More states move to restrict food assistance purchases of sugary processed foods and drinks Image By HPN Staff Key Points Eighteen states have received waivers allowing them to restrict the purchase of soft drinks, candy, energy drinks, and other highly processed foods with SNAP benefits beginning in 2026, under the administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Federal officials and health experts cite evidence linking high sugar and artificial sweetener consumption to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline, and other health risks, noting that roughly 20% of SNAP spending currently goes toward sugary drinks and snack foods. Critics argue the bans may be difficult to administer, lack clear nutritional standards, and could incentivize cross-state spending, while supporters emphasize that recipients can still buy restricted items with personal funds and that states retain authority over enforcement. Six states, Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ban the purchase soft drinks, candy, energy drinks and other processed food with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in 2026. Over the past year, Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, has approved 18 states’ waivers under the program to limit the purchase of processed foods sweetened by sugar or artificial sweeteners. Overconsumption of these products is associated with a host of health problems, health experts say. Why it matters According to Secretary Rollins, 20% of all SNAP dollars are spent on sugary drinks or treats, pre-packaged desserts and salty snacks. Consuming too much sugar can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that consumption of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol also poses health risks. They are associated with a decline in memory, verbal fluency and cognition equal to about 1.6 years of brain aging. Other studies have detected a connection between consumption of artificial sweeteners and insulin resistance, liver disease, gut issues and cancer. However, opponents of such bans say that they will be difficult to administer and there is no universally accepted standard of what foods are healthy and unhealthy. Some suggest the bans could drive consumers to cross state lines to spend their SNAP money. The bigger picture The administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative empowers the USDA to approve state food-choice waivers that restrict SNAP purchases of soda, candy and other highly processed foods. Approximately 42 million lower-income Americans receive SNAP benefits from the federal government. Before Secretary Rollins approved the state waivers, SNAP recipients were only restricted from purchasing alcohol, tobacco, certain premade foods and personal care products with their government benefits. SNAP recipients can still purchase soft drinks, candy and other highly processed foods sweetened with sugar and artificial sweeteners with their own funds. Additional details In 2026, 18 states will disallow certain food and drink purchases with SNAP benefits. Colorado, Hawaii, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia will restrict the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits. Nebraska will restrict soft drinks and energy drinks. Florida and Missouri will restrict the purchase of candy, prepared desserts, and soft drinks. Louisiana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Tennessee will ban SNAP purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks and candy. Iowa will limit food items subject to state taxes, such as candy, prepared foods (like a deli sandwich) and soft drinks. Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas will restrict purchases of candy and soft drinks. Each state is responsible for setting and enforcing its restrictions. SUGGESTED STORIES Remember the food pyramid? It may be coming back Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has signaled a major update to U.S. dietary guidance, potentially reviving the iconic food pyramid as part of a broader effort to improve national health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, revised every f Read more States begin to put legislative guardrails on artificial intelligence As the healthcare industry experiences a surge in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), states are beginning to put boundaries around its use. AI is increasingly being used in healthcare, sometimes in transformative ways, as both a diagnostic and a pricing tool. 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