Arkansas To Restrict Soda, Candy Purchases With SNAP Benefits Beginning July 1

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas SNAP recipients will soon face new restrictions on what they can buy with their benefits after the state announced changes aimed at encouraging healthier eating.

Under a new SNAP nutrition waiver approved for Arkansas, certain items including soda, candy and some sweetened beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits beginning July 1, 2026.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Arkansas Department of Human Services said the program is intended to improve health outcomes by steering SNAP dollars toward foods with nutritional value.

According to DHS, restricted items will include:

• Soda, including regular, diet and low- or no-calorie varieties
• Candy
• Fruit and vegetable juices containing less than 50% real juice
• Other beverages considered unhealthy, including ready-made coffee or tea drinks containing sugar or artificial sweeteners, as well as energy drinks

SEE MORE: Arkansas SNAP Nutrition Waiver FAQ

The policy will apply to all Arkansas SNAP recipients, including those using Summer EBT benefits.

DHS said baby formula and nutritional supplement drinks will remain eligible for purchase under SNAP.

The department distributes tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits across Arkansas each month and said the waiver is intended to ensure those funds are used on grocery items with nutritional value.

Recipients shopping in Arkansas stores will need to pay separately for restricted items using cash or a debit or credit card if those products are included in their cart.

The same rules will also apply to online SNAP purchases through approved retailers.

Arkansas officials said SNAP recipients traveling to other states may still use their benefits there, but purchases will follow the policies in effect in the state where the transaction occurs.

DHS said additional details, including a searchable database and barcode-scanning app for determining eligible items, are available through the state’s SNAP website.

The changes take effect statewide July 1.