Idaho House Committee Advances Bill to Clarify SNAP Food Definitions

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The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee voted to send a bill to the full House that would clarify the definitions of 'candy' and 'soda' under state law for the purposes of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill specifies that certain items like baked goods, fruit snacks, and protein bars would not be considered candy, and that beverages containing milk, juice, or nutritional supplements would not be considered soda.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to provide more clarity around what SNAP recipients can purchase with their benefits, which is an important issue as food insecurity and the need for public assistance programs continue to grow. The updated definitions could impact what low-income Idahoans are able to buy with their SNAP funds.

The details

House Bill 903 would update Idaho's legal definitions of 'candy' and 'soda' to exclude certain food and beverage items from those categories. For candy, the bill specifies that baked goods, fruit snacks made with real fruit, trail mix, granola or protein bars, and ingredients used in baking would not be considered candy. For soda, the bill excludes beverages containing milk or milk substitutes, fruit or vegetable juice greater than 50% by volume, sports drinks, oral rehydration solutions, and nutritional supplements.

• The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee voted on the bill on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
• If the bill becomes law, it would take effect on July 1, 2026.

What’s next

If the bill passes the full Idaho House, it will then move to the state Senate for consideration before potentially being signed into law by the governor.