Snap bans on candy, soda to start in five US states

December 31, 2025

Five U.S. states will begin restricting what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits on New Year's Day, prohibiting items such as soda, candy, and energy drinks for program recipients. This initiative, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Who is affected

Nearly 42 million Americans (12% of the U.S. population) who receive SNAP benefits
Lower-income families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Retailers who sell groceries to SNAP recipients
Program participants in West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, and Missouri

What action is being taken

Five states (West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska) are implementing bans on items like soda, candy, and energy drinks starting New Year's Day
18 states have submitted requests for waivers to restrict more foods and drinks under SNAP
Additional states are rolling out restrictions throughout 2026 (Florida and Texas in April, South Carolina in August, Missouri in October)

Why it matters

This policy represents a significant shift in SNAP, which has historically allowed beneficiaries to purchase most grocery items, and affects access to food choices for 12% of the U.S. population. Health Secretary Kennedy argues these restrictions are necessary because taxpayer dollars should not fund products that contribute to America's diabetes and chronic disease epidemics. However, opponents warn that the changes will create confusion and additional hardship for an already-strained program and its vulnerable recipients who are still recovering from recent benefit delivery delays caused by government shutdowns.

What's next

West Virginia and Utah bans on sodas begin Thursday
Nebraska bans on sodas and energy drinks begin Thursday
Indiana bans on sodas and candy begin Thursday
Iowa implements the strictest rules banning soda, candy, and other pre-packaged foods subject to state sales tax on Thursday
Florida and Texas will start their bans in April 2026
South Carolina will begin restrictions in August 2026
Missouri will implement bans in October 2026

Read full article from source: BBC