SNAP Food List Could Shrink: Bill Proposes Cutting Sugary Drinks, Snacks, Gives States Power to Restrict More

What's Changing on the SNAP Menu?

This proposed legislation, the "Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025," takes aim at the grocery list for folks using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The core idea? To tweak what counts as "food" you can buy with SNAP benefits. Specifically, Section 2 of the bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to potentially exclude items like sugary drinks (think sodas and anything that isn't water, cow's milk, a milk substitute, or 100% juice), plus certain snacks and desserts. The goal seems to be steering SNAP purchases towards more nutritious options.

States Might Get to Play Food Police

Beyond the specific exclusions, the bill introduces a significant shift: it allows state agencies to ask the federal government for permission to ban even more foods they deem "unhealthy." If approved, a state could block SNAP users from buying certain items that its own nutrition agency flags. This opens the door for potentially different rules depending on where you live, as Section 2 doesn't set a universal standard for what counts as "unhealthy." One state might target high-sodium snacks, another might focus on high-fat foods, leading to a patchwork of regulations across the country.

The Real-World Checkout

So, what does this mean for the average person using SNAP? On one hand, the bill aims to promote healthier eating habits. On the other, it directly limits choices at the grocery store. If your go-to budget-friendly drink or snack gets cut, you'll need to find alternatives, which might not be as affordable or readily available. The state-level flexibility adds another layer of complexity. While intended to tailor rules, the lack of a clear definition for "unhealthy" in Section 2 could lead to confusion and potentially inconsistent restrictions that might affect household budgets and meal planning for millions relying on SNAP.