If you use SNAP benefits at the grocery store, soon you’ll find you’re unable to use them to buy soda, as Colorado and a slew of other states just got approval from the federal government to restrict SNAP benefit usage.
Colorado’s ban extends to any beverage with at least 5 grams of sweetener per 12 ounces, which means it should only cover soft drinks like soda.
Colorado is one of several states (about a dozen in total) that have seized the opportunity to restrict SNAP purchases in light of the federal government’s interest in promoting healthier eating.
And while Colorado’s first waiver – to ban sodas – has been approved with a start date of March 1st, 2026, the state still has two other requests pending.
More specifically, Colorado has also asked the federal government for permission to expand SNAP access to hot prepared foods at grocery stores (like rotisserie chickens), and to make it easier for farmers to accept SNAP benefits.
And further down the line..:
Colorado is also working through a future waiver submission to enable restaurants to accept SNAP benefits, which would significantly expand recipients’ food choices.
The goal of soda bans like Colorado’s is, simply, to ensure government dollars are spent on consuming healthier food and drink, with the hope that the demand shift encourages grocery stores and convenience stores to carry more healthy options.
Is that a useful and valuable endeavor, or government overreach on people’s freedoms and the private markets? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
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