Last updated: April 15, 2026

⚠️ Update: Colorado's proposed SNAP restrictions on soda and sugary drinks have been indefinitely paused. The rules described below are not in effect. You can keep buying the same items with your EBT card.

Quick summary (revised)

• Colorado's proposed restrictions on buying soda and certain sugary drinks with SNAP EBT have been indefinitely paused.

• Nothing has changed about what you can buy with SNAP in Colorado.

• This could still be revisited — we're watching it and will update this page if anything changes.

⚠️ Note: The information below describes the restrictions as originally proposed. These restrictions are not currently in effect. ⚠️

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.