Quick answer: Yes. State SNAP food restrictions apply to online orders too, including Amazon, Walmart.com, and grocery delivery apps. For online and delivery orders, the rules follow the state that issued your EBT card, not where the warehouse or store is. For in-store shopping, the rules follow the state the store is in.
More than a dozen states now limit what SNAP can buy, mostly soda, candy, and energy drinks. A common question we hear: if I order groceries online, do those rules still count? They do, and the details can catch you off guard if you live near a state line or shop online often.
Here’s how it works, which states are affected, and what to expect at checkout.
Online vs. in-store: which state’s rules apply?
USDA guidance to retailers splits it this way:
| How you shop | Whose rules apply | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Online delivery or shipping | The state that issued your EBT card | You have a Texas EBT card and order from Amazon. Texas restrictions apply, even if the item ships from another state. |
| In-store | The state the store is in | You have a Kentucky EBT card and shop at a store in Indiana. Indiana’s restrictions apply at that register. |
Why this matters:
- Shopping online won’t get around your state’s rules. If your state restricts soda, that soda won’t be SNAP-eligible on Amazon either.
- Crossing a state line to shop changes the rules. If you live in a state without restrictions but shop at a store in a state that has them, that store’s rules apply.
- Online can be the easier option for some families. If you’re in a state without restrictions, the same is true online: standard federal SNAP rules apply to your order.
Tip: In the EBT Snap Scan app, choose the state you’re shopping in when you’re at a store, and your card’s state when you’re checking items for an online order.
Which states have SNAP restrictions?
Eight states already have restrictions in place, and five more start November 1, 2026. For full details on each state, including exactly which drinks and snacks are covered, see our SNAP Rules by State guide.
| Status | States |
|---|---|
| In place now | Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah |
| Starting November 1, 2026 | Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia |
| Starting in 2027 or later | Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Wyoming |
| Blocked by a federal court (June 2026) | Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, West Virginia |
In states where the waiver was blocked, standard federal SNAP rules apply for now, both in stores and online. States without a waiver also follow federal rules only.
Heads up for November 1: if your EBT card is from Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, Montana, or North Dakota, items you’ve been ordering online may stop being SNAP-eligible that day. Check your saved carts and subscriptions before then.
Dates are USDA target implementation dates as of our last review. Confirm with your state SNAP agency if you’re unsure.
What happens at online checkout
When you pay with EBT online, the retailer’s system sorts your cart for you:
- Eligible items can be paid with your SNAP balance.
- Restricted or ineligible items (including anything your state restricts) need a second payment method, like a debit card.
- Delivery and service fees can’t be paid with SNAP, even when every item in the cart is eligible.
If an item you expected to be covered gets moved to “other payment,” your state’s restrictions are the most likely reason. You can remove it or pay for it separately.
Where to use SNAP online
Retailers approved for USDA’s SNAP Online Purchasing Program include major chains like Amazon and Walmart, plus many regional grocers. Availability varies by location, so check at checkout.
Using EBT on Amazon: add your EBT card in your Amazon account under payment options, then look for the SNAP EBT eligible label on grocery items.
Save on delivery with Prime Access: households receiving SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and other qualifying assistance can get Amazon Prime for $6.99 a month, about half the regular price. New members get a free 30-day trial, and Prime includes free delivery on eligible grocery orders. Remember the $6.99 charge starts after the trial unless you cancel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy soda on Amazon with EBT if my state bans it? No. Online orders follow the rules of the state that issued your EBT card, so a restricted item stays restricted online.
I live in a state without restrictions. Do I need to worry about online orders? No. Your online orders follow federal SNAP rules. Restrictions only come into play if you shop in person at a store in a state that has them.
What if I shop at a store in a neighboring state? That store’s state rules apply at the register, not your home state’s.
Can I pay for delivery fees with SNAP? No. Delivery, service, and membership fees need a separate payment method.
Do restrictions apply to grocery pickup orders? Orders placed online follow the rules for online purchases. If you’re unsure for a specific store, check the eligible label at checkout or ask the retailer.
How can I check an item before I buy it? Scan it with EBT Snap Scan. Pick your state and scan the barcode to see whether it’s likely eligible.
Check before you check out
EBT Snap Scan is a free app that tells you whether a grocery item is likely SNAP-eligible in your state. Scan a barcode in the store, or check items before you add them to an online cart. No card number or PIN needed.
Download EBT Snap Scan free on the App Store
EBT Snap Scan is an independent tool and is not affiliated with USDA or any state agency. Final eligibility is determined by the retailer’s checkout system.
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