Big changes are coming to the food stamp program in Indiana. The USDA has approved a new test that changes what families can buy with their benefits.
In the past, SNAP let you buy almost any food for your home. Since January 1, 2026, Indiana SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase sugary drinks or candy.
Here is what is banned, what is safe, and how this affects low-income families.
New Rules Block Soda & Candy
The new rules ban two main things: Soft Drinks and Candy. Let’s see how the state of Indiana defines those two items.
Soft Drinks
Starting in 2026, you cannot buy drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. This includes most sodas as well as sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened tea, and other sweetened beverages.
However, the rule does not apply to drinks that are only sweetened with vegetable or fruit juice. It also does not apply to drinks that contain milk, milk products or milk substitutes, either.
Candy
New rules will also prevent you from purchasing candy with your SNAP benefits. The state defines candy as bars, drops or pieces made out of sugar, honey or other sweeteners mixed with chocolate, fruit, nuts or other ingredients.
Interestingly, the state said that if the item needs to be kept in the fridge or freezer, it is not considered candy. This means ice cream or refrigerated sweets might still be okay.
Things You Should Know
There are several things that you should be aware of before this change goes into effect on January 1, 2026.
You are automatically enrolled. There is no way to “skip” this pilot program. The ban on candy and sugary drinks isn’t optional—it will apply to every single SNAP shopper in Indiana.
You can opt-out of the surveys. While you have to follow the shopping rules, you don’t have to provide additional information. The state will ask families to take health surveys or join nutrition classes to see if the experiment is succeeding. You have the right to say “no” to those extra questions.
The state will be gathering data on purchase trends. The state has to report if shopping habits move across state lines. They want to see if banning soda in Indiana just pushes people to drive into Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, or Illinois to buy it instead.
Crossing state lines is not a crime. It is important to know that using your EBT card in a neighboring state is still completely legal. If you shop in Kentucky or Ohio, you will not lose your benefits and it is not considered fraud. The state is just tracking the total numbers, not investigating you personally.
Relief Recap
The good news is that your total benefit amount is not being cut, and you can still buy some treats like ice cream. Just remember to check labels and know that using your card in other states is still perfectly legal.
