The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a request from Ohio to restrict the purchase of soft drinks using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to a March 16 announcement by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The new restriction is set to take effect on October 1, 2026. The policy aims to encourage healthier choices among SNAP recipients by limiting access to beverages that contain high levels of sugar or caloric sweeteners.
Under the new rule, beverages that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient—or as the secondary ingredient if carbonated water is listed first—will be banned from being purchased with SNAP benefits. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said it will notify both retailers and SNAP recipients about these changes before they are implemented.
Ohio becomes one of 22 states that have enacted limits on what can be bought with SNAP funds. The move follows recommendations developed by a working group convened last summer by Governor DeWine.
The broader impact of this change may affect both consumers who rely on SNAP and retailers who accept these benefits. As implementation approaches, further guidance is expected for those affected.
