Learn About EBT Purchases and Eligible Food Items

Understanding SNAP and How It Works

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called SNAP or food stamps, is a federal program that helps millions of people in the United States purchase food. As of 2024, SNAP serves approximately 42 million people across the country. The program provides monthly benefits loaded onto a card called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) that works like a debit card at grocery stores and other authorized retailers.

SNAP operates under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) but is administered by individual states, which means the specific rules and benefit amounts can vary depending on where you live. Each state has its own agency that manages the program. For example, California calls their program CalFresh, while New York calls it SNAP, and other states use different names. Despite these different names, the basic way the program works is the same across all states.

The amount of monthly benefits a person or household receives depends on several factors, including the number of people in the household, total household income, and expenses. In 2024, the average SNAP benefit per person is approximately $200 per month, though this varies significantly based on household circumstances. A family of four with no income might receive around $1,000 per month, while another family with higher income might receive less or nothing.

When you receive SNAP benefits, the funds are placed on your EBT card each month on a specific date. You can then use this card to purchase food items at participating stores. The card can be used at large supermarkets, small corner stores, farmers markets in some cases, and other retailers that accept SNAP. The funds in your account do not roll over month to month in most cases—benefits are set to expire at the end of each month.

Practical takeaway: SNAP is a real program with real monthly benefits. Learning about what items you can purchase and how the program works can help you understand whether this program might serve your household's food needs.

Which Foods and Items You Can Purchase With SNAP

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items intended for home preparation and consumption. The program has clear rules about what counts as an approved food item. Generally speaking, you can purchase any raw or uncooked fruits and vegetables, including fresh produce like apples, carrots, lettuce, and potatoes. You can also purchase frozen and canned vegetables and fruits, including options without added salt or sugar.

Protein sources that are SNAP-approved include all raw or uncooked meat, poultry, and fish. This means you can purchase chicken breasts, ground beef, fish fillets, and other uncooked protein options. You can also purchase dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and eggs. Bread and cereals are approved, including whole wheat bread, oatmeal, rice, pasta, and flour. Beans and legumes, whether canned or dried, are also permitted purchases.

Beverages that are approved include water and plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk. Regular dairy milk is also approved. You can purchase seeds and plants that produce food, such as tomato plants or herb seedlings, though the seeds themselves (like sunflower seeds for planting rather than eating) have different rules. Snack foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, and crackers are approved as long as they are not hot or prepared foods.

There are important items you cannot purchase with SNAP benefits. You cannot buy hot or prepared foods, including items from a store's deli counter, rotisserie chicken, or anything meant to be eaten immediately. You cannot purchase alcohol or tobacco products. Non-food items are not permitted, which means you cannot buy household cleaners, paper products, toiletries, or pet food with SNAP benefits. You also cannot purchase vitamins or medicines, even over-the-counter ones, with SNAP funds.

Some items fall into gray areas that confuse people. For example, you cannot purchase foods at a restaurant or fast-food establishment with SNAP benefits. However, certain states operate special programs that may allow seniors, people with disabilities, or homeless individuals to use a portion of SNAP benefits at authorized restaurants in limited circumstances. These programs are rare and vary by state. Energy drinks and sodas are technically approved as long as they contain at least some nutritional content, though pure sugary drinks are sometimes restricted.

Practical takeaway: When shopping, remember the basic rule: SNAP covers foods you take home to cook or prepare yourself. If it's hot, prepared, or meant to be eaten right away at the store, it's not covered. Check with your state's SNAP program if you're unsure about a specific item, as rules can vary slightly by location.

Common Items People Wonder About and Their SNAP Status

People frequently have questions about specific grocery items and whether they can purchase them with SNAP benefits. Coffee and tea are approved beverages, and you can purchase both ground coffee and tea bags. This applies to all varieties, including organic and specialty options. Coffee grounds and loose-leaf tea are approved. However, you cannot purchase coffee from a coffee shop or café.

Peanut butter is approved, as are other nut butters like almond butter. You can purchase both conventional peanut butter and natural versions without added sugar. Cooking oils, including olive oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil, are all approved purchases. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salsa are approved. Salt, sugar, spices, and baking supplies like flour, baking powder, and yeast are all covered.

Ice cream and frozen desserts are approved SNAP purchases. This might surprise some people, but frozen desserts fall under food items you purchase to take home. However, ice cream from an ice cream shop counter or a food truck is not approved because it's considered a prepared food. Cereal is approved even if it's sweet breakfast cereal. Candy is approved as long as it's packaged candy you purchase from a shelf, not from a bulk bin or prepared fresh.

Baby formula and baby food are approved purchases. If you're caring for an infant or young child, you can use SNAP benefits to purchase jarred baby food, baby formula, and baby cereals. This is an important point for caregivers to understand, as these items are often expensive. Diapers, however, are not approved, as they are not food items.

Some items that might seem like food are not approved. Vitamins and supplements are not covered. Prepared salads from a store's salad bar are not approved. Pre-made sandwiches meant to be eaten immediately are not covered. Gum is not approved. Cosmetic products, even if they contain food-like ingredients, are not covered. Hot food of any kind, including hot soup in a store container or hot pizza, cannot be purchased with SNAP.

Practical takeaway: When in doubt about a specific item, ask the cashier or call your state's SNAP program office. Learning the basic categories—raw or uncooked foods are generally approved, prepared and hot foods are not—will help you navigate your shopping confidently.

How to Use Your EBT Card at Different Types of Stores

Your EBT card can be used at many different types of retail locations. The most common places to use SNAP benefits are traditional supermarkets like Safeway, Kroger, Walmart, and regional grocery chains. These stores have terminals set up to accept EBT cards, and cashiers are trained in how SNAP transactions work. At the checkout, you simply hand the cashier your EBT card, and they process it like any other debit card.

Smaller grocery stores and ethnic markets also accept SNAP benefits. Corner stores, family-owned groceries, and specialty food markets in many neighborhoods participate in the program. These stores display a sign indicating they accept SNAP benefits. Using your card at these locations works the same way as at larger stores. The store owner must be authorized to accept SNAP, which means they have applied for and received approval from the USDA.

Farmers markets in many states now allow SNAP benefits. This is an important development because it connects people on SNAP with locally grown fresh produce. However, not all farmers markets accept SNAP, and the process varies. Some farmers markets issue tokens or special currency that you purchase with your EBT card, and then you use those tokens to buy directly from farmers. Other markets have EBT card machines on site where vendors can process your card directly. To find SNAP-participating farmers markets near