If you have recently been provided with an EBT card, you may be confused as to what food items are classed as SNAP-eligible.
The answer to your question is yes, you can buy protein powder with EBT although there are restrictions which you can find out about by reading on.
So let’s get started!
Can You Buy Protein Powder With Food Stamps/SNAP/EBT?
The short answer is yes. However, this depends on the type of protein powder you want to purchase.
One easy way to know whether or not you can pay for it using EBT is to check the label on the back of the product. If it is labeled as ‘Nutritional Facts’ or ‘Food Item’ then it can be bought using EBT. Some are labeled as ‘Supplemental Facts’ and if this is the case, unfortunately the price cannot be covered using EBT.
What Protein Powder Can You Purchase With An EBT Card?
Anything that is labeled as stated above is EBT-eligible. So why can’t this be said for every protein product?
EBT, or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were introduced to citizens on a low, or no income to give them access to healthy and nutritious foods. Protein powders aren’t really an essential part of any diet so in a way, it abuses the EBT system.
On the other hand, most protein powder products are sold as food items which therefore makes it legal to purchase using an EBT card.
Let’s take a look at the EBT-eligible brands:
- Optimum Natural Gold Standard
- Naked Whey (Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder)
- MuscleFarm Combat Protein
- TGS Natural Whey Powder
- F-Factor 20/20 Protein/Fiber Powder
- Muscle Milk Protein Powder
Why Are Some Protein Powders Labeled As A Food Item?
This is a great question. Some protein powders have food products in them and others don’t.
For example, a chocolate protein powder may contain traces of egg whites, cocoa and coconut inside. These traces may be terribly minute, but if they’re in there then the manufacturer must provide a ‘Nutritional Facts’ label. Pretty clever, huh?
Can You Buy Other Health Supplements Using EBT?
At this moment in time, health supplements including vitamins, oils and other dietary products do not meet the EBT criteria. However, there are hopes that this will change in the near future.
And why not? After all, taking health supplements is a great investment when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle.
Can You Buy Protein Shakes With EBT?
Yes, you can buy protein shakes with EBT as long as the product is labeled with ‘Nutritional Facts’ or ‘Food Item’.
Protein shakes are generally labeled as supplements and it is hard to come across products that are EBT-eligible. This is also the case with protein bars and other related snacks.
Luckily for you, we have managed to gather a list of protein and meal replacement shakes that can be purchased using EBT such as:
- Labrada Lean Body Hi-Protein Replacement Shakes
- Premier Protein Shakes (30g)
- MET-Rx Original Whey Meal Replacement Shakes
- Evolve Vegan Protein Shake
- SlimFast Original Meal Replacement Shake Mix
- Orgain Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Powder
Can You Buy Creatine With EBT?
No, you cannot purchase any creatine product with EBT. This is because creatine is sold only as a supplement and never as a food item. It is also never manufactured with a ‘Nutritional Facts’ label.
Can You Buy Protein Powder Online Using EBT?
Yes absolutely. As long as the online store accepts EBT as a valid method of payment then you will have no problem.
To complete a transaction online using an EBT card, you will need to enter your card details in the ‘Payment section’. There is usually an option to save your card details for the next time, although we would never recommend storing your card details online. Better to be safe than sorry!
What Other Things Can You Buy With EBT?
The list of EBT-eligible items is pretty impressive and in some areas, you can even use one to purchase fast food (as long as the state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program or RMP).
Take a look below to see what you are entitled to as the holder of an EBT card:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Breads and cereals
- Meat (steak, beef, etc)
- Poultry
- Fish
- Dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks (Monster, Redbull, etc)
- Desserts (ice cream, cakes, etc)
- Potato chips
As you can see, EBT covers a wide variety of food and drinks that allow individuals to lead a full and healthy lifestyle. So what products are prohibited?
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
- Prescriptions
- Health supplements (labeled with ‘Supplemental Facts’)
- Household cleaning products
- Pet food
- Hot food or drinks that are prepared upon purchase
The Final Say
To conclude, the answer to your question is yes, you can buy protein powder with EBT as long as the product has a ‘Nutritional Facts’ or a ‘Food Item’ label. The same can be said for protein and meal replacement shakes.