What Foods You Can Buy With SNAP Benefits

What SNAP covers and what it doesn't

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps) pays for food you cook at home, but not prepared meals, hot foods, or non-food items. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and frozen foods. You cannot buy restaurant meals, vitamins, medicine, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, or household supplies like soap or paper towels.

The rule is straightforward: if it's a raw or packaged food you prepare yourself, it's covered. If someone else prepared it or it's not food, it's not covered. This includes deli counter items that are hot or ready-to-eat, even if they're in the same store.

Seeds and plants that produce food are covered, so you can buy tomato seeds or herb seedlings. But ornamental plants, flowers, and anything grown purely for decoration are not covered.

Key Takeaways

SNAP covers all raw fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, bread, cereals, canned goods, frozen foods, and snacks you prepare yourself at home.
Hot or prepared foods from a deli counter, restaurant meals, and food from food trucks are never covered, even if purchased at a grocery store.
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries, pet food, alcohol, and tobacco cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Some stores offer SNAP-may be able to access items online with home delivery, though rules vary by state and retailer.
Seeds and plants that produce food are covered, but ornamental plants and flowers are not.

Fruits and vegetables

All fresh fruits and vegetables are covered, whether they're conventional or organic, loose or pre-packaged. This includes apples, bananas, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and every other produce item in the store. Pre-cut vegetables and fruits in plastic containers are also covered.

Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are covered too. Canned vegetables in sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, and canned fruit in juice or syrup all count. The only produce items not covered are those sold for ornamental purposes—like decorative gourds or pumpkins labeled as decoration rather than food.

Meat, poultry, and seafood

All raw and frozen meat, poultry, and fish are covered. This includes beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, ground meat, and seafood like salmon, shrimp, and canned tuna. Deli counter items that are hot or ready-to-eat—rotisserie chicken, sliced deli meat kept warm, prepared seafood—are not covered. But the same deli meat sold cold in a package is covered.

Processed meat products like hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and lunch meats in packages are covered. Organ meats, bone-in cuts, and specialty meats are all covered as long as they're raw or frozen, not hot.

Dairy, eggs, and bread

Milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and eggs are all covered. This includes all types of milk (whole, low-fat, skim, plant-based like almond or oat milk), all varieties of cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. Eggs—whether brown, white, or specialty varieties—are covered.

All bread and bread products are covered: white bread, whole wheat, bagels, English muffins, tortillas, pita, and rolls. Cereals, oatmeal, rice, pasta, and flour are covered. Baked goods from the bakery section that are not hot or prepared on-site are usually covered, but check with your store—some bakery items prepared fresh in the store may not be may be able to access.

Snacks and other packaged foods

Chips, crackers, cookies, granola bars, nuts, popcorn, and other shelf-stable snacks are covered. Canned soups, canned beans, peanut butter, jelly, cooking oils, spices, and condiments are all covered. Beverages like juice, coffee, and tea are covered, but soda and energy drinks are also covered—there is no restriction on sugary drinks.

Candy and sweets are covered. Ice cream and frozen desserts are covered. There are no restrictions based on nutritional content, so you can purchase items that are high in sugar or fat. The program does not limit what types of food you buy, only that the food is unprepared and not hot.

What is not covered

Hot or prepared foods are never covered, even if you buy them at a grocery store. This includes rotisserie chicken, hot pizza, prepared salads from the deli, hot soup, and anything from the hot food bar. Restaurant meals and food from food trucks are not covered. Vitamins, medicines, and supplements are not covered, even if sold in the food section.

Non-food items cannot be purchased: paper products, cleaning supplies, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, and any household item. Flowers, ornamental plants, and plants grown for decoration are not covered. Hot beverages prepared in-store (like hot coffee or tea) are not covered, but cold beverages and bottled drinks are.

Online shopping and delivery with SNAP

Some states allow SNAP benefits to be used for online grocery orders with home delivery. Amazon, Walmart, and some regional grocery chains participate in this program, but availability depends on your state and which retailers operate in your area. When you order online, the same rules explore: you can purchase unprepared food, but not hot foods, prepared items, or non-food goods.

If your state allows online SNAP purchases, you'll use your SNAP card the same way you would in a store. Check with your state's SNAP program or your local grocery store to see if this option is available where you live, as the program is still expanding and not all states or retailers participate yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy hot food from a grocery store deli with SNAP?

No. Hot or prepared foods are never covered, even if purchased at a grocery store. This includes rotisserie chicken, hot pizza, prepared salads, and items from a hot food bar. The same item sold cold or uncooked is covered—for example, raw chicken or deli meat in a cold package.

Are energy drinks and soda covered?

Yes. SNAP has no restrictions on beverages based on sugar content or nutritional value. Soda, energy drinks, juice, coffee, and tea are all covered. The only beverages not covered are hot drinks prepared in-store, like hot coffee made at the register.

Can I buy vitamins or supplements with SNAP?

No. Vitamins, minerals, supplements, and medicines are not covered, even if they're sold in the grocery store. Only food items are covered. If a product is labeled as a supplement or medicine, it cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.

What about bakery items—are fresh-baked goods covered?

Usually yes, but it depends on how the item is labeled and sold. Bread, bagels, and pastries from the bakery section that are packaged and not hot are covered. Hot items prepared fresh in the store (like hot pizza or fresh-baked hot bread) are not covered. When in doubt, ask the cashier before you check out.

Can I buy seeds or plants to grow food?

Yes. Seeds for vegetables, herbs, and fruits are covered. Live plants that produce food—like tomato seedlings or herb plants—are covered. Ornamental plants, flowers, and plants grown purely for decoration are not covered.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.