Starting late 2025, the USDA rolled out tighter rules on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits (food stamps/EBT). The goal? Make sure benefits are used only for basic nutritious groceries, not “luxury” or ready-to-eat items.
Quick History of SNAP Rules
SNAP started in 1939 as the original Food Stamp Program. Over decades, rules loosened and tightened. Hot foods were banned in the 1970s, briefly allowed during COVID, and now permanently restricted again under the 2025 Farm Bill updates.
Why These Changes Matter to You Right Now
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP (59 million Americans did in 2024), these rules change daily shopping. One wrong item at checkout and your card gets declined — embarrassing and stressful.
Full List: What You Can NO Longer Buy with SNAP
Here’s the updated banned list:
| Category | Specific Examples Now Banned |
|---|---|
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, vaping products |
| Hot & Prepared Foods | Rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, pizza by the slice, soup from the deli counter |
| Vitamins & Supplements | Protein powder, multivitamins, herbal supplements |
| Non-Food Items | Soap, toothpaste, paper towels, pet food, cleaning supplies |
| Restaurant Meals | Fast food, sit-down restaurants (except approved states for elderly/disabled) |
| Energy Drinks with Labels | Some Red Bull, Monster varieties labeled as “supplements” |
| Luxury Grocery Items | Live lobster, king crab, expensive steaks (in some states) |
What’s Still Allowed in 2025
Good news — most staple groceries are untouched!
| Still OK to Buy | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cold grocery foods | Milk, bread, cereal, meat, fruits, veggies |
| Seeds & plants | Tomato seeds, fruit trees, herb starters |
| Cold deli items | Sliced cheese, cold cuts (not heated) |
| Bakery items | Loaf of bread, bagels, cakes (not hot) |
| Baby formula & diapers (in some pilot states) | Varies by state — check your local rules |
Surprising Stats About SNAP Usage
- 41.2 million people used SNAP in 2024
- Average monthly benefit: $191 per person
- 2025 changes expected to save federal government $4.8 billion over 10 years
- 1 in 7 Americans currently receives benefits
Smart Shopping Tips to Stretch Your Benefits
- Shop the perimeter of the store (produce, meat, dairy)
- Buy store brands — often 30-50% cheaper
- Look for “WIC/SNAP Eligible” shelf tags
- Use apps like Flipp or Ibotta for extra coupons
- Freeze meat the same day to avoid waste
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still buy rotisserie chicken?
A: No — if it’s hot when you buy it, your card will be declined.
Q: Are energy drinks banned?
A: Only ones labeled as supplements (check the nutrition vs supplement facts panel).
Q: What if the cashier rings something up by mistake?
A: You’ll have to pay with another method or remove the item.
Final Thoughts – Stay Prepared!
The new SNAP card restrictions are here to stay, but with a little planning you can still feed your family healthy meals every month. Bookmark this page, share it with friends on benefits, and double-check items at the store. Knowledge is power — the more you know about the 2025 rules, the smoother your grocery trips will be!