Walmart SNAP 2025: What Food Items Can You Buy with Your Benefits?
Walmart remains one of the top destinations for millions of families using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Whether shopping in-store or online, SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase a wide range of food items at Walmart. Here’s a breakdown of what’s eligible and how you can make the most of your SNAP benefits in 2025.
What Food Items Can You Buy with SNAP at Walmart?
SNAP benefits cover essential food items designed to support a healthy diet. At Walmart, the following items are eligible for purchase:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A variety of fresh produce, including apples, bananas, lettuce, carrots, and more, can be purchased.
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish: You can buy fresh or frozen chicken, beef, pork, and seafood.
- Dairy Products: Items like milk, yoghurt, cheese, and butter are covered.
- Bread and Cereals: Bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, and breakfast cereals are included in the program.
- Snack Foods and Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Chips, crackers, cookies, juice, and soda are also eligible.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP benefits allow you to buy seeds and plants that grow food for your household, such as vegetable seeds or fruit plants.
These options provide flexibility for families to choose nutritious and essential groceries.
What Items Are Not Covered?
While SNAP offers broad coverage for groceries, certain items remain ineligible for purchase. These include:
- Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco: Beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco products cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Vitamins and Supplements: Items labelled as “supplements,” including protein powders and vitamins, are not covered.
- Prepared or Hot Foods: Foods ready for immediate consumption, such as deli meals or hot bar items, are excluded.
- Non-Food Items: Pet food, cleaning supplies, household goods, and personal care products are not eligible under SNAP.
Understanding these restrictions can help you avoid confusion at checkout.
How to Use SNAP Benefits at Walmart
Walmart makes it easy to use SNAP benefits both in-store and online. Here’s how it works:
- In-Store Purchases: Simply swipe your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at the checkout and enter your PIN. Only eligible items will be deducted from your SNAP balance.
- Online Shopping: Walmart also allows SNAP recipients to shop online. Link your EBT card to your Walmart account, select your groceries, and choose EBT as your payment method at checkout. Note that SNAP benefits cover only the cost of eligible groceries, so you’ll need a separate payment method for delivery or service fees.
Tips to Make the Most of Your SNAP Benefits
Maximizing your benefits at Walmart is simple with these tips:
- Opt for Store Brands: Walmart’s Great Value brand offers quality products at lower prices, allowing you to stretch your benefits further.
- Look for Weekly Sales: Keep an eye on weekly ads and promotions to save on essential items.
- Plan Your Meals: Create a shopping list and meal plan to stay organized and avoid impulse purchases.
- Buy in Bulk: For items you use frequently, buying larger quantities can save money in the long run.
Why Walmart Is a Top Choice for SNAP Shoppers
Walmart is a trusted retailer for SNAP recipients because of its affordability, extensive selection of eligible items, and convenient shopping options. Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, Walmart provides a seamless experience for using SNAP benefits, ensuring families have access to healthy, budget-friendly foods.
