West Virginia SNAP soda ban: What you should know about the new rules
West Virginia will begin restricting the purchase of soda starting on January 1, 2026. These rules limit the types of carbonated drinks you can buy using your SNAP benefits.
These changes will apply anywhere you use your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-items-in-west-virginia
As of January 1, 2026, soda, including regular and diet soda, and other sweetened, flavored, carbonated drinks, are banned from purchase with SNAP in West Virginia.
It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible based on the new rules—for example, sparkling water or carbonated drinks that don’t contain both added sweeteners and flavoring may still be SNAP-eligible, even if they are sold alongside soda.
How do the new restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-restrictions-work
According to the new rules, “soda” is defined as any carbonated, nonalcoholic drink made with water, added sweeteners (like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), and flavoring. This definition includes drinks with added caffeine or other ingredients.
Plain carbonated water without sweeteners or flavoring is not considered soda and will still be SNAP-eligible in West Virginia. “Milk and milk products, fruit and vegetable juices, and water or water products” will also remain 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 food stamps in West Virginia?#can-i-still-buy-juice-with-food-stamps-in-west-virginia
Yes—you can still buy juice with your SNAP benefits in West Virginia under the new rules. The new ban only applies to soda, which is defined as carbonated, sweetened, and flavored drinks; it doesn’t apply to fruit or vegetable juices.
Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy energy drinks in West Virginia?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-to-buy-energy-drinks-in-west-virginia
Energy drinks are not specifically mentioned in the new rules for West Virginia. The definition notes that soda can contain caffeine, but it only applies to carbonated drinks with added sweeteners and flavoring. So energy drinks that are non-carbonated, unsweetened, or don’t meet the “soda” definition should still be SNAP-eligible.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in West Virginia?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-west-virginia
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 West Virginia?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-west-virginia
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in West Virginia.
