Can You Buy Supplements With an EBT Card?
Navigate EBT rules for purchasing health-related items. Understand the core criteria that determine if a product is eligible for SNAP benefits.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system delivers Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, enabling eligible households to purchase food. These benefits, often referred to as food stamps, are intended to supplement a household’s food budget for home consumption. Understanding EBT purchase regulations helps recipients maximize their benefits.
Understanding Product Labels for EBT Eligibility
The type of product label is a primary determinant for EBT eligibility. Products bearing a “Supplement Facts” label are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. This specific labeling indicates that the item is classified as a dietary supplement, vitamin, or medicine rather than a food product. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for SNAP explicitly exclude these items from eligible purchases, as the program’s focus is on providing assistance for food.
Conversely, products displaying a “Nutrition Facts” label are eligible for EBT purchases. This label signifies that the item is considered a food product for consumption as food. This distinction is the definitive factor for SNAP eligibility. Consumers should always examine the product label to confirm eligibility before attempting a purchase.
Eligible Food Items and Fortified Products
Many food items are eligible for purchase with EBT, including staple foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, and cereals. Even some products that might appear similar to supplements can be purchased if they are categorized as food. For instance, protein shakes, meal replacement beverages, and fortified cereals that carry a “Nutrition Facts” label are eligible. These items are considered food because they provide caloric and nutritional sustenance.
Eligible fortified products include protein powder, meal replacement shakes, and energy drinks, provided they feature a “Nutrition Facts” label. This label confirms the product meets the USDA’s food definition for SNAP. These items are distinct from those marketed primarily for their supplemental properties, even if they contain similar ingredients.
Ineligible Supplements and Related Products
Items classified as dietary supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medicines are explicitly excluded from EBT purchases. This includes multi-vitamins, herbal supplements, diet pills, and energy boosters that feature a “Supplement Facts” label. SNAP benefits are for food products, not items intended to supplement the diet or treat medical conditions.
This rule applies even if the product contains ingredients commonly found in food, as its primary classification is as a supplement. Therefore, consumers seeking to make EBT purchases must carefully differentiate between food products and dietary supplements based on their respective labeling.