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 SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase soft drinks. 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 | ❌ Carbonated Juice Drinks: Carbonated fruit or vegetable drinks with 50% juice or less are not exempt from the soft drink restriction. | ✅ 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 is 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 a primary indicator of fraud. You retain the right to shop in Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado 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.
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.
My daughter just bought groceries at Smith’s and her SNAP payment was declined for a carton of bottled ice tea.