Last updated: February 23, 2026

Quick summary

• Starting March 1, 2026, Colorado is changing what you can buy with SNAP EBT.

• Many sugary soft drinks will no longer be SNAP-eligible if they meet the state’s sugar limits.

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

What is changing in Colorado

When the new rules start

The new rules begin on March 1, 2026. They are currently approved as a two-year pilot by USDA and the State of Colorado.

What you cannot buy with SNAP anymore

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

• Soft drinks with added sweeteners that meet Colorado’s “soft drink” definition, including many regular sodas and sugary fruit drinks.

• Sugary beverages that have at least 5 grams of added sweetener per 12 ounces, as specified in the waiver.

You will still be able to use SNAP funds to purchase drinks that contain milk or milk substitutes, as well as drinks that are mostly (more than 50%) fruit or vegetable juice.

If you are not sure whether a specific drink is affected, check your state SNAP 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 Colorado.

  • 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.

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

For full details, visit your local county office or Colorado’s Department of Human Services website.

Keeping up to date

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

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

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