Millions of American households rely on SNAP to put food on the table, but in 2026, not everything is fair game. While the program still covers most groceries, new restrictions are changing what counts as an eligible item. From soda bans in some states to clearer rules around cold deli food, navigating what’s allowed under SNAP in 2026 can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of what recipients can buy, what’s off-limits, and how these rules vary by location.
Cold and Packaged Foods: What’s Eligible Under Snap
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income families buy food, but the definition of “food” under the program has boundaries. According to the USDA, eligible items include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, cereals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds or plants that produce food.
Packaged cold items have been a grey area for years, especially when sold in deli sections. But in 2026, the guidance is clearer: cold prepared foods (as long as they’re intended to be consumed off-site) are SNAP-eligible. This includes refrigerated sandwiches, salad kits, pre-cut fruit trays, and deli meats. A pre-made chicken salad or a wrap from the store’s fridge? That’s eligible. A hot panini from the in-store café? Not eligible.
There are exceptions at the state level. Some states, for example, allow the purchase of cold meals that can be reheated in-store, such as a microwave pizza. This depends on individual state regulations and can vary widely. The key distinction remains whether the food is meant for home consumption or immediate, in-store dining.
New State-Level Restrictions on Junk Food and Sugary Drinks
While federal guidelines allow for the purchase of soft drinks, candy, and snacks with SNAP benefits, some states are moving in a different direction. In 2026, several are implementing tighter rules on what’s often referred to as “junk food.”
According to state authorities, Indiana has begun enforcing a ban on the purchase of soft drinks and sweets using EBT cards. Florida has gone further, restricting soft drinks, energy drinks, prepared desserts, and candy from the SNAP-eligible list. These policy shifts mark a growing trend among states aiming to promote healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients.
Despite these changes, many sugary and processed items remain eligible in most states, including candy bars, energy drinks with nutrition labels, and boxed drinks like Capri-Sun. The federal standard, as set by the USDA, still permits items with a “Nutrition Facts” label (as opposed to a “Supplement Facts” label, which is reserved for supplements and vitamins).
Unchanged are longstanding exclusions. Items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, live animals, hot food at the point of sale, and any non-food household goods (like cleaning products or pet food) remain ineligible across all states.
SNAP remains a vital resource for over 40 million Americans, but understanding its boundaries is more important than ever. With the expansion of state-level restrictions, recipients are now required to navigate not only federal regulations but also local rules that may affect everyday purchases.
