Several states will begin limiting what foods you can buy with SNAP benefits starting in 2026. Specifically, they want to ban SNAP recipients from purchasing “junk food”, aiming to improve public health and the eating habits of those in the program.
This measure has been backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and will be implemented in at least six states! No sodas, no sweets, no energy drinks or ultra-processed snacks, the clear definition of “you’re poor, you can’t have a craving”. And as expected, it has sparked controversy (obviously!)
What is SNAP
SNAP is a program that allows millions of people in the United States to fill their fridge every month without having to choose between paying rent or eating well. Its full name is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but most people just know it as SNAP or “food stamps”.
If your income is low, the government gives you an EBT card so you can use it at the supermarket to buy basic groceries. It’s not cash, but it does give you access to real food: fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, bread… the essentials to live with dignity.
Now more nutrition, less sugar
For the State, the main issue is that many recipients use their EBT cards to buy ultra-processed products rich in sugar, fat, and sodium. Although this is legal, it doesn’t always go hand in hand with a healthy diet, especially when the benefit is largely aimed at families with children.
What products will be restricted?
Starting in 2026, some states will block the purchase of products like sodas, candies, energy drinks, or juices with low fruit content.
Which states will apply restrictions?
The USDA has approved at least six states to implement these measures, although several others have also announced their own dates and conditions.
- Arkansas will ban fruit juices with less than 50% natural juice, sodas, and candy (July 1, 2026)
- Colorado, Utah, and West Virginia will ban sodas starting March 1
- Florida and Louisiana will restrict desserts, candy, energy drinks, and sodas
- In Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas you won’t be able to buy sodas or sweets
- Iowa will ban all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue
Are there any benefits?
It depends on how you look at it. This system is expected to free up healthcare resources and prevent diabetes and obesity among the population. But of course, it’s a bit absurd if you think that reaching that goal should involve banning things everywhere, not just for a few, right? The measure is a bit paternalistic, and limiting what vulnerable families can or can’t buy takes away the magic of SNAP (which is letting users choose what to eat and how to eat it).
And limiting their autonomy makes them even more vulnerable, it restricts them in society. A poor kid can’t eat a donut but someone with money can? Absurd.
The future of SNAP
Sure, it’s great that they want to transform SNAP, not just to fill pantries but to do so with nutritional responsibility. That’s fine, we’re not going to say otherwise when cardiovascular disease rates in this country are completely out of control, but maybe it’s time to rethink these measures and not restrict only one part of the population, but the whole population and address the problem at its root.
We’ll have to wait and see if the USDA turns out to be right and this measure reduces the strain on healthcare… or ends up bringing in more users from wealthier social classes. That would be a surprise (irony). Let people eat what they want.