What’s Changing, What’s Not — and the Full State-by-State Guide (18 States)
By Zomi Press Policy Desk
Policy Explainer Series | Verified Information
Beginning in 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved SNAP Food Restriction Waivers for 18 U.S. states, allowing them to limit the purchase of certain junk food items—primarily soda, candy, energy drinks, and specific sugary or ultra-processed beverages—when using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
This explainer provides clear, verified, state-by-state information, corrects widespread misinformation, and explains what these changes actually mean for families.
🔍 The Big Picture: What Is Changing?
Under USDA-approved waivers:
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase certain low-nutrient items
- Restrictions are state-specific
- Enforcement happens automatically at checkout
- No benefits are reduced or cut
These waivers are part of ongoing state-level policy efforts to encourage healthier food purchasing using taxpayer-funded nutrition assistance.
❗ What Is NOT Changing (Important)
Despite online rumors and confusion:
- ❌ SNAP benefit amounts are NOT reduced
- ❌ Families do NOT lose access to food
- ❌ Children, seniors, and vulnerable households are NOT penalized
- ✅ All staple and nutritious foods remain eligible
- ✅ Restricted items can still be bought with cash or other payment methods
🧾 What “CAN BUY” Means (All 18 States)
SNAP continues to cover:
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits & vegetables
- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs
- Milk, cheese, yogurt
- Rice, bread, pasta, grains
- Beans, lentils, nuts
- Cooking oils, flour, spices
- Seeds & plants that produce food
- Infant formula & approved medical foods
🚫 What “CANNOT BUY” Usually Means
Depending on the state waiver, commonly restricted items include:
- Soda / soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sugar-sweetened sports drinks
- Candy (including chocolate, gummies; gum in some states)
- Packaged desserts (cakes, cookies, pastries)
- Sweetened fruit drinks with less than 50% real juice
⚠️ Definitions vary by state. Always check the official waiver language.
📊 SNAP 2026 — State-by-State Guide (18 States)
| State | Start Date (2026) | Restricted Categories (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | July 1 | Soda (incl. diet), candy, sweetened drinks |
| Colorado | March 1 | Soft drinks |
| Florida | April 20 | Candy, prepared desserts, and unhealthy beverages |
| Hawaii | August 1 | Soft drinks |
| Idaho | February 15 | Soda, candy |
| Indiana | January 1 | Soft drinks, candy |
| Iowa | January 1 | All taxable food items (except food-producing plants/seeds) |
| Louisiana | February 18 | Soft drinks, energy drinks, candy |
| Missouri | October 1 | Candy, prepared desserts, unhealthy beverages |
| Nebraska | January 1 | Soda, energy drinks |
| North Dakota | September 1 | Soft drinks, energy drinks, candy |
| Oklahoma | February 15 | Soft drinks, candy |
| South Carolina | August 31 | Candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, sweetened beverages |
| Tennessee | July 31 | Soda, energy drinks, candy (processed foods & drinks) |
| Texas | April 1 | Sweetened drinks, candy |
| Utah | January 1 | Soft drinks |
| Virginia | April 1 | Sweetened beverages |
| West Virginia | January 1 | Soda |
⚖️ Quick FAQ (Clearing the Confusion)
Are SNAP benefits being cut?
➡️ No. Benefit amounts remain the same.
Does this reduce food access?
➡️ No. Nutritious food access is unchanged.
Can restricted items still be purchased?
➡️ Yes, with cash or non-SNAP payment methods.
Who enforces these rules?
➡️ Retailer checkout systems automatically block restricted items from SNAP payment.
Why States Are Doing This
States cite goals such as:
- Improving public health outcomes
- Reducing diet-related diseases
- Aligning SNAP spending with nutrition goals
- Encouraging healthier food environments
The USDA evaluates and approves each waiver individually.
📌 Official Sources & Verification
This article is based on official USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) documentation, including:
- USDA SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (Master List)
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers/foodrestriction - USDA SNAP Waivers Hub
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers
Source pages were last updated December 15, 2025.