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What You Need to Know
The SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver is a demonstration project waiver in the State of Nebraska to improve healthy food choices within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by eliminating the purchases of soda, "soft drinks," energy drinks, and candy. This waiver is currently pending approval by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA).
Pending federal approval, beginning on December 1, 2026, soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks will no longer be eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Pending federal approval, candy will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, effective on March 1, 2027. Below are the definitions for soda, "soft drinks," energy drinks, and candy.
Soda or "Soft Drinks"
Any carbonated non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent flavoring (including, but not limited to, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), and carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation and is intended for human consumption.
Energy Drink
Any carbonated or non-carbonated beverages containing a stimulant such as fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, or taurine . They may also include herbal extracts such as ginseng, mineral salts, and vitamins, as well as high doses of organic acids, amino acids, inositol, sugars, or other similar compounds, in addition to sweeteners. Juices, natural fruit pulp, or concentrates may also be added. Energy drinks are specifically formulated to enhance energy, alertness, or physical performance.
Soft drinks and energy drinks are available in various flavors, formulations, and packaging. However, beverages marketed primarily as sports drinks to increase hydration, such as Gatorade, or as medically necessary nutritional products, are not included.
Soft drinks and energy drinks do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products; soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes; mineral water sold in containers; or specialty foods that are liquids or that are to be added to a liquid and that are intended to be a substitute in the diet for more commonly used food items. This can include, but is not limited to, infant formula or meal replacement shakes.
Candy
A preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, powder, or pieces, typically or traditionally intended to be eaten by itself in the form in which it is sold. Candy is considered shelf-stable and also includes items that are not in bar, drop, powder, or piece form, such as cotton candy and candy-coated fruit.
This definition does not include baking ingredients or other items that are used in baking or cooking but not intended to be eaten in the form in which they are sold. Baking ingredients include sprinkles, melting wafers, plain marshmallows, sweetened coconut, toffee bits, and baking chips.
Other items that are not considered candy include protein bars, granola, granola bars, cereal, cereal bars, toaster pastries, yogurt with candy pieces, ice cream, cookies, pastries, cakes, muffins, and other bakery-style items. These items may contain minor candy additives, but their primary form is non-candy.
Nebraska SNAP-authorized retailers will update their Point of Sale (POS) systems to exclude the purchases of soda, "soft drinks", energy drinks, and candy using SNAP benefits on the respective dates.
SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Product Matrix
SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Frequently Asked Questions
A1: Soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks will no longer be available to purchase with SNAP benefits, starting December 1, 2026. Candy will no longer be available to purchase with SNAP benefits, starting March 1, 2027. Please see the definitions of each at the top of this web page under "What You Need to Know."
A2: Yes, the following items will not be restricted and may be purchased with SNAP:
- Beverages marketed primarily as sports drinks to increase hydration, such as Gatorade, or medically necessary nutritional products that do not contain stimulants, as defined.
- Beverages that contain milk or milk products; soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes; mineral water sold in containers; and specialty foods that are liquids or that are to be added to a liquid and that are intended to be a substitute in the diet for more commonly used food items that do not contain carbonation or stimulants, as described in restricted items. This can include, but is not limited to, infant formula or meal replacement shakes.
- Coffee and tea with no added caffeine or sweeteners that are derived directly and solely from the brewing of tea leaves or coffee beans and water.
- Baking ingredients or other items that are used in baking or cooking but not intended to be eaten in the form in which they are sold. Baking ingredients include items such as sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, plain marshmallows, sweetened coconut, toffee bits, and baking chips.
- Other items that are not considered candy include protein bars, granola, granola bars, cereal, cereal bars, Pop-Tarts, yogurt with candy pieces, ice cream, cookies, pastries, cakes, muffins, and other bakery-style items. These items may contain minor candy additives, but their primary form is non-candy
A3: The restrictions for soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks will go into effect on December 1, 2026. The restrictions on candy will take effect on March 1, 2027.
A4: The restriction will be implemented at the retailer level, and each retailer will be responsible for updating their systems to reflect the newly restricted items.
A5: The restrictions are specific to Nebraska. If an individual from another state is in Nebraska, they will not be allowed to purchase soda, soft drinks, energy drinks, or candy at Nebraska SNAP retailers beginning on their respective implementation dates.
A6: The restrictions are retailer-specific in Nebraska. Depending on those states' restrictions, a Nebraska Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card could be used in other states to purchase soda, soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. If a Nebraska SNAP recipient purchases items in another state, that state's purchase restrictions may apply. Please refer to any state's SNAP website if you will be traveling for additional information about SNAP purchase restrictions in place.
A7: SNAP recipients from any other state will not be able to purchase soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks from a Nebraska SNAP retailer after December 1, 2026. SNAP recipients from any other state will not be able to purchase candy from a Nebraska SNAP retailer after March 1, 2027.
A8: No, there are no changes to SNAP eligibility. The changes will only impact what can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Healthy Alternatives
Beverages
- Provides hydration without added sugars
- Can be flavored naturally with fruits and herbs
- Low in calories
- Adding fruits, vegetables, or herbs to water can provide the benefits of added nutrients
- Supports bone health, improving longevity, and lowering cholesterol
- Contains caffeine
- Helps burn fat and increase energy expenditure
- Promotes heart health, reducing risk of stroke, and decreasing the risk of certain cancers
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains caffeine
- Source of strong antioxidants
- Contains caffeine
- Source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Support heart health and reduce fatigue
- Source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Support heart health and reduce fatigue
- Has more potassium than sports drinks and is a good source of minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants
- Can boost energy and hydration levels
- Low in calories
- Powdered green tea
- Offers sustained energy and focus
- Fermented black tea drink
- Potential source of probiotics
- Contains caffeine
- Fruits or berries combined with coconut water, almond milk, or coconut milk (unsweetened)
- Provides natural energy
- Contains calcium and phosphorous to promote healthy teeth
*Note that Sodas, Soft Drinks and Energy Drinks containing these ingredients may not be purchased with SNAP.
Candy
- Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Naturally sweet
- Lower in calories than candy
- Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Can store longer than fresh fruit
- Lower in calories than candy
- Great for blending into smoothies or protein shakes
- Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Sweeter and more calorie-dense than fresh or frozen fruit
- Lasts longer than fresh fruit
- Very high in antioxidants
- Can support heart health, blood pressure, etc.
- Good source of fiber
- Provides some fiber via whole grains
- Most contain added sugar, but less than candy does
- Made up of all whole foods
- Rich in fiber
- Provides a good balance of healthy fats, natural sugars, and protein
- Typically not low in calories
- Rich in healthy fats
- Good source of fiber
- Not low in calories
- Typically, contains some added sugar
- It is a whole grain that contains fiber
- Salted or plain varieties provide a low-calorie snack option
- High in antioxidants
- Contains probiotics, good for gut health
- Good source of protein
- Look for lower sugar varieties
- Pairs well with fresh fruit
Product Comparison
With the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver in effect, certain products may not clearly meet eligibility or ineligibility criteria. The purpose of this document is to outline examples of such items to support consistent decision-making. This document does not include every possible product and should not be considered exhaustive.
Beverages Product Comparison
Candy Product Comparison
Alternative Healthier Recipes
Beverages
This quick-to-make juice is made with strawberries, cucumber, apple, and carrots for a fresh, crisp taste. Carrots provide a boost of beta-carotene, beneficial for eye health.
Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2
Nutrition Facts: 69 calories; 15g carbohydrates; 1g protein
Ingredients
- 6 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large red apple, cut into eights
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- Ice (optional)
Directions
- Working in this order process strawberries, cucumber, apple, and carrots through a juicer or blender.
- Fill 2 glasses with ice, if desired, and pour the juice into the glasses.
- Serve immediately.
Only three ingredients are needed to make this nutrient-packed drink. The potassium-rich ingredients help to support better blood pressure.
Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 2
Nutrition Facts: 88 calories; 1g fat; 20g carbohydrates; 2g protein
Ingredients
- 2 large curly kale leaves, stemmed and torn into large pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1½ cups chopped fresh pineapple (about 7 ounces)
- 1½ cups unsweetened coconut water
- Ice for serving (optional)
Directions
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Prepare a bowl of ice water and place it near the stove. Add torn kale to the boiling water; cook just until vibrant green and tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the kale to the ice bath. Let stand until cooled, about 2 minutes. Drain well and gently squeeze with your hands to remove excess liquid.
- Transfer the blanched kale to a blender. Add 1½ cups of pineapple and 1½ cups of coconut water. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
- If desired, fill 2 glasses with ice. Pour the juice into the glasses and serve.
This healthy juice recipe contains all the components of a healthy salad, such as lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, celery, and carrot, but with less salt than bottled vegetable juice blends.
Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2
Nutrition Facts: 46 calories; 9g carbohydrates; 1g protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped hearts of romaine
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
- ¼ fresh jalapeno, stemmed and seeded
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into eighths
- 2 large stalks celery, trimmed
- 1 medium carrot, peeled
- Ice cubes (optional)
Directions
- Working in this order, process romain, chives, tomatoes, jalapeno, bell pepper, celery, and carrot through a juicer or blender.
- Fill 2 glasses with ice, if desired, and pour the juice into the glasses. Serve immediately.
This smoothie is a nutrient-packed blend perfect for breakfast. Sweet, tropical mango pairs with juicy blueberries for a refreshing balance of flavors and natural sweetness.
Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 2
Nutrition Facts: 387 calories; 10g fat; 66g carbohydrates; 11g protein
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
- ½ cup mango nectar
- 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates (5 medium dates)
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks (about 9 oz.)
- ¾ cup frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Combine 2 cups almond milk, ½ cup yogurt, ½ cup mango nectar, ¾ cup blueberries, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a blender. Process until smooth, about 1 minute. Divide between 2 large glasses.
Candy
Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Servings: 20-25 energy bites
Nutrition facts: 103 calories; 11g carbohydrates; 2.5g protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Stir everything together in a large mixing bowl until combined well.
- Chill. Cover the mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Roll into balls.
- Serve. Store in refrigerator for access throughout the week or freeze for having at a later date.
Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 4
Nutrition facts: 83 calories; 17g carbohydrates; 3g protein
Ingredients
- 2 bananas- cut into 1-inch pieces and frozen
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp cow's milk or almond milk
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until consistency is similar to soft-serve ice cream.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours for a more ice cream-like texture.
Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes Servings: 6
Nutrition facts: 100 calories; 20.5g carbohydrates; 1.5g protein
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of Greek yogurt OR 100% fruit juice
- 2 ½ cups fruit
- 4 Tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Secure the sticks and lids on top of the molds. Place in the freezer.
- Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
- Remove the mold to enjoy. May need to run under hot water for ~30 seconds.
- Enjoy!
Prep time: 8 minutes Total time: 1 hour 8 minutes Servings: 3
Nutrition facts: 50 calories; 9.5g carbohydrates; 2g protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup, choice of fruit (blueberries and strawberries are great!)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Rinse the fruit.
- Cut the fruit, if necessary.
- Gently mix the fruit and yogurt together.
- Using a fork, drop the yogurt-covered fruit in a single-layer onto a parchment lined baking tray. Place in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes OR until the yogurt coating looks mostly frozen.
- Enjoy immediately or place in airtight container and place back in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 10
Nutrition facts: 63 calories; 9g carbohydrates; 1g protein
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries or fruit of choice
- ½ cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1-2 tsp coconut oil
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, sea salt or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Wash fruit and dry it completely.
- Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50-70% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between intervals, until melted. Stir until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip fruit into the chocolate, covering 2/3 of the fruit, let the excess drip off into bowl.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes or until chocolate mixture is firm.
- Enjoy!
Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 8
Nutrition facts: 120 calories; 10g carbohydrates; 3g protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 3 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the almond flour and protein powder.
- Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well with a spatula until smooth dough forms.
- If necessary, can add a splash of almond milk or regular milk to achieve proper consistency.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy!
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