If you receive SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) in Hawaii, there is a new rule coming that will change what you can buy with your EBT card.
The state of Hawaii has received special permission from the federal government to test a new project aimed at encouraging healthier choices. This is a temporary “demonstration project,” meaning it is a test to see how it works.
These new rules affect all SNAP users in Hawaii. You cannot “opt-out” of this change.
Here is everything you need to know about what is changing, when it happens, and what you need to do.
What is Changing?
Starting in August 2026, you will no longer be able to use your SNAP EBT card to buy “soft drinks” (soda).
What counts as a “Soft Drink”? The state defines a soft drink as any non-alcoholic beverage that is both carbonated (fizzy) and sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
The state does not count any products that contain milk, milk products, or milk substitutes as soft drinks. They will also allow you to buy items that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.
What Stays the Same
It is important to remember that this ban targets specific processed items, not your ability to cook or eat.
Most food is still OK. You can use your SNAP card to purchase all the basics, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, breads, seeds and more.
You can also still use your SNAP benefits for most other drinks. You CAN still buy:
- ✅ Milk and dairy products.
- ✅ Milk substitutes (like soy or rice milk).
- ✅ 100% Fruit juice or vegetable juice.
- ✅ Juice blends that are at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
- ✅ Water and sparkling water (if it doesn’t have added sugar).
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a lot of information contained in Hawaii’s 7-page waiver approval from the USDA. Here are some of the highlights that you should know:
What happens if I try to buy soda with my EBT card? After August 1, 2026, the grocery store’s register system will likely automatically stop the purchase of restricted sodas with EBT. You would have to pay for those specific items with cash or a debit/credit card.
Why are they doing this? The Department of Human Services wants to see if restricting sugary drinks helps improve health outcomes for families in Hawaii. They will be collecting data (anonymous surveys and interviews) to see if this change actually helps people eat healthier.
I have thoughts on this. Can I share them? Yes. Participation in the surveys about this project is voluntary. If you are asked to take a survey about your shopping habits, you can choose to share your honest feedback about how this impacts your family, or you can choose not to participate in the survey.
How to Prepare
With the start date of August 1, 2026, you have plenty of time to adjust.
- Watch for Mail: The state will be sending out more official information as we get closer to 2026. Keep an eye on letters from the Department of Human Services.
- Check Labels: If you aren’t sure if your favorite drink will be excluded, check the label. If it’s carbonated and has more than 10g of sugar, it will likely be excluded when these changes take effect in August 2026.
Relief Recap
The basics of your grocery trip—meat, produce, dairy, and bread—are not changing. This rule only affects soda at this time.
This article was drafted with AI assistance and fully fact-checked by Nicole Thelin. Learn more about our Responsible AI Use Policy.