What Can You Buy With EBT? Complete SNAP Shopping Guide

What can you buy with EBT? An EBT card lets you pay for food with SNAP benefits at stores and online. You can use it for fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and even seeds to grow food. 

Moreover, some surprising items are also allowed for purchase, such as baby formula, energy drinks with nutrition labels, and uncooked seafood. However, you cannot use it for alcohol, tobacco, or hot meals.

Keep reading to learn the full list of allowed purchases, what’s not covered, and tips to maximize your benefits.

1. What are EBT and SNAP Benefits?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that lets you pay for groceries using your SNAP benefits. When you shop at a store that accepts SNAP, the money is taken directly from your EBT account to pay the store. Think of it as a debit card, but for food benefits.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides low-income households with better access to healthy and affordable food. States run their own SNAP programs, so the rules and benefits can vary from state to state. By knowing the rules, you can:

• Avoid declined purchases at checkout.
• Use monthly benefits wisely and avoid waste.
• Plan smarter shopping trips and buy healthier items.

EBT cards are accepted in grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and even online at major retailers in some states. If you understand both federal and state rules, you can get the most value from your SNAP benefits.

>>> Read more: How to Get a Free iPhone With Food Stamps in 2025

2. What Can You Buy With EBT Cards?

If you use SNAP benefits, you can buy many types of food with your EBT card. Below is a list of goods that you can buy with an EBT Card. Some items may surprise you because they are not always thought of as “basic groceries.”

• Staple Foods: You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. 
• Seeds & Plants: SNAP allows you to buy seeds and plants that grow food. This means you can plant vegetables or herbs at home and stretch your benefits even further.
• Snacks & Packaged Goods: Items like chips, cookies, and soda are also covered. 
• Special Items: You can buy baby formula, nutritional drinks such as Ensure, ice, and bottled water. These are often surprising things you can buy with food stamps because many people do not expect them to be included.

Your EBT card gives you flexibility. By knowing what is eligible, you can mix essential foods with extra items that meet your family’s needs.

3. What Can You Not Buy With an EBT Card

While SNAP benefits cover many groceries, there are limits on what your EBT card can be used for. You should not purchase these goods to avoid decline at checkout.

• Alcohol and Tobacco: Products such as beer, wine, liquor, and cigarettes are not covered by EBT.
• Vitamins and Supplements: If the item has a “Supplement Facts” label, it cannot be purchased with SNAP. This includes most vitamins, dietary pills, and workout powders.
• Hot Prepared Meals: Meals sold hot and ready-to-eat, like rotisserie chicken or deli food, are not allowed. The only exception is if your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, which is limited to certain groups like seniors or people with disabilities.
• Non-Food Items: SNAP is for food only. Household goods like cleaning supplies, pet food, paper products, and toiletries are not eligible.

By keeping these restrictions in mind, you can plan shopping trips better and focus your EBT benefits on groceries that do qualify.

4. Surprising EBT-Eligible Items

Many people only think of basic groceries when using an EBT card. But there are some surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart and other SNAP-approved stores. These items are fully eligible as long as they follow federal guidelines.

• Seafood: Fresh and uncooked seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, and fish, can be purchased with EBT. As long as it’s not hot or prepared, it qualifies.
• Bakery Cakes and Cupcakes: You can buy cakes, cupcakes, and other bakery goods if they are not served hot. Decorative birthday cakes are also allowed.
• Energy Drinks: Some energy drinks are eligible. If the label says “Nutrition Facts” instead of “Supplement Facts,” you can purchase them with your EBT card.
• Gift Baskets: Contain mostly food (more than 50% of the value) and are allowed. For example, a holiday basket with fruit and snacks qualifies, but one filled mostly with candles or toys does not.

5. Using EBT at Major Retailers & Online

What can you buy with EBT at Walmart online or other large retailers? Today, EBT is accepted not only in stores but also through online platforms, so you have more flexibility.

• Walmart: You can use your EBT card to buy groceries, seeds, and plants that grow food, as well as select packaged items through Walmart’s website or app. Items eligible for SNAP will be marked at checkout.
• Amazon: Amazon accepts EBT for pantry staples, bulk groceries, and non-perishable goods. You can shop from the “SNAP EBT Eligible” section, which is available nationwide.
• Farmers’ Markets: Many farmers’ markets now accept EBT for fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced meat or dairy. Some markets even double your benefits through “bonus bucks” programs, allowing you to get more food for the same amount.

Note: EBT benefits cover only the food items. Delivery fees, tips, or service charges are not included, so you will need another payment method to cover them.

6. How to Stretch Your EBT Benefits

Using your EBT card wisely can help you feed your family better and make benefits last longer. Follow these steps to stretch every dollar:

Step 1: Plan Before You Shop

First, you check weekly sales, store flyers, and digital coupons. Then, plan meals around discounted items and seasonal produce to cut costs.

Step 2: Buy in Bulk When Possible

Pick up shelf-stable items like rice, pasta, beans, or canned vegetables in larger packages. Bulk buying usually lowers the cost per unit.

Step 3: Grow Your Own Food

You can use your EBT benefits to buy seeds and plants that produce food. Growing herbs, lettuce, or tomatoes at home gives you fresh produce at a low cost.

Step 4: Compare Prices Smartly

Look at unit prices (cost per pound or ounce) instead of just the sticker price. You should avoid pre-cut fruits and pre-packaged meals since they cost more.

Step 5: Cook More at Home

Prepare meals in larger portions and store leftovers. Home-cooked meals are often healthier and more affordable than store-bought ready meals.

By following these steps, you can stretch your EBT benefits, reduce waste, and keep your household well-fed on a budget.

7. Can I Receive a Free Smartphone/Tablet With EBT?

Yes, you can. If you qualify for the Lifeline program, you may receive a free smartphone or tablet along with monthly service. Having an EBT card means you are enrolled in SNAP benefits, which is one of the eligibility requirements for Lifeline. 

This makes you automatically qualified to apply for a free SIM card and free smartphone package through a trusted Lifeline provider like TAG Mobile.

7.1. How TAG Mobile Helps Maximize Your EBT Benefits?

TAG Mobile is a trusted Lifeline provider that offers free or discounted devices and plans to low-income households, including those using EBT. With TAG Mobile, you can access:

• A free or highly discounted phone/tablet, from basic to smart models
• Free unlimited talk and text every month
• Free international calling to over 200 countries worldwide
• Up to 15 GB of monthly data
• Option to activate your own phone with a free TAG Mobile SIM card
• Tribal plans with enhanced benefits

7.2. Quick and Reliable Services from TAG Mobile

Many customers choose TAG Mobile not only for the benefits but also for the reliable service it provides:

• Fast approval: Most applications are processed in under 30 minutes
• Free shipping: Devices arrive in 7–10 business days with tracking
• Friendly support: Available online or by phone before applying and after receiving your phone plan.
• Strong nationwide coverage: Service available in both urban and tribal areas
• Wide device selection: From free entry-level phones to upgraded smartphones and tablets

Already on SNAP with an EBT card? You may be just a few clicks away from a free phone and data plan. Check your eligibility HERE today with TAG Mobile.

DISCLAIMER: The government does not cover device costs, only basic service through Lifeline. Any free or discounted devices, upgrades, or top-ups are limited-time TAGMobile offers and may vary by state, eligibility, and availability. Terms and conditions apply.

>>> Read more: Where Can I Get A Free Tablet With Food Stamps? Latest Tutorial

FAQs

Q1. What can you buy with EBT cash benefits?

EBT cash can be used like a debit card for non-food items such as toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, or even transport in some states.

Q2. What can I buy with EBT California?

In California, you can buy groceries, farmers market goods, and use EBT online. The state also allows some users to buy hot meals under the Restaurant Meals Program.

Q3. What is the most bought item with food stamps?

USDA data shows soft drinks are the most purchased SNAP item. Other top items include meats, bread, milk, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.

Final Words

What can you buy with EBT? SNAP benefits cover most groceries, seeds, and even some items you might not expect. However, they do not cover alcohol, hot meals, or non-food products. Check your state rules for details before shopping. 

With careful planning, you can maximize your benefits, support healthier meals, and even access related programs, such as free phones through Lifeline providers.