Last updated: January 21, 2026

Quick summary

• Starting February 18, 2026, Louisiana is changing what you can buy with SNAP EBT.

• SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy many soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

• Your SNAP benefit amount is not changing. Most regular groceries are not affected.

What is changing in Louisiana

When the new rules start

The new rules begin on February 18, 2026. They are currently approved as a two-year pilot by USDA and the State of Louisiana.

What you cannot buy with SNAP anymore

You will not be able to use SNAP EBT to buy:

• Soft drinks: carbonated nonalcoholic beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners (not including flavored carbonated water, milk-based drinks, or beverages that are mostly juice).

• Energy drinks: drinks containing stimulants like added caffeine, guarana, or taurine that are marketed to boost energy or performance.

• Candy: sugar or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or similar ingredients in bars, drops, or pieces, including many products made with flour.

Louisiana’s waiver provides detailed definitions and examples. For questions about specific products, check the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website or ask an associate at the store where you’re shopping (online or in-store).

What stays the same

• These changes only affect what you can buy with SNAP benefits in Louisiana.

  • Note: You can still include these items in your basket online and in-store when you pay with EBT, but you'll need to pay for them with a different payment method, such as a debit or credit card.

• Your monthly SNAP amount is not changing because of this waiver.

• Staple groceries — like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and many pantry items — remain SNAP-eligible.

Keeping up to date

If you live in Louisiana and use the Forage app, we plan to:

• Update this page if Louisiana or USDA change the rules, and

• Share important reminders in the app or via push notifications so you know what to expect at checkout.