Which States Ban Soda and Candy on SNAP? The Full List Heading Into 2027

For millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a trip to the grocery store is starting to look different. A growing number of states have received federal approval to stop SNAP benefits from being used on soda, candy, energy drinks, and other sugary items. Some of those rules are already in effect, while others are set to begin in the coming months.

The changes are part of the “Make America Healthy Again” push championed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Supporters say the restrictions encourage healthier eating, while critics argue they limit personal choice and create headaches for retailers.

Adding to the confusion, a federal court has struck down the rules in several states, and some start dates have shifted. Here is a state-by-state look at where things stand heading into 2027, based on the latest tracker from the National Association of Convenience Stores.

How Many States Have Restrictions?

According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, whose tracker was last updated September 24, 2026, twenty-three states have received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restrict what foods SNAP recipients can buy. These approvals are known as waivers.

SNAP serves more than 41 million Americans, according to the group. Each state defines its restricted products differently, which means the rules can vary a lot from one state line to the next.

States With Restrictions Already in Effect

Several states began their restrictions earlier in 2026, according to the NACS tracker. Indiana restricts soft drinks and candy, starting January 1, 2026. Utah restricts soft drinks, also beginning January 1, 2026.

Idaho restricts soda and candy, and Oklahoma restricts soft drinks and candy, both starting February 15, 2026. Louisiana restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy, beginning February 18, 2026. Texas restricts sweetened drinks and candy, starting April 1, 2026, and Florida restricts soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts, starting April 20, 2026. Arkansas restricts soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy beverages, and candy, with a start date of July 1, 2026.

States Starting November 1, 2026

Several states pushed back their original start dates to November 1, 2026, according to NACS. Montana restricts high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. North Dakota restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

South Carolina restricts candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages. Virginia restricts “sweetened beverages.” Shoppers in these states should check with their state SNAP agency for the latest details.

States Starting in 2027 and 2028

More states are scheduled to begin their restrictions over the next year and beyond. Wyoming will restrict sweetened, carbonated beverages starting February 1, 2027. Kansas will restrict candy and soft drinks, and Missouri will restrict candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages, both beginning February 15, 2027.

Hawaii will restrict soft drinks starting April 1, 2027. Nevada will restrict candy and sugar-sweetened beverages, beginning February 1, 2028. These dates could still change, so families should keep an eye on announcements from their state.

Ohio’s Plan Is Delayed

Ohio received approval to restrict sugar-sweetened beverages, but its plan has been delayed. According to the NACS tracker, the restriction was “delayed at the request of FNA,” and no new start date had been set as of the tracker’s last update.

Ohio residents who use SNAP can continue to buy these drinks for now. The state’s Department of Job and Family Services is the best source for updates.

States Where a Judge Struck Down the Rules

On June 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson struck down SNAP food restriction waivers in five states, ruling that the USDA did not have the legal authority to approve them in the first place, according to NACS. The ruling affected Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The USDA has appealed the decision. The ruling does not affect the other 18 states with waivers. In Nebraska’s case, NACS notes that the soda and energy drink waiver was struck down, but a separate candy restriction was still expected to take effect in November 2026.

Why Retailers Are Concerned

Grocery stores and convenience stores have raised concerns about the cost and complexity of the new rules. According to NACS, there are more than 650,000 food and beverage products on the market that need to be evaluated as SNAP-eligible or not, and retailers must update their checkout systems, shelf labels, and staff training.

A study co-led by NACS, the National Grocers Association, and FMI, the Food Industry Association, estimated the upfront cost of compliance at $1.56 billion across the food retail sector. Convenience stores, which make up about 45% of SNAP-authorized retailers, bear the largest share.

What Supporters and Critics Say

Supporters of the restrictions argue that SNAP should help families buy nutritious food, not sugary drinks and candy. They point to high rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases in the United States. State leaders who requested waivers have said the changes will encourage healthier choices and reduce long-term health care costs.

Critics argue that the restrictions limit personal freedom and treat SNAP recipients differently from other shoppers. Some worry that the rules could make shopping more confusing and embarrassing at the checkout. Retailers and anti-hunger groups have also raised concerns about the cost and complexity of enforcing the rules.

The debate is likely to continue as more states seek waivers and court cases move forward. The outcome of the USDA’s appeal of the June 2026 ruling could also affect whether more states are allowed to restrict SNAP purchases in the future.

For families, staying informed is the most important step. Rules are already changing state by state, and some take effect soon, such as candy becoming off limits for SNAP shoppers in Kansas and Missouri in February 2027.

What SNAP Shoppers Should Do

If you use SNAP, the most important step is to check the rules in your own state. State SNAP agencies and the USDA provide the most up-to-date information. Rules can change because of court decisions, appeals, and new waiver approvals.

If you use SNAP, check the rules in your own state and review your usual purchases before the changes take effect. We will keep watching for updates as more states move forward and court cases continue.