Utah SNAP junk food ban: What you should know about the new rules
Utah has new SNAP restrictions on “ soft drinks” that begin on January 1, 2026. These rules limit the beverages you can buy with your SNAP benefits going forward.
These changes will apply anywhere you use your SNAP benefits in Utah, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and which items are affected.
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What are the newly restricted foods in Utah?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-foods-in-utah
The new ban on “ soft drinks” in Utah as of January 1, 2026 specifically targets nonalcoholic, carbonated drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners, which would include sodas and diet sodas.
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 nonalcoholic, carbonated drinks that are made with more than 50 percent fruit juice wouldn’t fall under the ban and would still be eligible for purchase with SNAP, even if they’re sold in cans or bottles like soft drinks.
How do the new food restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-food-restrictions-work
Under the new ban, shoppers will no longer be able to buy soft drinks with their SNAP benefits in Utah.
According to the new rules, “soft drinks” are defined as a nonalcoholic beverage that’s made with carbonated water and is flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
This ban doesn’t include drinks that contain milk, milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), or any drinks that are greater than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume.
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.
- Find substitutes: While most sodas are now off-limits for purchase with SNAP, fruit and vegetable juice, sparkling water, and flavored milk should still be SNAP-eligible in Utah.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions
Can I still buy juice with SNAP in Utah?#can-i-still-buy-juice-with-snap-in-utah
Yes—you can still buy juice with SNAP in Utah as long as it’s not considered a soft drink according to the new restrictions. Drinks that are more than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume are not part of the ban.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Utah?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-utah
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 Utah?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-utah
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Utah.
