SNAP

Can you buy protein powder with EBT?

Image of Aidan Lovely
Image of Aidan Lovely

Yes, you can buy protein powder with your EBT card if you get SNAP benefits, also called food stamps. But not every kind of protein powder or protein shake is SNAP-eligible, so here’s what you need to know when you’re shopping with your EBT card.

What protein powder can I buy with EBT?#what-protein-powder-can-i-buy-with-ebt

A good rule to remember is that supplements are not SNAP-eligible, so you can’t use your EBT card to buy any protein powder that’s considered a supplement if you’re shopping with your SNAP benefits.

Supplements have "supplemental facts" labels instead of "nutrition facts" labels, so when you’re shopping for protein powders and you’re planning to pay with your EBT card, make sure you choose options that have “nutrition facts” instead of “supplement facts.”

“Nutrition Facts” on protein powder means you can use EBT#nutrition-facts-on-protein-powder-means-you-can-use-ebt

If a protein powder can replace a meal according to the company that makes it, it will have a “nutrition facts” label and you can use your SNAP-benefits on it.

“Supplemental facts” on protein powder means you can’t use EBT#supplemental-facts-on-protein-powder-means-you-cant-use-ebt

If a protein powder is intended to be used in addition to means, it will have a "supplemental facts" label and you can’t buy it with your EBT card if you’re spending your SNAP-benefits.

Can I buy protein shakes and drinks with EBT?#can-i-buy-protein-shakes-and-drinks-with-ebt

Yes, you can buy protein shakes with EBT (if you get SNAP), but only certain types. Protein shakes and nutritional drinks have the same rules as protein powder, so if there’s a “nutrition facts” label on a protein shake, you can buy it with EBT, but “supplemental facts” means it’s not SNAP-eligible.

There are lots of popular protein and nutrition shakes that you can buy with EBT, including:

  • Premier Protein Shakes
  • Boost Nutritional Drinks
  • Muscle Milk Protein Shakes
  • Atkins Protein Shakes
  • Ensure Protein Shakes
  • Core Power Protein Shakes
  • PediaSure Grow & Gain Shakes
  • Glucerna Diabetes Nutritional Shakes

Just remember to look for protein shakes and drinks that are considered meal replacements when you’re shopping with your EBT card.

What else can I buy with food stamps?#what-else-can-i-buy-with-food-stamps

Protein powder and shakes aren't the only surprising things you can buy with EBT. Knowing the SNAP eligibility rules can make your shopping trips easier and help you budget.

SNAP is a program designed to help people afford food every month, but not everything in the grocery store is eligible. Generally, SNAP covers things like:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy, like yogurt, cheese, and milk
  • Eggs
  • Bread and cereal
  • Rice, pasta, and beans
  • Frozen foods
  • Snack foods like chips, candy, popcorn, and nuts
  • Cold, non-alcoholic drinks like juice, soda, and water

You can’t use SNAP funds on medicine, vitamins, supplements, pet food, hot foods and drinks, or tobacco products. You also can’t buy household items like paper towels, pads and tampons, or toilet paper with SNAP.