In this article, we will show you the list of all eligible Items you can buy with EBT from fresh produce and meats to dairy, grains, and even seeds for planting. Explore this comprehensive list of eligible food items under the SNAP program to make the most of your benefits.

If you’re a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), you might be wondering exactly what you can purchase with your benefits.

Whether you are new to the program or just looking for more clarity, it’s important to know which items are eligible for purchase with your EBT card.

Surprising things you can buy with EBT – Here, we’ll break down everything you can buy with EBT, so you can make the most out of your benefits while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

See Also: 31 Things You Can Buy with AmeriHealth Caritas OTC Card

What is EBT and How Does It Work?

EBT is a system that allows individuals and families who qualify for SNAP benefits to access food assistance. These benefits are provided through a government-issued EBT card, which works like a debit card, allowing you to purchase eligible items at participating retailers. The program aims to help low-income families gain access to healthy food, so they can thrive.

Eligible Items You Can Buy with EBT

The types of items that can be purchased with EBT fall under broad categories, from basic groceries to certain food products that help with maintaining a healthy diet. Below is a breakdown of what you can buy with your EBT card:

Fruits and Vegetables

1. Fresh fruits (apples, oranges, bananas, etc.)

2. Fresh vegetables (broccoli, spinach, carrots, etc.)

3. Frozen fruits (berries, mixed fruit, etc.)

4. Frozen vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, etc.)

5. Canned fruits (without added sugars or syrups)

6. Canned vegetables (without added salt or sugar)

7. Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, etc.)

8. 100% fruit juice (with no added sugar)

9. Pre-packaged fruit salad (without added sugar)

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Meat, Poultry, and Fish

10. Fresh meats (beef, chicken, pork, lamb, etc.)

11. Fresh poultry (chicken, turkey, duck, etc.)

12. Fresh fish (salmon, tilapia, cod, etc.)

13. Fresh shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)

14. Frozen meats (steaks, chicken breasts, pork chops, etc.)

15. Frozen fish (salmon fillets, cod, etc.)

16. Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.)

17. Frozen prepared meat meals (hamburgers, chicken nuggets, etc.)

18. Deli meats (ham, turkey, chicken slices, etc.)

19. Processed meats (sausage, hot dogs, etc.)

20. Whole fish and seafood

21. Game meats (venison, bison, etc.)

Dairy Products

22. Milk (whole, 2%, skim, etc.)

23. Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, etc.)

24. Yogurt (plain, Greek, etc.)

25. Butter and margarine

26. Eggs

27. Sour cream

28. Cottage cheese

29. Plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)

30. Dairy substitutes (tofu, vegan cheese, etc.)

See Also: 34 Things You Can Buy with Village Care Max OTC Card

Grains and Bread

31. Bread (whole wheat, white, multigrain, etc.)

32. Pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, penne, etc.)

33. Rice (white, brown, jasmine, basmati, etc.)

34. Tortillas (corn, flour, etc.)

35. Bagels, rolls, and buns

36. Breakfast cereals (hot and cold)

37. Oats (rolled oats, instant oats, etc.)

38. Crackers (whole wheat, rice crackers, etc.)

39. Granola bars (whole grain, low sugar)

40. Popcorn (unpopped kernels, microwavable, etc.)

Cereal, Snacks, and Sweets

41. Breakfast cereals (Cheerios, cornflakes, oatmeal)

42. Granola (with minimal sugar)

43. Rice cakes

44. Crackers (whole grain, low-sodium)

45. Pretzels

46. Popcorn (unpopped kernels, microwavable, etc.)

47. Fruit snacks (dried fruit, fruit leather, etc.)

48. Cookies (in some cases, if sold at a store that accepts EBT)

49. Chips (as long as they are not considered luxury items)

50. Candy (in some cases, if sold as part of a meal or at a specific retailer)

51. Snack cakes (if sold in grocery stores, not fast food or specialty shops)

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Beverages

52. Water (bottled, sparkling, etc.)

53. 100% fruit juice (no added sugars)

54. Coffee (ground, beans, instant)

55. Tea (loose, bags, iced tea)

56. Fruit juice concentrate

57. Powdered drink mixes (like powdered lemonade or iced tea)

58. Soy milk, almond milk, and other plant-based beverages

Frozen Foods

59. Frozen fruits (mixed berries, pineapple, etc.)

60. Frozen vegetables (peas, corn, spinach, etc.)

61. Frozen dinners (as long as they are considered food)

62. Frozen meat (steaks, chicken, fish fillets, etc.)

63. Frozen bakery items (bread, rolls, etc.)

64. Frozen snack foods (like frozen burritos, pizza, etc.)

65. Frozen pizza (as long as it’s not a restaurant-style pizza)

See Also: 20 Things You Can Buy with UPMC OTC Card

Bakery Items

66. Fresh bakery bread (loaves, rolls, baguettes, etc.)

67. Fresh bagels, muffins, and donuts (from a bakery section)

68. Fresh pastries (like croissants, Danish)

69. English muffins

70. Biscuits (pre-baked and ready to eat)

71. Pita bread

72. Lavash bread

73. Flatbreads and naan

Canned Goods

74. Canned vegetables (peas, green beans, corn, etc.)

75. Canned fruits (peaches, pineapple, applesauce, etc.)

76. Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc.)

77. Canned soups (as long as they are intended for human consumption and don’t contain alcohol)

78. Canned meat (like spam, chicken, etc.)

79. Canned fish (tuna, sardines, salmon, etc.)

80. Canned chili or stew

81. Canned pasta (spaghetti, ravioli, etc.)

See Also: 44 Things You Can Buy with UCard at Walmart

Special Diet Foods

82. Gluten-free products (bread, pasta, crackers, etc.)

83. Organic food (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.)

84. Lactose-free milk and dairy products

85. Vegan and vegetarian items (plant-based protein, veggie burgers, etc.)

86. Low-sodium canned vegetables

87. Low-sugar cereals or snacks

Seeds and Plants

88. Herb seeds (basil, cilantro, parsley, etc.)

89. Vegetable seeds (tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, etc.)

90. Fruit seeds (apple, strawberry, watermelon, etc.)

91. Vegetable plants (tomato plants, pepper plants, etc.)

92. Fruit-bearing plants (apple trees, grapevines, etc.)

See Also: 20 Things You Can Buy with U Card OTC

Baby Food and Formula

93. Baby formula (both powdered and liquid)

94. Baby cereals (rice cereal, oatmeal, etc.)

95. Baby food jars (pureed fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.)

96. Baby snacks (teething biscuits, puffs, etc.)

Miscellaneous Food Items

97. Spices and herbs (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

98. Cooking oils (vegetable oil, olive oil, etc.)

99. Vinegar

100. Salt and pepper

101. Honey, maple syrup (without non-food additives)

102. Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, etc.)

103. Sugar (granulated, brown sugar, powdered, etc.)

104. Baking supplies (baking soda, baking powder, etc.)

See Also: 48 Things You Can Buy with The Health Plan WV OTC Card

Items You CANNOT Buy with EBT

To clarify, there are also restrictions on certain items that cannot be bought with EBT, including:

• Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor)

• Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, etc.)

• Hot foods ready for immediate consumption (like those from restaurants, delis, or food trucks)

• Non-food items (such as personal care items, household products, cleaning supplies)

• Pet food

• Vitamins, supplements, and medicines (unless prescribed by a doctor)

• Prepared meals from non-eligible retail stores

See Also: 20 Things You Can Buy with S3 OTC Card

Conclusion

The list of items you can purchase with EBT is quite extensive, encompassing a wide range of nutritious foods from fresh produce to pantry staples, frozen foods, and even seeds to grow your own food. While there are restrictions on luxury items and non-food products, EBT recipients have access to many food options that can help maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Always check with local retailers to confirm if a specific item is eligible, and refer to state-specific guidelines for any nuances in the program.

By knowing what you can and cannot purchase, you can make informed decisions to maximize the benefits of your EBT card!

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