ative. State officials say the goal is to improve health outcomes by limiting taxpayer funding for foods linked to obesity and diabetes.
Retailers across Louisiana have updated their systems to automatically decline SNAP payment for specific product barcodes. Shoppers do not need to separate items at checkout—the register will split the transaction automatically.
What’s Banned
SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase:
- All carbonated soft drinks — both regular and diet sodas
- Energy drinks — any beverage with added caffeine, taurine, guarana, or glucuronolactone (Red Bull, Monster, etc.)
- Candy, gum, and mints — including chocolate bars, gummies, hard candy, and marshmallows
These items must now be paid for with cash or a personal debit/credit card.
What’s Still Allowed
The restrictions do not affect:
- Flavored sparkling water (LaCroix, Bubly) if unsweetened
- 100% fruit juice (sparkling or still)
- Coffee and tea (brewed or bottled, unless they contain energy stimulants)
- Baking ingredients like chocolate chips, toffee bits, and cocoa powder
- Protein bars (most are excluded from the candy definition)
- Milk and milk substitutes (soy, almond, oat milk)
Chips, cookies, ice cream, and other snack foods are still eligible for SNAP purchase under current rules.
How It Works at the Register
Shoppers can place all groceries on the conveyor belt together. The point-of-sale system will automatically identify prohibited items and decline EBT payment for those products.
The customer will swipe their EBT card for eligible foods first, then use another payment method for the restricted items.
Program Details
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is overseeing the implementation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This is a pilot program approved through 2028. It could be extended, modified, or discontinued depending on federal policy changes and program evaluation results.
State officials have not announced plans to expand restrictions to other food categories at this time.
SNAP recipients with questions can contact the Louisiana DCFS hotline or visit their local benefits office for clarification on specific products.
