Changes will be coming down the line for Florida SNAP benefit recipients this coming spring, affecting what they can purchase.
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts will no longer be available for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The department said it made the changes to ensure that SNAP benefits were being used for more nutritious foods.
“Florida made this change to better align SNAP with its intended purpose: providing low-income households access to a more nutritious diet to help alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition,” a statement on the department’s website said.
While the Healthy Snap policy will restrict a wide range of products, the following items can still be purchased with SNAP benefits:
- Plain or naturally flavored sparkling water (Ex: LaCroix, Waterloo, Polar, and Bubly)
- Drinks with over 50% juice or less than 5 grams of added sugar
- Coffee and tea
- Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade
- Fresh baked goods (These are different from ultra-processed sweets that are made “out of ‘chemically’ modified substances extracted from foods, along with additives to enhance taste, texture, appearance, and durability, with minimal whole foods.”
Under the new policy, SNAP retailers will update their point-of-sale providers to block the restricted items from being purchased through the benefits. The state also said retailers will need to ensure their staff is trained to handle customer questions.
The changes will officially take effect on April 20, 2026.
The state of Florida received USDA approval in August 2025 to implement these changes for a two-year period, beginning on Jan 1. 2026. If the state wishes to continue the current policy beyond Dec. 31, 2027, it must file a request by June 30, 2027.
Florida is not the only state implementing these restrictions. Seventeen other states were granted waivers to redefine what foods could be purchased with SNAP funds.