New SNAP rules ban some junk-food purchases in 3 additional states - full list

New restrictions on what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can buy with their benefits are set to take effect in three more states this month, marking another step in a broader push to limit junk food purchases through the federal program.

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Which States Are Enforcing SNAP Junk Food Restrictions Now?

Beginning Feb. 15, Idaho and Oklahoma will implement new rules, followed by Louisiana on Feb. 18. The changes are part of a wider effort that has already reached several states, with more scheduled to follow in 2026.

This month, Idaho, Oklahoma and Louisiana join Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia in restricting certain SNAP purchases.

While each state’s waiver differs slightly, most prohibit buying soda, energy drinks and candy using SNAP benefits.

The initiative is tied to the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.

"Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, as per a report by Fox5NY.

"Thank you to the 18 governors who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans—especially our kids. Their courageous leadership is exactly what we need to Make America Healthy Again," said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, as per a report by Fox5NY.

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How Does SNAP Work?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service oversees SNAP, a program that cost just over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024. It provided an average of $190.59 per month to more than 42 million people.

Federal funds are distributed to states, which manage applications and determine eligibility under federal rules. Benefits are issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients use to purchase groceries, as per a report by Fox5NY.

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Which States Will Implement Restrictions in 2026?

Several additional states are set to adopt SNAP purchase restrictions in 2026. Below is a breakdown of states and their implementation details, as per a report by Fox5NY:

Arkansas (7/01/26): Restricts soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy.

Colorado (4/30/26): Restricts soft drinks.

Florida (4/20/26): Restricts soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.

Hawaii (8/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.

Idaho (2/15/26): Restricts soda and candy.

Indiana (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.

Iowa (1/01/26): Restricts all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue except food producing plants and seeds for food producing plants.

Louisiana (2/18/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

Missouri (10/01/26): Restricts candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages.

Nebraska (1/01/26): Restricts soda and energy drinks.

North Dakota (9/01/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

Oklahoma (2/15/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.

South Carolina (8/31/26): Restricts candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.

Tennessee (7/31/26): Restricts processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.

Texas (4/01/26): Restricts sweetened drinks and candy.

Utah (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.

Virginia (4/01/26): Restricts "sweetened beverages."

West Virginia (1/01/26): Restricts soda.

Why Are States Making These Changes?

Supporters argue the goal is to address chronic disease and improve public health outcomes by limiting taxpayer-funded purchases of high-sugar and highly processed foods.

With more states joining in 2026, SNAP food purchase restrictions are set to reshape how millions of Americans use their monthly benefits.

FAQs

When do the new SNAP restrictions begin?
Idaho and Oklahoma begin Feb. 15, while Louisiana starts Feb. 18. Other states will roll out restrictions throughout 2026.

What items are commonly restricted?
Most states are banning purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy and other sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits.