Does EBT Cover All Food? Items You Can and Cannot Buy
Clarify EBT rules: Learn which food items are covered by your benefits and where you can use your EBT card.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) serves as the primary method for distributing food assistance benefits to eligible households across the United States. These benefits, part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are loaded onto a digital card that functions much like a debit card. This system allows individuals and families to purchase groceries and other eligible food items at authorized retail locations.
Eligible Food Items
SNAP benefits are primarily designed to help households purchase food for consumption at home, encompassing a broad range of grocery items. This includes fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. Households can also acquire various forms of meat, poultry, and fish.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, are also eligible for purchase, alongside staples like breads and cereals. Beyond these core categories, EBT covers other food items including snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and even seeds and plants that produce food for the household.
Items like coffee, tea, and energy drinks are permissible as long as they carry a “Nutrition Facts” label, distinguishing them from supplements. Even certain bakery cakes and specific live seafood items can be purchased with EBT. The underlying principle is to allow for any food intended for human consumption.
Ineligible Items and Services
While the program covers a wide array of food products, EBT cannot be used for certain items and services. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, are strictly prohibited. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, also fall under this exclusion.
A significant restriction applies to hot foods prepared for immediate consumption, like a hot rotisserie chicken or a prepared deli meal. This rule generally prevents the purchase of items that are hot at the point of sale. However, there are exceptions, such as during declared disasters when federal approval may temporarily allow the purchase of hot foods.
Vitamins, medicines, and any items with a “Supplement Facts” label are ineligible, as these are not considered food. Non-food items are also excluded, encompassing pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and household goods. Personal hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, and cosmetics, cannot be purchased with EBT benefits.
Authorized Retailers
EBT cards are accepted at a wide variety of establishments that have been authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accept SNAP benefits. These include most grocery stores, large supermarket chains, and convenience stores.
Farmers’ markets are another venue where EBT cards can be used, providing access to fresh, local produce. Many retailers, including major chains, also accept EBT for online grocery orders, facilitating convenient pickup or delivery options. This expands accessibility for beneficiaries who may face transportation or mobility challenges.
To identify authorized retailers, individuals can look for signage displaying the Quest® logo or other indicators like “EBT Accepted Here” or “We accept SNAP benefits.” This logo is a nationally recognized mark that signifies a store’s ability to process EBT transactions.
Retailers must utilize Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) equipment for these purchases.