SNAP Healthy for SNAP Customers

A new change to which beverages can be purchased using SNAP benefits in Virginia went into effect on November 1, 2026. This change affects only a small category of drinks: certain carbonated beverages with added sweeteners. Everything else about your SNAP benefits stays the same, including all SNAP-eligible foods, your benefit amount and your issuance schedule. 

This page is designed to help you quickly understand what changed, what did not, and how the update may show up when you shop. You will find clear examples of eligible and ineligible beverages, answers to common questions, and practical tips to make checkout smooth on and after November 1.

You can still buy soda, energy drinks and other ineligible beverages, but you’ll need to use a different form of payment. No action is required from you before the update; retailers will make any needed changes in their checkout systems.

Beverages that are not be SNAP-eligible as of November 1, 2026

• Soda
• Diet soda
• “Zero” or zero-sugar soda
• Carbonated energy drinks
• Carbonated drinks with 5 grams of added sugar or more per serving

Beverages that are still SNAP-eligible

• Non-carbonated energy drinks (“fizz-free”)
• Unsweetened seltzer drinks
• Lemonade
• Juice
• Iced tea
• Iced coffee
• Milk and milk alternatives
• Yogurt drinks
• Infant formula
• Kombucha
• Nutritional products like meal replacement shakes or drinks