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Iowa Today
By the People, for the People
New SNAP Benefit Rules Take Effect in Multiple States
Certain high-sugar and low-nutrition items will no longer be eligible for purchase under the new guidelines.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Several states are introducing new restrictions on what can be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the federal program that helps low-income households purchase groceries. Under the new rules, certain high-sugar or low-nutrition items like soda, candy, and energy drinks will no longer be eligible for purchase using SNAP funds.
Why it matters
These changes come through federal waivers approved in 2025, which give states more flexibility to determine what SNAP funds can buy. The push has come from the federal government, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. both having urged states to remove unhealthier food products from SNAP.
The details
SNAP benefits, often called food stamps, are loaded onto electronic benefit transfer cards that work much like debit cards, allowing recipients to purchase groceries. Under the new rules, certain high-sugar or low-nutrition items will no longer be eligible for purchase. In Idaho and Oklahoma, restrictions on purchasing soda and candy take effect on February 15. Louisiana follows on February 18, expanding the list to include soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks.
- On February 15, 2026, new SNAP restrictions on soda and candy take effect in Idaho and Oklahoma.
- On February 18, 2026, Louisiana expands its SNAP restrictions to include soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks.
The players
Brooke Rollins
Agriculture Secretary who has urged states to remove unhealthier food products from SNAP.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Health and Human Services Secretary who has urged states to remove unhealthier food products from SNAP.
Brad Little
Republican Governor of Idaho who welcomed the SNAP waiver allowing the state to implement new nutrition requirements.
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
A left-leaning think tank that criticized the SNAP changes, saying they do not improve the program or respect recipients' dignity.
What’s next
As these rules take effect, other states with approved waivers will roll out their changes throughout 2026.
The takeaway
The new SNAP restrictions aim to limit purchases of unhealthy foods and beverages, but critics argue that this polices recipients' choices and does not address the root causes of food insecurity and poor nutrition.
