What can you buy with food stamps – In this article, we will show you the list of everything you can buy with Food Stamps (SNAP benefits), including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, snacks, and more.
Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide vital assistance to individuals and families in need of help affording nutritious food.
This government program helps millions of people purchase food for their households. However, it’s important to understand what exactly can and cannot be bought with food stamps. If you’re wondering, “What can I buy with food stamps?”—we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we will walk you through a list of surprising things you can buy with food stamps, helping you make the most of your benefits.
Here’s a detailed list of the items you can buy with food stamps (SNAP benefits). This list is meant to help you maximize your food stamp benefits and make nutritious, cost-effective choices.
See Also: 77 Things You Can buy at Trader Joe’s with EBT Card
51 Things You Can Buy with Food Stamps
Fruits and Vegetables:
1. Fresh fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, berries, grapes)
2. Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli)
3. Canned fruits and vegetables (without added sugar or salt)
4. Frozen fruits and vegetables (peas, spinach, mixed vegetables)
5. Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
6. 100% fruit and vegetable juices (in the frozen or refrigerated section)
7. Herbs and fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, cilantro)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish:
8. Fresh meat (beef, pork, lamb)
9. Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck)
10. Fish and seafood (salmon, tuna, shrimp, tilapia)
11. Processed meats (raw sausages, hot dogs, bacon)
12. Frozen fish and meat (e.g., frozen chicken breasts, fish fillets)
Dairy Products:
13. Milk (whole, skim, and non-dairy alternatives like soy, almond, oat milk)
14. Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, cottage cheese)
15. Yogurt (regular, Greek, flavored, plain)
16. Butter and margarine
17. Cream cheese and other spreadable cheeses
See Also: 38 Eligible Items You Can Buy with EBT at Costco
Breads and Grains:
18. Bread (whole wheat, white, multigrain, sourdough)
19. Breakfast cereals (oatmeal, cornflakes, granola, instant oats)
20. Pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, lasagna, rice noodles)
21. Rice (white rice, brown rice, basmati, jasmine rice)
22. Tortillas (flour, corn, whole wheat)
23. Crackers, breadsticks, and bagels
Snacks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
24. Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn
25. Granola bars, snack bars, protein bars
26. Candy and chocolate (as long as it’s not hot food)
27. Soft drinks (soda, energy drinks without alcohol)
28. Bottled water, flavored waters, iced tea
29. Coffee, tea (bags or ground)
Frozen Foods:
31. Frozen vegetables (green beans, peas, corn, spinach)
32. Frozen fruits (berries, mangoes, mixed fruit)
33. Frozen meals (TV dinners, frozen pizza)
34. Frozen meat and fish (frozen chicken breasts, frozen shrimp)
Cooking and Baking Ingredients:
36. Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, gluten-free)
37. Sugar (granulated, brown sugar, powdered sugar)
38. Baking powder, baking soda
39. Salt, pepper, spices, and seasonings
40. Vegetable oils (canola, olive oil, coconut oil)
41. Butter, margarine, and lard
See Also: 104 Eligible Items You Can Buy with EBT
Baby Food and Formula:
42. Infant formula (Similac, Enfamil, Gerber)
43. Baby food jars (pureed fruits, vegetables, meats)
44. Baby cereal (oatmeal, rice cereal)
45. Baby snacks (crackers, puffs)
Seeds and Plants:
46. Seeds for growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, herbs like basil)
47. Plants that produce food (e.g., fruit trees, vegetable plants like pepper or tomato plants)
Special Dietary Foods:
48. Gluten-free foods (bread, pasta, flour, crackers)
49. Lactose-free products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
50. Low-sodium foods (canned beans, low-sodium broth)
51. Organic produce and meat (fruits, vegetables, meats)
Items You CANNOT Buy with Food Stamps:
While food stamps provide flexibility, there are items you cannot purchase. These include:
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Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits)
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Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars)
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Vitamins, medicine, or dietary supplements
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Hot foods (prepared and ready-to-eat meals from grocery stores or restaurants)
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Non-food items (cleaning products, household goods, pet food, cosmetics)
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Food that is meant to be eaten in the store (e.g., a sandwich from the deli)
See Also: 31 Things You Can Buy with AmeriHealth Caritas OTC Card
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Food Stamp Benefits
Understanding what you can buy with food stamps can help you make the most of your benefits. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, protein-rich meats, or pantry staples, food stamps provide the flexibility to stock up on essential items for your household.
By focusing on nutrient-dense, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can ensure that your family is getting the nutrition they need while making your food stamp benefits go further.
Remember, food stamps are a valuable resource, and with careful planning, you can create a well-rounded diet without breaking the bank!
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