By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know beginning April 20, 2026, Starting Florida SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use benefits to purchase energy drinks, soda, candy, or any ultra-processed prepared dessert?
The ban on these products, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a two-year demonstration project, explicitly excludes soda (carbonated beverages with added sugars or artificial sweeteners) and candies (sweetened chocolate, fruit, nut, or caramel products), but doesn’t ban chips, or other savory snacks.
If you receive SNAP benefits, here is a of what you are, and are not allowed:
- Banned Items: Soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts.
- Allowed Items: Chips, savory snacks, fresh produce, grains, meats, dairy, and other nutrient-rich foods remain eligible for purchase.
The restriction applies to SNAP benefits used at retailers, with the state required to track transactions and survey recipients to evaluate if “nutrient dense purchases” increase. The policy aims to align the program with its purpose of providing a nutritious diet, though it remains one of the more restrictive waivers in the country compared to states that only ban soft drinks and candy.