Which states have approved SNAP food restriction waivers?

As of March 2026, 22 states have approved SNAP food restriction waivers: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

What foods are restricted from SNAP purchases under state waivers?

Restricted items vary by state but commonly include: soda and soft drinks (all 22 states), energy drinks (18 states), candy (14 states), prepared desserts (8 states), and juice drinks with less than 50% real juice (6 states).

What is the SNAP waiver retailer compliance grace period?

USDA provides a 90-day grace period after a state waiver takes effect. During this period, retailers must update POS systems to block restricted UPCs.

SNAP Waiver Tracker 2026 — State-by-State Food Restriction Waivers

State-by-State SNAP Waiver Tracker

All states with approved SNAP food restriction waivers — search, filter, and see retailer compliance details.

Approved Waiver States

22 states shown · Updated daily

	State↕	Status↕	Implementation Date↕	Grace Period End↕	Restricted Categories↕	Restricted SKUs↕
Grace Period (8)
	Iowa	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	All Taxable Foods	—
	Idaho	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	SodaCandy	—
	Indiana	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	SodaCandy	—
	Nebraska	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	SodaEnergy Drinks	—
	Oklahoma	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	CandySoda	—
	Utah	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	Soda	—
	West Virginia	Grace Period	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	Soda	—
	Louisiana	Grace Period	Jan 15, 2026	Apr 15, 2026	SodaEnergy DrinksCandy	—
Approved — Not Yet Enforcing (14)
	Florida	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Jan 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	SodaEnergy DrinksCandyPrepared Desserts	—
	Colorado	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Mar 1, 2026	May 30, 2026	Soda	—
	Texas	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Apr 1, 2026	Jun 30, 2026	Soda, Energy DrinksCandy	—
Restricted Items Soda, Energy Drinks: Sweetened drinks means nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. Excluded from this definition are beverages that contain: (1) milk or milk products; (2) soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes; or (3) more than 50 percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume. Candy: Candy means a confection made with natural or artificial sweeteners. Examples include candy bars; gum; drops; taffy; nuts, raisins, and fruits that have been candied, crystalized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel; and nuts roasted with a sweetener. The term does not include products used exclusively for cooking, such as chocolate bits and cake sprinkles and snack items as defined by the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 34, Section 3.293 (a)(14). Retailer Requirements The State will provide a finalized compliance and monitoring plan for SNAP-authorized retailers. As part of the compliance plan prior to Project implementation, the State will have SNAP-authorized retailers confirm Project compliance. For example, retailers may complete and return a self-attestation compliance form for the Project. SNAP-authorized retailers are solely responsible for managing Project compliance with third party e-commerce platforms. Third party e-commerce providers will not be held liable or responsible for managing project compliance. As part of the compliance plan, the State will have a method for notifying SNAP-authorized retailers that are not in compliance with the Project. For example, the State may send a compliance warning letter to retailers. Compliance warnings and other procedures will adhere to 7 CFR Part 278. The State will provide a finalized communications plan detailing tasks and timelines for engaging with and notifying SNAP-authorized retailers of the Project. The State will update their SNAP webpage to provide information about the Project for SNAP-authorized retailers. The State must provide a designated centralized communication resource, to serve as a point of contact for retailers and to route inquiries FNS receives from the Retailer Service Center. For example, this resource could be a public email inbox or dedicated call center line. Resources 📄Approved State Waiver 🏛️State Guidance Page
	Virginia	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Apr 1, 2026	Jun 30, 2026	Sweetened Beverages	—
	Arkansas	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Jul 1, 2026	Sep 29, 2026	SodaJuice Drinks <50%Energy DrinksCandy	—
	Tennessee	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Jul 31, 2026	Oct 29, 2026	Processed FoodsSoda, Energy Drinks	—
	Hawaii	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Aug 1, 2026	Oct 30, 2026	Soda	—
	South Carolina	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Aug 31, 2026	Nov 29, 2026	CandyEnergy DrinksSodaProcessed Foods	—
	North Dakota	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Sep 1, 2026	Nov 30, 2026	SodaEnergy DrinksCandy	—
	Missouri	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Oct 1, 2026	Dec 30, 2026	CandyPrepared DessertsSodaJuice Drinks <50%Energy Drinks	—
	Ohio	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Oct 1, 2026	Dec 30, 2026	Sugar-Sweetened Beverages	—
	Wyoming	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Feb 1, 2027	May 2, 2027	Soda	—
	Kansas	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Feb 15, 2027	May 16, 2027	Restricts candy and soft drinks.	—
	Nevada	Approved — UpcomingApproved	Feb 1, 2028	May 1, 2028	CandySoda	—

How States Define Restrictions

Compare how each state defines the same restricted category — classification methods, exact criteria, and exclusions vary significantly.

Filters

Classification Method

Restriction Criteria

Still Eligible (Exemptions)

Identical definition — 2 statesUtahGrace PeriodWyomingApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Based

Carbonated water + flavored + sweetened with sugar or artificial sweetenersBeverages containing milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes still eligible>50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume still eligible

any nonalcoholic beverage that is made with carbonated water and is flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. This definition does not include a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes, or that is greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

UT:Utah WY:Wyoming

IdahoGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

NonalcoholicContains sweetenersdrinks with milk or milk substitutes still eligiblebeverages with more than 50% juice still eligibleproducts that require preparation before consumption still eligible

any nonalcoholic beverages containing sweeteners, excluding drinks with milk or milk substitutes, beverages with more than 50% juice, and products that require preparation before consumption

Idaho SNAP Food Restriction Waiver approval letter, page 2-3

IndianaGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

Contains natural or artificial sweetenersNonalcoholicbeverages that contain milk or milk products still eligiblesoy, rice, or similar milk substitutes still eligibleexclusively naturally sweetened using natural vegetable and/or fruit juice still eligible

nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. The term does not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, or are exclusively naturally sweetened using natural vegetable and/or fruit juice.

Indiana SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Demonstration Project approval letter, page 2-3

LouisianaGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

CarbonatedContains high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweetenersFlavored carbonated water still eligibleBeverages containing milk or milk products still eligibleSoy rice or similar milk substitutes still eligible≥50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume still eligible

any carbonated nonalcoholic beverage containing high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. The term does not include flavored carbonated water, nor does it include any beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy rice, or similar milk substitutes, or any beverage containing equal to or greater than fifty percent (50%) of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

Louisiana SNAP Food Restriction Waiver Demonstration Project, page 3

NebraskaGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

CarbonatedContains sweetening agentNon-alcoholicSports drinks to increase hydration like Gatorade still eligibleMedically necessary nutritional products still eligible

any carbonated non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent (including but not limited to sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation

Nebraska SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Demonstration Project pages 2-3

OklahomaGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

Contains natural or artificial sweetenersMarketed, labeled, or advertised as a soda, pop, cola, energy drink, or energy supplementCarbonated sodas restrictedNon-carbonated sweetened beverages restrictedEnergy drinks, energy Supplements, and sports drinks (whether carbonated or not) restrictedSweetened bottled or canned teas and lemonades restrictedFlavored waters with added sweeteners restrictedbeverages that contain milk or milk substitutes, soy, rice, or similar dairy alternative ingredients still eligiblebeverages that contain more than 50 percent, by volume, of fruit or vegetable juice still eligibleCoffee or unsweetened tea still eligible100% fruit or vegetable juice, or beverages containing more than 50% juice by volume still eligibleMilk, milk substitutes, dairy-based drinks, or similar beverages still eligible

any nonalcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners, including soda, pop, cola, energy drinks, sports drinks, and flavored water, but excluding beverages that contain milk or milk substitutes, soy, rice, or similar dairy alternative ingredients, or that contain more than 50 percent, by volume, of fruit or vegetable juice. In addition, includes any product, regardless of its ingredients or labeling, that is marketed, labeled, or advertised as a soda, pop, cola, energy drink, or energy supplement.

Oklahoma SNAP Food Restriction Waiver Demonstration Project page 3-4 of 9

West VirginiaGrace Period

Ingredient-Based

CarbonatedContains waterContains sweetening agentContains flavoringContains carbon dioxide gasbeverages with added caffeine or other ingredients restrictedmilk and milk products still eligiblefruit and vegetable juice still eligiblewater or water products still eligiblecarbonated water without sweeteners or flavoring still eligible

any carbonated non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent (including but not limited to sugar, high –fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation. This term includes beverages with added caffeine or other ingredients but does not include carbonated water without sweeteners or flavoring.

WAIVER SUMMARY page 4 of 8

ArkansasApproved — UpcomingApproved

GS1 / GTIN

GTIN product classification standardsLow/no-calorie soda restricted

soda, low and no-calorie soda

Arkansas Food Restriction Waiver Demonstration Project waiver summary, page 2-3

ColoradoApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Based

Contains natural or artificial sweetenersNonalcoholicBeverages that contain milk or milk products still eligibleSoy, rice, or similar milk substitutes still eligibleGreater than fifty percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume still eligible

"Soft drinks" are defined as nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, or greater than fifty percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

Colorado SNAP Food Restriction Waiver Demonstration Project Approval Letter, page 3

FloridaApproved — UpcomingApproved

Nutrient-BasedIngredient-Based

Carbonated waterFlavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners≥5g added sugarPlain carbonated water still eligibleNaturally flavored carbonated water still eligible>50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume still eligible<5g added sugar beverages still eligible

Soda means a beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose. Soda does not include carbonated water which is plain or naturally flavored or any beverage that is greater than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume, or that contains less than five grams of added sugar.

Florida SNAP Food Restriction Waiver Approval Letter, Page 3

HawaiiApproved — UpcomingApproved

Nutrient-BasedIngredient-Based

>10 grams of sugar per servingMade with carbonated waterNonalcoholicBeverages containing milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes still eligible>50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume still eligible

any nonalcoholic beverage that is made with carbonated water and is sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. "Soft drinks" do not include a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes, or that is greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

WAIVER SUMMARY page 3 of 7

KansasApproved — UpcomingApproved

Pending

MissouriApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Based

Carbonated or noncarbonated soft drinksColas, ginger ale, near-beer, root beer, lemonade, orangeade restrictedSports drinks to increase hydration, like Gatorade still eligibleMedically necessary nutritional products still eligible

Carbonated and noncarbonated soft drinks, including but not limited to colas, ginger ale, near-beer, root beer, lemonade, orangeade.

Document page 3

North DakotaApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Based

Carbonated + nonalcoholicContains water + sweetening agent + flavoring + carbon dioxidePowdered flavorings still eligibleCarbonated (flavored) water still eligible

any carbonated, nonalcoholic beverages that contain water, a sweetening agent (including but not limited to sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation.

WAIVER SUMMARY page 4

NevadaApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Based

Contains added caloric sweeteners (e.g., sugar, high-fructose corn syrup)Soft drinks, whether carbonated or non-carbonatedFruit or vegetable drinks or juice blends containing less than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume with added calorie sweetenersBeverages containing milk, milk products, or milk substitutes (e.g., dairy, soy, rice beverages) still eligible100 percent fruit or vegetable juices or juice blends still eligibleBeverages that are intended for medical or oral rehydration use still eligibleSports or electrolyte-replacement drinks for rehydration use still eligibleCoffee, tea, coffee or tea beverages, breakfast shakes, protein, or nutrition shakes, sports, drinks, or meal real replacement shakes still eligiblePlain carbonated or non-carbonated water with no flavor and added caloric sweeteners (e.g. seltzer or sparkling water) still eligibleDiet beverages (defined as non-alcoholic carbonated or non-carbonated beverages with non-caloric sweeteners and no added sugars or calories), including those specifically represented to enhance energy or alertness still eligibleFrozen treats (popsicles, sorbets, ice creams, etc.) still eligible

ready-to-consume or ready-to-mix non-alcoholic beverages that contain added caloric sweeteners (e.g., sugar, high-fructose corn syrup) and meet one or more of the following criteria: soft drinks, whether carbonated or non-carbonated; fruit or vegetable drinks or juice blends containing less than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice by volume with added calorie sweeteners. "Sugar-sweetened beverages" do not include the following: beverages containing milk, milk products, or milk substitutes (e.g., dairy, soy, rice beverages); 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices or juice blends; beverages that are intended for medical or oral rehydration use; sports or electrolyte-replacement drinks for rehydration use; coffee, tea, coffee or tea beverages, breakfast shakes, protein, or nutrition shakes, sports, drinks, or meal real replacement shakes; plain carbonated or non-carbonated water with no flavor and added caloric sweeteners (e.g. seltzer or sparkling water); diet beverages (defined as non-alcoholic carbonated or non-carbonated beverages with non-caloric sweeteners and no added sugars or calories), including those specifically represented to enhance energy or alertness; or frozen treats (popsicles, sorbets, ice creams, etc.).

WAIVER SUMMARY page 2-3

OhioApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-Order

Sugar/HFCS/corn syrup/similar caloric sweeteners as 1st ingredientSugar/HFCS/corn syrup/similar caloric sweeteners as 2nd ingredient if 1st ingredient is carbonated water

beverages with sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient, or as the second ingredient if the first ingredient is carbonated water

Waiver Summary, page 2

South CarolinaApproved — UpcomingApproved

Nutrient-BasedIngredient-Based

NonalcoholicMade with carbonated waterFlavored or sweetened≥5g sugar or other natural or artificial sweetenersBeverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes still eligibleBeverage consisting of 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice with no added caloric sweetener still eligibleProduct commonly referred to as "infant" or "baby" formula still eligibleSports or rehydration beverages still eligibleCarbonated water beverages still eligibleBeverage for medical use meaning any beverage suitable for human consumption and manufactured for use as a source of necessary nutrition due to a medical condition or for use as an oral rehydration electrolyte solution for infants and children formulated to prevent or treat dehydration due to illness still eligible

"Soft Drinks" defined as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and flavored or sweetened, or both, with five (5) grams or more of sugar or other natural or artificial sweeteners.

WAIVER SUMMARY page 4 of 8

VirginiaApproved — UpcomingApproved

Ingredient-BasedNutrient-Based

Made with carbonated waterFlavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners≥5g added sugardiet/zero soda restrictedenergy drinks restrictedBeverages that contain milk or milk products still eligiblesoy, rice, or similar milk substitutes still eligiblemineral water sold in containers still eligiblespecialty foods that are liquids or that are to be added to a liquid and that are intended to be a substitute in the diet for more commonly used food items still eligibleNon-carbonated beverages (even if heavily sweetened) such as iced tea, lemonade, and juice still eligibleMilk and milk alternatives such as chocolate milk, almond milk, and yogurt drinks still eligibleMedically necessary nutritional products such as infant formula and meal replacement shakes still eligibleHydration-focused sports drinks such as sugar-free and regular electrolyte or isotonic drinks still eligiblecarbonated water which is plain or naturally flavored still eligibleany beverage that contains less than five grams of added sugar still eligible

any beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as corn sweetener, corn syrup, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, maltose, raw sugar, or sucrose. This includes items commonly referred to as "soda," "diet/zero soda," "pop," "soft drinks," and "energy drinks." This does not include carbonated water which is plain or naturally flavored or any beverage that contains less than five grams of added sugar.

Virginia SNAP Food Restriction Waiver approval letter, page 3

SNAP Waiver Tracker

SNAP Food Restriction Waivers by State

What Items Are Restricted from SNAP?

Soda / Soft Drinks

Candy

Energy Drinks

Juice Drinks <50%

Prepared Desserts

Processed Foods

All Taxable Foods

State-by-State SNAP Waiver Tracker

Approved Waiver States

Restricted Items

Retailer Requirements

Resources

How States Define Restrictions

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