Is Washington Going to Ban SNAP Benefit Users from Buying Sodas and Candy?

Recently, several states have opted to take away the benefit of buying sodas/pop/cold drinks and candy from people who are using food stamps. They are using a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Will Washington State join the growing list?

Sodas and Candy: The Latest Targets of SNAP Benefits Bans

People new to using food stamps here in Washington need to know what they cannot buy with their WIC, SNAP, and TANF benefits (I have provided a list below). In the U.S., our SNAP benefits do allow sodas and candy, but each state can ask for a waiver to restrict anything currently allowed on the approved food list.

Twelve states have already asked for waivers that go into effect in 2026, so first, let's see why sweets and treats are on the chopping block in the first place, straight from the source, then we'll see which states have signed up to be on the list.

'Taxpayer Dollars and Nutritious Options' to 'Improve Health Outcomes'

In addition to candy and sodas, some of the states with waivers are also prohibiting prepared desserts, energy drinks, and "fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice."

The two reasons cited by USDA encouraging states to forbid SNAP users from buying sodas and candy with their benefits include being frugal with taxpayer spending on food stamp benefits and improving health and nutrition for food stamp users.

Does Washington Ban Sodas and Candy on SNAP?

Idaho has joined the list, but Washington is not one of the states that have yanked away the candy and sodas from its low-income residents. There are, however, several categories of foods and goods that any person is allowed to buy using their SNAP benefits. This is due to USDA guidelines.

• Pet Food
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Cigarettes
• Vitamins or Supplements
• Makeup
• Cleaning Supplies
• Hot Restaurant Food
• Food Products with CBD or Cannabis in it
• Medicine
• Live Animals
• Paper Products
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Household Supplies

States That Have Opted Out of Sodas and Candy for SNAP

• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Utah
• West Virginia

The one thing each of these states have in common is obesity rates. In most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report on adult obesity rates by state, West Virginia comes on top as having the highest obesity rate in the United States, with 42% average of their adult resident population being labeled obese. (See where your state landed for obesity rates here.)

Read More: See the Unexpected Places You Actually CAN Use Your EBT Card in WA

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EBT cards can be used to buy a lot of things to keep you well-fed and nourished during times that are tough, like after losing a job or suddenly losing your home.

***According to the 2023 report from the CDC, Washington State's adult population obesity rate is an average of 37%.