State-by-State Breakdown of New or Updated Approved Drinks
| State | Status | Effective Date | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Active | Jan 1, 2026 | Soft drinks, Candy |
| Indiana | Active | Jan 1, 2026 | Soft drinks, Candy |
| Alabama | Active | Jan 1, 2026 | Soft drinks, Energy drinks |
| Arkansas | Active | Jan 1, 2026 | Sugary drinks |
| Florida | Upcoming | Apr 1, 2026 | Soda, Energy drinks, Candy |
| Texas | Upcoming | Mar 1, 2026 | Soda, Candy, Cookies |
| Kansas | In Review | Pending | Watching Phase 1 results |
| Kentucky | In Review | Pending | Watching Phase 1 results |
| California | Safe | N/A | Expanding EBT for hot meals |
| Oregon | Safe | N/A | Restaurant Meals Program |
| New York | Status Quo | N/A | Sodas still EBT eligible |
| Georgia | Status Quo | N/A | Sodas still EBT eligible |
⚠️ Active & Upcoming Restrictions
18 states implementing bans on soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks.
⏳ States In Review
KS, KY, NC, MD, VT watching Phase 1 results.
🛡️ Safe States
CA, OR, NJ pushing back. NY, GA, OH under federal rules.
⚠️ Federal Mandate Warning
The "Healthy SNAP Act" could move restrictions to nationwide mandate. Prepare your POS systems regardless of location.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program helping low-income individuals purchase food, formerly known as food stamps. Benefits are issued monthly onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which functions like a debit card at authorized retail stores for eligible food items.
Key Details About SNAP/EBT:
- How it Works: Recipients receive a card used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and some online retailers.
Eligibility: Generally based on household size, income limits (often 130% of the poverty line), and, for some, work requirements. - What it Covers: Food products, including breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy.
- What it Does Not Cover: Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or hot foods intended for immediate consumption.
- Application: Applications are submitted through state or local agencies.
SNAP benefits are designed to supplement food budgets for eligible households, with maximum monthly allotments determined by household size.