No more junk food under SNAP benefits! The U.S. government is implementing major changes to the way people use SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved six more states to restrict the purchase of junk food (such as soda’s, candy, processed foods etc.) with SNAP benefits.
The purpose of this is to encourage healthier eating amongst citizens.
Which States Are Affected
The six new states joining the program are:
- Texas – Restrictions begin April 1, 2026
- Oklahoma – Restrictions begin January 1, 2026
- Louisiana – Restrictions begin January 15, 2026
- Colorado – Restrictions begin March 1, 2026
- Florida – Restrictions begin January 1, 2026
- West Virginia – Restrictions begin January 1, 2026
With these additions, a total of 12 states now has these restrictions. Earlier this year, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah received similar USDA approval.
What Items Are Banned
The banned items are mostly foods and drinks with little to no nutritional value. These include:
- Soda and soft drinks – both regular and diet versions
- Candy – chocolate, gummies, and other types
- Energy drinks – high in sugar and caffeine
- Prepared desserts – like cakes, cookies, and pastries
These are items are considered to be food items with no nutritional value. Instead, they can contribute health issues such as obesity, diabetes and even pulmonary diseases.
Why This Change Is Happening
According to the USDA, the aim of this is to encourage and promote healthier eating amongst low-income families. This is aimed at supporting a program called “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), which aims to reduce consumption of sugary and processed foods. By doing, it also helps citizens improve their health by encouraging the purchase of healthy foods to enhance their diet.
Supporters argue that limiting these items can:
- Encourage SNAP recipients to buy more nutritious foods
- Help reduce diet-related health problems
- Ensure taxpayer money is spent on foods that contribute to better health
However, opponents fear that it may restrict individual freedom and make it more difficult for certain families to obtain foods they enjoy, particularly in places where there are fewer healthy alternatives.
What SNAP Benefits Can Still Buy
Even with the new restrictions, SNAP benefits can still be used for a wide variety of healthy and essential foods:
- Fruits and vegetables – fresh, frozen, or canned
- Meat, poultry, and fish – all protein sources
- Dairy products – milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Grains – bread, rice, pasta, and cereals
- Seeds and plants – for growing your own food at home
This ensures that SNAP recipients can still access nutritious foods to feed themselves and their families.
Potential Impact
The new restrictions are expected to have several effects:
- Health Benefits – Diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related disorders may decline if sugary foods are reduced.
- Behaviour Changes – Families may start choosing healthier options when grocery shopping.
- Effects on retail – Sales of energy drinks, sweets, and soda may drop in stores, while purchases of fruits, vegetables, and other items that qualify may rise.
A few opponents claim that limiting purchases doesn’t address the underlying issues that contribute to poor nutrition, such as restricted access to supermarkets or increased costs for nutritious items.
Looking Ahead
The USDA is making provision for more states to implement this rule. As the program sees success, it could continue to even more states. It is important for SNAP benefit recipients to stay informed so that they know what to purchase, and they can maximize their benefits by purchasing foods that are eligible.
These changes are meant to promote healthier eating amongst citizens, and ensure that they purchase nutritious foods rather than junk food.