Florida SNAP bans sugary drinks, candy

Florida will stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to pay for soda, energy drinks, candy and some packaged desserts on Monday, April 20. (myflfamilies.com) The change applies statewide to SNAP purchases made with Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, and the Florida Department of Children and Families says retailers must reject those items at checkout beginning April 20, 2026. (myflfamilies.com) Florida’s new rules define soda as carbonated drinks sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, including regular, diet and zero-sugar brands. The state defines energy drinks as beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces that are marketed to boost energy or alertness. (myflfamilies.com) The state is also excluding candy and “ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts,” a category that includes products such as cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and ice cream cones when they are packaged for long shelf life. (myflfamilies.com) The policy comes from a federal waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture after Florida asked in May 2025 to narrow SNAP’s usual definition of eligible food. USDA’s approval says the demonstration project amends SNAP purchases in Florida to exclude those four categories. (fns.usda.gov) USDA also sent retailers a notice saying Florida SNAP stores cannot accept SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer payments for those products starting April 20, 2026. (usda.gov) Florida says the restriction is meant to align SNAP with “a more nutritious diet” and steer benefits toward “more nourishing foods.” The state built a public “Healthy SNAP” website for recipients and stores before the rollout. (myflfamilies.com) Supporters of the change have tied it to a broader push by federal and state officials to let states seek waivers for foods they consider unhealthy. USDA said in August 2025 that signed waivers for Florida and five other states would begin in 2026. (usda.gov) Critics say the limits will narrow choices for low-income households and could shift more demand to food banks. Feeding Tampa Bay told Fox 13 in late March that need was already up about 30% before the rule took effect. (fox13news.com) For SNAP recipients in Florida, the immediate change is simple: starting Monday, those drinks, candies and packaged desserts can stay on the shelf, but not on the SNAP tab. (fox13news.com)