In Louisiana, Food benefits help thousands of families put meals on the table every month. When rules change, it can feel confusing or even overwhelming for those who rely on SNAP. But the more you know about what to expect, the easier it’ll be to plan your grocery trips and avoid surprises at checkout.
On February 18, 2026, Louisiana began using a new rule called the SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver, sometimes called the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver. This rule limits the types of items you can purchase with your EBT card.
The waiver will stay in place until January 12, 2028. During this time, some foods that were previously allowed with SNAP benefits will no longer be covered by the state.
If you use SNAP, you need to understand these changes before going to the store. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What You Can No Longer Buy with EBT
Under the new rule, the following items can no longer be purchased using SNAP benefits:
- Soft drinks. These are carbonated drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. This doesn’t include flavored sparkling water, drinks that contain milk or milk substitutes, or beverages made of at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
- Energy drinks. These drinks contain stimulants like caffeine, guarana, taurine, or similar ingredients that increase energy or alertness. They may also contain vitamins, herbal extracts, sugars, or other compounds.
- Candy. Sweet foods made from sugar, honey, or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or flavorings are all considered candy. This category also includes gum and mints, but it doesn’t include granola bars, protein bars, or baking ingredients like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Grocery stores have already updated their checkout systems to separate EBT-eligible foods from restricted items. When a restricted product is scanned, it won’t be covered by SNAP. The cashier will ask for another form of payment (cash, debit card, or other funds).
For more information about restricted foods, read this Louisiana Department of Health resource.
What You Can Still Buy on EBT
Most of the foods you’re used to buying are still covered by SNAP. You can continue to use your EBT card for fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, and fish. Dairy products such as milk and cheese are also allowed. Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, and other grains remain eligible as well. SNAP benefits can also be used to buy seeds and plants that grow food at home.
Why Were These SNAP Restrictions Added?
Louisiana health leaders introduced the waiver to help reduce diet-related health problems in the state. Heart disease and diabetes are very common among Louisianans.
Soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar or stimulants. Consuming these items too often can lead to long-term health problems. By limiting SNAP purchases for these items, the goal is to encourage healthier food choices while still allowing families to buy the groceries they need.
Will My Benefits Change?
Your SNAP benefits will stay the same. This waiver does not change who qualifies for SNAP or how much assistance someone receives.
The only change is in what you can buy with EBT Louisiana.
How to Get More Information
Do you have more questions about the SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver in Louisiana? Your best resource is the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services.
You can call their office at (888) 524-3578, send an email to LAHELPU@la.gov, or speak with your SNAP caseworker. They can explain the Louisiana SNAP EBT Food Restrictions of 2026 and help you understand how they apply to your benefits.
