifically fall under the “candy” definition (sweets made with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or similar ingredients in the form of “bars, drops, or pieces.”)
Can I buy protein bars with SNAP in Louisiana?#can-i-buy-protein-bars-with-snap-in-louisiana
Yes—protein bars are not considered “candy” under Louisiana’s rules, so they remain SNAP-eligible.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Louisiana?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-louisiana
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 Louisiana?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-louisiana
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Louisiana.
