There are millions of Americans in the U.S. who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a lifeline. The SNAP program helps many families feed their families especially when the budget doesn’t stretch that far. However, the SNAP program is meant for nutritious items and soon soda, candy or any other junk food won’t be available for purchase using SNAP benefits.
As of 2026, there are twelve states that will be putting restrictions on SNAP benefits. This means that certain items will be restricted for purchase. The aim of this is to promote the purchase of healthier food products and minimise spending of unhealthy foods.
Which States Are Making the Move?
The twelve states are: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
Here’s what the bans look like:
- All 12 states will block soda and other sugary drinks.
- Louisiana and Florida are taking things a step farther by preventing the purchase of energy drinks, sweets, and desserts.
- Candy, sodas, and even juice beverages that contain less than 50% actual fruit juice are prohibited in Arkansas.
- The strictest regulation is in Iowa, which intends to ban practically all processed goods and only permit staples like seeds and plants that individuals may cultivate at home.
Why Are States Doing This?
The leaders of this are trying to encourage healthier eating. They mention that fizzy drinks, candy and processed foods are all risk factors for obesity, diabetes and coronary diseases.
For states, the message is simple: taxpayer money should go toward nutrition, not sugar.
Supporters Say It’s About Health
Many supporters agree with this and note that these new rules will be beneficial for families as it will convince them to purchase healthier products. As time goes, this would potentially mean that people would live healthier lifestyles and there would be less strain on healthcare.
Critics See Problems
Not everyone agrees with the new rules. Critics raise several concerns:
- Not everyone has equal access to wholesome food. There is a shortage of reasonably priced fresh food in many low-income neighbourhoods and rural places. Families may find themselves with fewer options overall if junk food is prohibited but nutritious food is not offered.
- It might not alter conduct. Bans, according to some experts, don’t always result in healthy eating. People may choose to save their SNAP payments for other meals and spend their money on soda.
- It could stigmatise those who utilise SNAP. Critics claim that these regulations reinforce the social stigma that many low-income families already experience when they use assistance by sending the message that they cannot be trusted to make their own decisions.
A Patchwork of Rules
Depending on where you live, SNAP benefits will be different. In certain states, the rules are stricter than others.
What SNAP Families Can Expect
If you live in one of the twelve states, here’s what’s likely to change in 2026:
- No more buying soda or energy drinks with SNAP.
- In some states, candy, desserts, and sugary snacks will also be banned.
- Iowa shoppers may see the most dramatic shift, with almost all processed foods off the table.
Families will still be able to buy essentials like bread, milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and meat. The goal is to make healthy options the default.
Final Thoughts
The idea to ban junk foods from SNAP is ultimately to promote healthy eating. There are many supporters and there are also many opposers of this rule. However, the message is clear, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase junk foods. The question still remains: Should the government decide what low-income families can and can’t eat?