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What You Need to Know
Effective January 01, 2026, the allowable food purchases using SNAP will change. The following beverages will no longer be allowed to be purchased with SNAP:
- 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, bitter orange, glucuronolactone or guarana that is intended for human consumption. They may also include herbal extracts such as ginseng, mineral salts and vitamins, or 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, like Gatorade or 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.
Nebraska SNAP-authorized retailers will update their Point of Sale (POS) systems to exclude the purchases of “Soft Drinks" and “Energy Drinks" using SNAP benefits.
SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Product Matrix
SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Frequently Asked Questions
A1: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) approved Nebraska's waiver to improve healthy food choices within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by eliminating the purchases of soft drinks and energy drinks from SNAP purchases.
A2: Soft drinks or soda and energy drinks will no longer be an allowable purchase using SNAP. Below are the definitions for both:
- Soda or soft drinks:
- Any carbonated non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent (including, but not limited to, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation.
- Energy drinks:
- Carbonated or non-carbonated beverages containing a stimulant such as fortified caffeine, bitter orange, glucuronolactone or guarana. They may also include herbal extracts such as ginseng, mineral salts, and vitamins, or 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.
For this definition, soft and energy drinks are beverages intended for human consumption and available in various flavors, formulations, and packaging.
A3: 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 and derived directly and solely from the brewing of tea leaves or coffee beans and water.
A4: The restrictions will go live on January 1, 2026.
A5: The restriction will be done at the retailer level, and each retailer will be responsible for updating their systems to indicate the newly restricted items.
A6: The restrictions on soda and energy drinks are specific to Nebraska. If an individual from another state is in Nebraska, they would not be allowed to purchase soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits at a Nebraska SNAP retailer.
A7: The restrictions are Nebraska retailer-specific. Depending on those states' restrictions, a Nebraska EBT card could be used in other states to purchase soda and energy drinks. If a Nebraska SNAP recipient purchases items in another state, that state's purchase restrictions may apply to the purchase. Please refer to any state's SNAP website if you will be traveling for additional information about SNAP purchase restrictions in place.
A8: Kansas SNAP recipients would not be able to purchase soda and energy drinks from a Nebraska SNAP retailer, as those purchases are restricted in Nebraska.
A9: No, there are no changes to SNAP eligibility. The changes will only impact what can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
SNAP Nutrition Education and SNAP Outreach
UNL's SNAP-Ed Website
Healthy Alternatives
Alternative healthy options to soda and energy drinks.
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| Sparkling Water | - Provides hydration without added sugars
- Can be flavored naturally with fruits and herbs
- Low in calories
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| Fruit-Infused Water | - Adding fruits, vegetables, or herbs to water can provide the benefits of added nutrients
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| Green Tea* | - Supports bone health, improving longevity, and lowering cholesterol
- Contains caffeine
- Helps burn fat and increase energy expenditure
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| Black Tea* | - Promotes heart health, reducing risk of stroke, and decreasing the risk of certain cancers
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains caffeine
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| Coffee* | - Source of strong antioxidants
- Contains caffeine
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| Fruit Juices (100% fruit juice) | - Source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Support heart health and reduce fatigue
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| Vegetable Juices (100% vegetable juice) | - Source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Support heart health and reduce fatigue
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| Coconut Water | - 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
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| Matcha* | - Powdered green tea
- Offers sustained energy and focus
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| Kombucha* | - Fermented black tea drink
- Potential source of probiotics
- Contains caffeine
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| Smoothies | - Fruits or berries combined with coconut water, almond milk, or coconut milk (unsweetened)
- Provides natural energy
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| Milk | - Contains calcium and phosphorous to promote healthy teeth
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*Note that Sodas, Soft Drinks and Energy Drinks containing these ingredients may not be purchased with SNAP.
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.
SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver Product Comparison
Healthy Recipes
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.
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