SNAP benefits will prohibit sugary candy & soda purchases in Indiana soon

Beginning January 1st, 2026, Indiana’s SNAP recipients will be prohibited from using their benefits to buy sugary sodas and candy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted Indiana a waiver to implement this pilot program, making it one of the first states to receive such approval under the current administration.

Governor Braun emphasized that the goal is to align SNAP purchases with nutritional objectives. He cited data indicating that SNAP recipients spend more on sugary drinks and candy than on fruits and vegetables combined. Additionally, some studies show that children in SNAP households consume 43% more sugary beverages than their peers in similar-income households not enrolled in the program.

The policy defines “candy” as preparations of sugar or sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients, excluding items containing flour or requiring refrigeration. “Soft drinks” are defined as non-alcoholic beverages with sweeteners, excluding those with milk, milk products, soy, rice, or over 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

These definitions create complexities, though. For example, items like Kit Kat or Twix (containing flour) would not be banned, and high-sugar fruit juices may still be allowed if they meet the 50% juice threshold. Critics have highlighted potential loopholes and enforcement challenges, such as these.

Indiana joins Nebraska and Iowa in implementing similar SNAP restrictions, with several other states considering comparable measures. These initiatives reflect a broader push by the administration to reform food assistance programs in favor of promoting healthier lifestyles among low-income populations.

As of March 2025, nearly 600,000 individuals in Indiana were receiving SNAP benefits, distributed across more than 280,000 households. The average benefit per recipient was almost $200 per month, equating to roughly $2.30 per meal. Notably, 86% of SNAP households in Indiana include children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities, underscoring the program’s role in supporting vulnerable populations. 

Critics argue that this move may not effectively address nutritional issues. For example, some township trustees within Indiana have noted that most SNAP recipients spend their benefits on essentials like cereal, rice, milk, eggs, beef, and baby formula, rather than on soda and candy. They contend that the policy change may be more symbolic than substantive, suggesting that efforts to improve nutrition should focus on increasing wages and reducing housing costs to make healthier food more accessible.