US EditionSNAP Restrictions on Junk Food in Certain States Begin in 2026
Five states will restrict SNAP benefits from buying sugary foods and drinks starting Jan. 1, affecting about 1.4 million people as part of a federal public health effort.
- Five states—Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia—will begin SNAP restrictions on Jan. 1, affecting about 1.4 million people with limits on sugary foods and drinks.
- As part of the MAHA initiative, officials say the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administration officials framed waivers to refocus SNAP on nutrition and improve health outcomes.
- Restrictions vary by state, with some targeting drinks and others broader items; retailers are updating point-of-sale systems, posting signage and training employees, while item definitions like the granola bars rule differ in clarity.
- Recipients report confusion at checkout and stigma, with critics saying the bill punishes poor people and increases program stigma, while trade groups warn of implementation challenges.
- Departing from long-standing federal rules, the waivers mark a break from Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 policy, with past USDA research citing cost and complexity concerns and state governments required to assess impacts as approvals roll out across 18 states.
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Soda, candy cut for many SNAP users starting Jan. 1. What states are affected?
Here’s what to know about the upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
As of January 1, 2026, new regulations will enter into force in five states that will significantly restrict the type of products under the Supplementary Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).This update in state policies seeks to encourage healthier habits, and remove certain processed, sugary, and low nutritional value foods from the list of eligible items.Foods that can no longer be purchased with SNAP in 2026A new regulation on food assistan…
5 states to see big changes to SNAP food benefits starting Jan. 1
Starting Jan. 1, people who get SNAP food benefits will see some new rules on what they can buy. In several states, people who use SNAP cards will no longer be able to buy sugary drinks like soda, candy and other sweets. These changes are part of a plan to help people eat healthier food.
Five states to begin blocking soda and candy from SNAP benefits
Starting Thursday, grocery shopping will look different for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. Five states are rolling out new limits on what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can buy, including soda, candy and other sweetened foods, after securing federal waivers. The changes mark the first wave of a broader push encouraged by the Trump administration to narrow how food stamp dollars can be used, with mor…
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