Indiana to Ban Buying Sugary Drinks, Candy with SNAP Benefits Starting Jan. 1

Indiana to ban buying sugary drinks, candy with SNAP benefits starting Jan. 1

Changes are coming to how Indiana residents can use their SNAP benefits starting in the new year.

State prepares for SNAP ban on sugary drinks, candy

INDIANAPOLIS — Beginning Jan. 1, more than half a million low-income Indiana residents won’t be able to use government food assistance to buy sugary drinks or candy. And state officials are preparing retailers and participants for the changes.

Indiana will ban candy, sugary drinks from SNAP benefit purchases starting Jan. 2026

Smart SNAP regulations go into effect January 1, 2026 in Indiana.

State SNAP Ban On Sugary Drinks, Candy Takes Effect Jan. 1

by: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz  Indiana Capital Chronicle Beginning Jan. 1, more than half a million low-income Indiana residents won’t be able to use government food assistance to buy sugary drinks or candy. And state officials are preparing retailers and participants for the changes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative. But leaders in Indiana and beyond aim to reshape what recipients