Advocacy Update: SNAP Purchase Changes
Beginning February 15th, Idaho SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars have new restrictions on what food you can purchase. SNAP dollars cannot be used to purchase candy and soda. The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare has created two charts to help people figure out if the new purchase restrictions apply to specific food or beverages.
“Candy” is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of confections, bars, drops, or pieces. “Candy” does not include any preparation containing flour or that requires refrigeration.
“Soda” is defined as any nonalcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners. “Soda” does not include beverages that: Contain milk or milk substitutes; are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice by volume; or require preparation before drinking, such as powders or concentrates.
These definitions come from a bill passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2025 and signed into law by the Governor. Idaho was then granted a waiver by the US Department of Agriculture to implement these purchase restrictions.
Individuals have never been able to use SNAP dollars to purchase alcohol, tobacco, non-food items, as well as hot, prepared food items.
