SNAP Changes in 2026: Which 22 States Are Restricting Benefits?
With so much government funding being cut lately, many benefits and assistance programs are on the chopping block or have been restricted in some major ways. In fact, Senate Republican tax bill initiatives designed to slash the federal safety net (to the tune of over $1 trillion in social spending) are projected to potentially cost more than $3 trillion when stretched out over the next decade, causing massive cuts to programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and others.
Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture funds SNAP, state agencies are responsible for general administration and ensuring program integrity. State agencies determine eligibility for SNAP benefits based on a household's income and assets and then issue monthly allotments.
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Here are some ways SNAP benefits are being restricted in 2026 and beyond in several states.
Indiana, Iowa, Idaho, Nebraska, Utah, Louisiana and West Virginia
According to the USDA, these states have had waivers approved to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of unhealthy foods and drinks. The results are the same even if the legislation differs slightly. As of Jan. 1, 2026, these six states were some of the first to ban purchasing things like soda and candy with your SNAP benefits.
More specifically, West Virginia lawmakers have enacted expanded work requirements that would require all individuals who are over the age of 17 and under the age of 60 to enroll in an employment and training program.
Senator Ben Hansen in Nebraska proposed legislation in 2024 that would require able-bodied SNAP claimants who are not currently employed to enroll in a work and training program. The SNAP Next Step Program is now in place in the state, but it's not mandatory.
As of February 2026, Louisiana and Idaho also restricted candy and soft drinks, with Louisiana adding energy drinks to the no-no list as well.
Colorado, Florida and Texas
As of April 2026, these states joined the roster of growing SNAP restrictions. Colorado stuck to just soda or soft drinks like other states, but Florida took it further by also banning energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts. In Texas, SNAP recipients can no longer buy candy or any sweetened drink containing more than five grams of added sugar or any artificial sweetener.
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Arkansas, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia
These states have bills under consideration that would restrict SNAP purchases of certain items. These restrictions typically involve banning the purchase of sugary drinks, candy or other junk food items. Many of these states have restrictions in place or are rolling them out later in 2026.
Here is a brief breakdown of how and when they these rollouts will take place, according to the USDA:
Arkansas: Starting July 1, 2026, there will be restrictions on the purchase of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, energy drinks, unhealthy drinks, and candy.
Montana: Starting Sept. 30, 2026, there will be restrictions on the purchase of high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts.
North Dakota: Starting of Sept. 1, 2026, there will be restrictions on the purchase of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy.
Ohio: Starting Oct. 1, 2026, there will be restrictions on sugar-sweetened beverages.
South Carolina: Starting Aug. 31, 2026, it will restrict the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
Tennessee: Starting July 31, 2026, there will be restrictions on the purchase of processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks and candy.
Virginia: Starting Oct. 1, 2026, the state will restrict sweetened beverages.
Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, Kansas and Wyoming
These states have future rollouts on deck for 2027 and 2028. Here’s the USDA’s pending outline:
Hawaii: Starting April 1, 2027, there will be restrictions on soft drinks.
Missouri: Starting Feb. 15, 2027, there will be restrictions on purchases for candy, prepared desserts and certain unhealthy beverages.
Nevada: Starting Feb. 1, 2028, the state will restrict purchases on candy and sugar-sweetened beverages
Kansas: Starting Feb. 15, 2027, there will be restrictions on candy and soft drinks.
Wyoming: Starting Feb. 1, 2027, there will be restrictions on sweetened carbonated beverages.
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