SNAP Restrictions Expand to More States, Banning Soft Drinks and Candy

Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana now prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing sugary beverages and confections

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Three more states - Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana - have implemented new restrictions on what items Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can purchase with their benefits. The changes prohibit the use of SNAP funds to buy soft drinks, candy, and other sugary items, in an effort to promote healthier eating. Critics argue the restrictions unfairly target low-income Americans.

Why it matters

The SNAP program provides food assistance to around 1 in 8 Americans, so the new restrictions will impact a significant portion of the population. The changes raise questions about government oversight of SNAP benefits and whether such limits on purchases are an effective way to improve public health.

The details

Oklahoma, Idaho, and Louisiana have joined a growing number of states that have received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to modify their SNAP-approved food definitions. The new guidelines ban the use of SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks, which are defined as any beverage marketed as a soda, sports drink, energy drink, or flavored water with less than 100% juice. Candy, including candy bars, chocolate-covered items, and similar confections, is also prohibited, though baked goods and baking ingredients are still allowed.

  • The new SNAP restrictions in Oklahoma took effect on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Idaho implemented the changes on the same date, Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Louisiana's new SNAP rules will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the SNAP program and approved state waivers to modify approved food items.

Brooke Rollins

The current USDA Secretary, who stated the new waivers are intended to "protect our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods."

Chris Bernard

A representative from Hunger Free Oklahoma, who criticized the restrictions as "an opportunity to say you're doing something, while really just stigmatizing a single group of people for choices that everybody in America really makes."

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What they’re saying

“With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President's promise to Make America Healthy Again.”

— Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (Press release)

“It's about 18,000 items, and that will likely expand. It's an opportunity to say you're doing something, while really just stigmatizing a single group of people for choices that everybody in America really makes.”

— Chris Bernard, Hunger Free Oklahoma (Interview)

What’s next

The USDA has indicated that more states may receive waivers to implement similar SNAP restrictions on sugary drinks and candy in the coming year, as part of a broader initiative to promote healthier eating.

The takeaway

The expansion of SNAP restrictions on soda, candy, and other processed foods highlights the ongoing debate over government oversight of public assistance programs and the best ways to address public health concerns related to diet and nutrition, especially among low-income populations.