SNAP Changes Coming to Your State: What You Need to Know About Food Restrictions

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – If you use SNAP benefits, changes are coming to what you can and can't buy with your card. Starting this year, multiple states (seen in green) have approved waivers that restrict certain food items. Understanding the changes in your state helps you plan ahead and adjust your shopping accordingly.

This is different from existing SNAP rules. Currently, SNAP covers most foods—fresh produce, meat, dairy, grains, snacks, drinks—with very few restrictions. The new waivers target specific items many states consider non-nutritious.

What Items Are Being Restricted:

Different states have approved different restrictions, but the most common banned items are:

• Soft drinks and soda

• Energy drinks and sweetened beverages

• Candy

• Prepared desserts

• Some processed snack foods

Some states have broader restrictions. Iowa restricts all taxable food items (except seeds), while others are narrowly focused on just soda or candy.

Which States Have Approved Waivers:

Eighteen states have approved waivers as of February 2026, with implementation dates ranging from January through October 2026:

Arkansas (July 1), Colorado (April 30), Florida (April 20), Hawaii (August 1), Idaho (February 15), Indiana (January 1), Iowa (January 1), Louisiana (February 18), Missouri (October 1), Nebraska (January 1), North Dakota (September 1), Oklahoma (February 15), South Carolina (August 31), Tennessee (July 31), Texas (April 1), Utah (January 1), Virginia (April 1), West Virginia (January 1).

Check Your State:

Your state may or may not have approved a waiver yet. To find out:

• Visit your state's SNAP or SNAP waiver webpage (search "[Your State] SNAP Food Restriction Waiver")

• Contact your state's SNAP office directly

• Ask your grocery store cashier—they'll know if restrictions apply in your area

Implementation dates vary. Some states already started restrictions (Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia). Others don't implement until summer or fall 2026.

What This Means for Your Shopping:

If your state approves a waiver before you do your shopping, items on the restricted list will be declined when you try to use your SNAP card—even if they're already in your cart. This catches people by surprise at checkout.

If you regularly buy restricted items, plan alternatives now. If soft drinks are restricted:

• Switch to unsweetened tea, water, or coffee (which remain eligible)

• Buy juice with 100% natural ingredients (sometimes still eligible depending on state rules)

If candy is restricted:

• Buy fruit for snacks instead

• Check if other desserts (like cookies or baked goods) are allowed—restrictions vary by state

Questions to Ask Your State:

Restrictions aren't always crystal clear. States define "candy," "energy drinks," and "prepared desserts" differently. Some beverages with natural juice or added nutrients might be allowed in one state but not another.

Contact your state's SNAP office or check their waiver webpage for a complete list of restricted items. Some states provide retailer notices and participant guides that spell out exactly what's restricted.

The Bottom Line:

SNAP rules are changing in many states. The changes happen at different times, with different restrictions. If you use SNAP benefits, checking your state's specific rules before your next shopping trip prevents checkout surprises and helps you adjust your grocery budget accordingly.

Looking to understand SNAP food restrictions in your state and find approved alternatives?

Save your grocery list with the Youdle Shopping List builder. Use Youdle to compare prices across nearby stores. Share your questions and tips for managing SNAP changes in the Youdle Community to help other shoppers navigate these new rules. Check Youdle News for more information on SNAP-eligible foods and budgeting strategies.

For complete state-by-state information on SNAP food restrictions and implementation dates, click here.