Nebraska SNAP junk food ban: What you should know about the new rules
Starting January 1, 2026, Nebraska will have new SNAP restrictions on soda, “ soft drinks,” and energy drinks. Under the new rules, these beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP.
These changes will apply anywhere you use your SNAP benefits in Nebraska, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what is changing and which items are affected.
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What are the newly restricted items in Nebraska?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-items-in-nebraska
These are the items that are newly restricted in Nebraska as of January 1, 2026.
- Soda or “soft drinks,” including regular and diet soda and other sweetened carbonated drinks
- Energy drinks, including any drink that’s marketed to boost energy, alertness, or performance (this doesn’t include sports drinks like Gatorade)
It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible for SNAP based on the new rules—for example, some high-calorie meal replacement shakes sold next to energy drinks may still be SNAP-eligible if they’re considered medically or nutritionally necessary.
How do the new restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-restrictions-work
Under the new ban, shoppers will no longer be able to buy soda, “soft drinks,” or energy drinks with their SNAP benefits in Nebraska.
According to the new rules, “soft drinks” are defined as any carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage that contains water and added sweeteners and flavoring (like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners).
Energy drinks are defined as beverages, carbonated or not, that contain stimulants like “fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, or taurine.” They can also include herbal extracts (like ginseng), mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, inositol, sugars, organic acids, or other similar ingredients, as well as juices, natural fruit pulp, or concentrates. Energy drinks are specifically designed to improve “energy, alertness, or physical performance.”
Drinks marketed mainly as sports drinks for hydration (like Gatorade) and medically-necessary nutritional products are not part of the ban 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.
- Keep a list of your go-to SNAP-eligible items: Knowing which items on your shopping list are still accepted helps make shopping quicker and less stressful.
- 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 buy juice with SNAP in Nebraska?#can-i-still-buy-juice-with-snap-in-nebraska
Yes—you can still buy juice with SNAP in Nebraska as long as it isn’t classified as a “soft drink” or energy drink. Non-carbonated fruit or vegetable juices are still allowed. Drinks that are carbonated, marketed as energy drinks, or contain stimulants or performance-enhancing ingredients aren’t SNAP eligible.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Nebraska?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-nebraska
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 Nebraska?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-nebraska
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Nebraska.
