North Dakota SNAP junk food ban: What you should know about the new rules

North Dakota has new SNAP restrictions on “junk food” starting on November 1, 2026 (it was originally supposed to start in September, but the change was delayed). These rules mean you can no longer use your SNAP benefits to buy certain drinks and sweets in North Dakota.

These changes will apply to every SNAP food and drink purchase made in North Dakota, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what is changing and which items are now banned or limited.

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What are the newly restricted foods and drinks in North Dakota?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-foods-and-drinks-in-north-dakota

These are the categories of foods and drinks that are either fully banned or partially restricted in North Dakota as of November 1, 2026:

• Sweetened drinks, including soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks
• Energy drinks
• Candy

It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible based on the new rules. For example, chocolate-dipped bakery items like cookies may still be SNAP-eligible, even if they're sold near candy.

How do the new food restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-food-restrictions-work

Under the new rules, SNAP recipients in North Dakota can no longer use their SNAP benefits to buy sweetened drinks, energy drinks, and candy, but the specifics may be confusing. Here’s a closer look:

Banned drinks#banned-drinks

The state defines sweetened drinks as drinks that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar, or any amount of artificial sweetener. Juice “drinks” with added sugar that are less than 50% real fruit or vegetable juice also count.

This includes most regular and diet sodas, like Pepsi, Sprite, and Mountain Dew. It also includes drinks that aren’t bubbly, like:

• Sweetened iced tea and lemonade
• Sports drinks, like Gatorade and Powerade
• Bottled coffee drinks with added sugar
• Drink mixes, powdered electrolyte drinks, and electrolyte tablets

Excluded from the ban (you can still buy these with SNAP):

• Milk and milk alternatives, like soy, almond, oat, rice, or cashew milk
• 100% juice, and drinks that are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice
• Unsweetened drinks, including tea without added sugar
• Seltzer and sparkling water with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Drinks with less than 5 grams of added sugar and no artificial sweeteners
• Baby formula

The ban on energy drinks covers drinks, shots, or drink mixes that contain 65 milligrams or more of caffeine per 8 ounces, or stimulants like fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, ginseng, or taurine. This includes both ready-to-drink energy drinks and energy shots, like Red Bull, Monster, and 5-hour Energy.

Banned sweets#banned-sweets

Candy is defined as products that are marketed or sold as candy. That means the following items are now banned for purchase with SNAP:

• Chocolate bars and candy bars
• Gummies
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Licorice
• Non-bakery items dipped, coated, or covered in chocolate, yogurt, or other candy coating
• Store-brand products that are equivalent to candy and marketed as such, like a grocery store’s own gummy bears or chocolate bars

Excluded from the ban (you can still buy these with SNAP):

• Protein bars, granola bars, and cereal bars
• Products mainly sold as baking ingredients, like honey, sugar, alternative sweeteners, flour, maple syrup, and 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 buy groceries online with your EBT card.
• 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 buy soda with SNAP in North Dakota?#can-i-still-buy-soda-with-snap-in-north-dakota

No. Under North Dakota's new rules, regular and diet sodas and other drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners can't be purchased with SNAP benefits. Seltzer and sparkling water are still eligible if they have no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in North Dakota?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-north-dakota

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 North Dakota?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-north-dakota

No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in North Dakota.

Can I buy fast food with SNAP in North Dakota?#can-i-buy-fast-food-with-snap-in-north-dakota

No—you can’t use SNAP benefits to buy fast food or other prepared meals from restaurants in North Dakota. North Dakota does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which means SNAP benefits can only be used at authorized retailers for eligible food items that are meant to be taken home and prepared.