The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved a request from the Utah Department of Workforce Services to launch a “demonstration project” that changes what can be bought with SNAP benefits.
Starting January 1, 2026, Utah will implement a statewide ban on purchasing “soft drinks” with SNAP benefits. This pilot program will run for two years.
What is Changing?
Utah is amending the definition of “eligible food” to exclude carbonated soft drinks. Unlike other states that ban all sugary drinks, Utah’s definition relies heavily on the presence of carbonated water and sweeteners.
The ban includes beverages sweetened with artificial sweeteners. This means Diet Coke and Zero Sugar sodas are BANNED.
| Category | ❌ No Longer Eligible (Banned) | ✅ Still Eligible (Allowed) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodas & Pop | ❌ Sugary Soda: Any drink made with carbonated water + sugar. (e.g., Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper). ❌ Diet Soda: Any drink made with carbonated water + artificial sweetener. (e.g., Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Dr. Pepper). | ✅ Non-Carbonated Drinks: The definition specifically requires “carbonated water.” Therefore, flat drinks like Lemonade, Fruit Punch, or Sweet Tea appear to remain Allowed. ✅ Sparkling Water: Plain carbonated water (unsweetened) is allowed. |
| Juice & Dairy | ❌ “Fake” Juice: Carbonated fruit drinks with less than 50% juice. | ✅ Real Juice: Any beverage with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. ✅ Dairy: Milk, milk products, and milk substitutes (soy, rice, almond) are explicitly exempt. |
| Food & Candy | ✅ Utah is NOT banning candy, chips, cookies, or energy bars at this time. This ban is strictly limited to “soft drinks.” |
Who is Affected?
Every SNAP shopper in the state of Utah will be affected by this change. It is mandatory and there is no way to opt-out. The new restrictions will be applied automatically.
Critical Things You Need to Know
The USDA approval letter reveals several key details that you need to know.
- You can still shop with SNAP in other states. Utah shares borders with ID, WY, CO, NM, AZ, and NV. You can still use your EBT card in those and other states. The letter explicitly states that out-of-state transactions will not be used as an indicator of fraud. You retain the right to shop in Wyoming, Idaho, or Nevada without risking your eligibility.
- The state will track any out-of-state transactions. The state will track transactions in these border areas in an attempt to determine how many people are trying to get around the restrictions.
- You do not have to participate in surveys or research projects. To see if the ban works, the state will partner with Utah State University and Create Better Health to conduct surveys. Participation in these evaluation tools (and SNAP-Ed programs) is voluntary. You can opt out of surveys without any penalty to your benefits.
How to Prepare
Utah’s rules are very specific: If it bubbles and it’s sweet, it’s out. Here is how to get ready:
- Figure out your Cash Gap. If you rely on Diet Coke or Zero Sugar drinks, you need to prepare. Utah is one of the few states where artificial sweeteners count as a ban trigger. Calculate how much you spend on diet soda per week. You will need to start budgeting that amount in cash for 2026. Alternatively, switch to unsweetened sparkling water (like LaCroix), which remains eligible.
- Start drinking flat beverages. If you need a flavored caffeine or sugar fix, look for non-carbonated options. Bottled iced teas, lemonades, or hydration drinks (without bubbles) do not meet the definition of a “soft drink” in this waiver and are likely safe to buy.
- Check your juice percentages. Many juices are mostly water and sugar. Check the label. If it says “Contains 51% Juice” (or more), it is safe. If it says “10% Juice” and has bubbles, it is banned.
Relief Recap
While Utah is banning both regular and diet sodas, this is a very narrow restriction compared to other states. Candy, cookies, chips, and energy bars are NOT banned at this time. Additionally, because the ban relies on “carbonation,” you have plenty of non-bubbly beverage options (like tea and juice blends) that remain fully eligible. You have until January 1, 2026, to prepare, and your right to shop across state lines remains fully protected.
This article was drafted with AI assistance and fully fact-checked by Nicole Thelin. Learn more about our Responsible AI Use Policy.
My daughter just bought groceries at Smith’s and her SNAP payment was declined for a carton of bottled ice tea.