SNAP bans on soda, candy and other foods take effect in five states Jan. 1

Key Takeaways:

• New SNAP restrictions forbid buying soda, candy, and other specific foods.
• Five states will implement these rules on Jan. 1.
• The changes were reported in The Lewiston Tribune Online on December 31, 2025.

The New Policy

On January 1, SNAP recipients in five states will face new prohibitions on purchasing soda, candy, and certain other foods with their benefits. The bans, reported by The Lewiston Tribune Online, mark a substantial change for those who rely on SNAP for groceries.

Items Affected

The core focus of these restrictions includes sugary beverages like soda and popular confections such as candy. Although labeled simply as “other foods,” the policy indicates an effort to limit products not deemed essential under SNAP guidelines in these five states.

Scope and Implementation

While the exact list of states has not been publicly detailed within the original content, the decision applies simultaneously across the five participating regions. The measure, shared through an Associated Press report, underscores a potential realignment of how SNAP benefits can be used.

The Source

Published under the “top” and “business” categories, this development was covered by The Lewiston Tribune Online on December 31, 2025. Journalist Jonel Aleccia from the Associated Press contributed to the article, offering a concise snapshot of this policy shift on the eve of its implementation.