Do You Want To Know What Can’t You Buy With Food Stamps [Learn The Facts]

David Duford last updated on April 19, 2022

Any new EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) user will have the same worry: What if I buy the wrong thing?

While the rules to using food stamps, now known as SNAP benefits, are seemingly simple, there are a lot of gray areas. The benefits are supposed to pay for food, but what about fast food, pet food, or baby food?

What can you buy with food stamps – or more importantly, what can’t you buy with food stamps?

Let’s find out.

NOTE: Interested in life insurance to cover final expenses like funeral and cremation costs? Or do you want to leave extra money behind to a loved one?

If so, we have access to affordable, high-quality life insurance products that:

Is available from 0-90 years old! (in most states)
$1,000 to $100,000+ in permanent insurance coverage (fits ANY budget)
No medical exams necessary.
Rates NEVER increase!
If qualified, you may receive first-day full coverage!
Prices are VERY affordable, and designed for people on tight budgets.

If you’re interested in getting a free no-obligation quote, please click the link here to run quotes and see which of our top-rated insurance carriers you may qualify for!

What Are SNAP Benefits Designed For?

SNAP benefits, known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, is designed to supplement a household’s grocery money, allowing them to buy extra food. Like most modern benefits, SNAP is distributed via an EBT account.

You can’t use your EBT card to get cash. You can only use it for online purchases or shopping in-store.

What Can’t You Buy With Foodstamps?

Some items which aren’t covered by your SNAP benefits are fairly obvious – alcohol and tobacco, for example. However, some unapproved items are less clear.

Here’s what you can’t buy with food stamps:

Liquor, tobacco products, and gambling

It’s fairly obvious that you shouldn’t use your SNAP benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco, or any kind of gambling product (like lottery tickets). SNAP is only for essential food groceries.

Pet food or live animals

Once again, it’s obvious that you shouldn’t use your SNAP benefits to buy pets! However, there are ways to get help buying pet food for your existing pets. SNAP, however, is only designed for human food.

Hot food, or preprepared items designed to be eaten immediately

This includes restaurant food, fast food, coffee shops, and more. While instant coffee, tea, and even coffee beans are covered as food items, hot coffee and hot food are not. This also includes products like rotisserie chickens.

Medicines, vitamins, and supplements

Medicines are essential but are unfortunately not covered by food stamps. Vitamins and supplements involve more than just bottled pills – some energy drinks and smoothies are classed as “supplements”.

An easy way to tell is to check the label on the back of the product: a supplement facts label means that the item is a vitamin or supplement.

Electronics or home decor

Once again, SNAP benefits cover food items only.

Household supplies

Household supplies, like cleaning products or paper goods, are essential, but not covered by SNAP benefits.

Hygiene or grooming products

Hygiene or grooming products include soaps, shampoos, and sanitary items. While these are essential goods, they are not food items, and so aren’t covered by your SNAP benefits.

Other Items You Can’t Buy With EBT Food Stamps Includes:

The Bottom Line

Most stores allow shoppers to make multiple payments on one order. This means that you can use your food stamps to pay for food groceries and use your own money to buy non-food essential items, like household and hygiene products.

If you’re not sure whether an item is covered by your SNAP benefits, call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card.

Need Burial Insurance?

In addition to helping people with their Direct Express, questions we help people like you qualify for quality final expense life insurance coverage that pays off your funeral and cremation expenses.

These burial insurance plans are perfect for those who are retired or disabled and on a fixed income, and want peace of mind, knowing their final expenses are covered.

Some of the benefits of these programs include:

Rates NEVER increase like a lot of the junk mail life insurance companies you see.
Coverage NEVER cancels due to age or health as long as you pay your premium.
If eligible, you may qualify for first day FULL coverage with NO waiting period like many of the TV life insurance ads offer.
Affordable premiums for those on fixed incomes.
Plans offering immediate approval with NO health questions asked!
Coverage available from 18 to 90 years old!

Bottom line, if you’re looking for a peace of mind, and want your family to have no burden when you pass, then these plans are for you!

Here’s how to get a free quote

Click here and we’ll get you a quote in minutes and get you the peace of mind you deserve!