Effective 1/1/2026
The State of Iowa has revised regulations regarding SNAP benefits that will affect certain items that restrict the purchase of:
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Iced Tea (except unsweet)
- Sports drinks
- Juice/Juice drinks less than 50% juice
- Energy drinks (including no carbonation)
- Enhanced Water
- Sparkling Water (except unsweetened)
- Ready-to-Drink coffee (except unsweetened)
- Other packaged beverages (except Muscle Milk)
- Fountain drinks cold
- Candy (except non-tax candy with flour)
- Gum
- Mints
- Nuts/Seeds with candy coating or roasted with sweeteners
- Pretzels with candy coating
- Popcorn with candy or sugar coating (caramel, kettle corn, any candy coating)
- Granola Bars (except with flour)
To read more about the Healthy Food Waiver changes or to view Frequently Asked Questions, please visit:
Iowa’s Health and Human Services website
