If you’re using an EBT card (that’s like a debit card for food assistance), you might be wondering what kinds of things you *can’t* buy with it. It’s super important to know the rules so you don’t accidentally get into trouble or have your card declined at the checkout. This essay will break down some of the most common things you can’t purchase with your EBT card, so you can shop smart and stay within the guidelines.
Hot Foods and Prepared Meals
One of the biggest restrictions is on hot foods and prepared meals. Basically, if it’s ready to eat *right now*, you probably can’t buy it with EBT. This is because the program is designed to help people buy ingredients to prepare their own meals at home. Think of it this way: EBT is for groceries, not for going out to eat.

This means you can’t use your card for things like rotisserie chickens, hot deli sandwiches, or meals from a restaurant. Some grocery stores have a small “prepared foods” section, but items in this section generally aren’t eligible for EBT purchase. It’s also usually not allowed to buy hot pizza.
The rules can be a little confusing, but here are some examples to help clarify what this looks like:
- Hot soups at a deli counter are usually not okay.
- A cold sandwich that you take home and eat is usually okay.
- A prepared salad from the salad bar is generally not okay.
- A bag of ingredients to make a salad is okay.
Remember, always double-check with the cashier if you’re unsure, especially if you’re getting something from a store that you haven’t bought food with EBT at before.
Non-Food Items
Alcoholic Beverages
EBT cards cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. This includes beer, wine, liquor, and any other drink with alcohol in it. It doesn’t matter where you are, or what kind of store you go to. EBT is strictly for food and non-food items that are related to making food.
The government doesn’t want your EBT benefits going towards something they consider less essential. So, it’s just a simple no. When you’re shopping, make sure to keep the alcoholic beverages separate from your EBT purchases. Alcohol is a common item that’s restricted, along with tobacco products.
The rules are very simple. Here are some things you CANNOT buy:
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor
- Any other alcoholic drinks
Even if you’re buying food, if there’s alcohol present, your EBT card can’t be used to purchase it. Don’t try it. You could run into problems with the store and the EBT program.
Tobacco Products
Like alcohol, tobacco products are also off-limits. Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and any other tobacco-related products are not eligible for purchase with EBT. The focus of EBT is to provide assistance for food, and tobacco isn’t considered a necessary food item.
Stores are very strict about this rule. If you try to buy tobacco with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined. They are also trained to recognize the signs and won’t allow it to happen. Even if you’re buying food at the same time, separate payment will be necessary for tobacco.
If you’re a smoker or use other tobacco products, you’ll need to pay for these items using another form of payment. Here’s a quick list of things you can’t buy:
Product | Allowed with EBT? |
---|---|
Cigarettes | No |
Cigars | No |
Chewing Tobacco | No |
Vaping Products | No |
Always remember that tobacco is not allowed, and keep it separate from your food purchases.
Vitamins and Supplements
While food is the main focus of EBT, there are some limitations on what else you can purchase. Vitamins and supplements, even if they are beneficial for your health, often don’t qualify. This is because they are not considered a primary food source. The rules focus on food that you eat to stay alive.
This means you typically cannot use your EBT card to buy things like: protein powders, vitamin pills, or meal replacement shakes, unless they are specifically approved by the USDA for EBT purchase. It can be tricky, so it’s always best to double-check or ask the store staff.
The specifics can vary depending on the state and the program. For example, some states may allow the purchase of certain items that are labeled as “nutritional supplements” by a medical professional. It’s important to be familiar with your local rules. For this reason, some common items you CANNOT buy include:
- Vitamins
- Protein Powders
- Supplements
- Meal Replacement Shakes (often)
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and ask the store cashier before you try to use your card.
Pet Food and Supplies
While you might want to feed your furry friends, your EBT card can’t be used for pet food or supplies. The benefits are meant to help provide food for *you*, not for your pets. So, items like dog food, cat food, birdseed, and other pet-related purchases are off-limits.
This rule extends to any items for your pets. This includes things like: treats, toys, pet bedding, and grooming supplies. EBT’s purpose is about human food, and your pets are not humans. If you need to buy food for your pet, you’ll have to use another payment method.
Here are some common pet-related items that you can’t buy with your EBT card:
- Dog food
- Cat food
- Birdseed
- Pet treats
- Pet toys
There are some exceptions for service animals, but generally speaking, pet food and supplies are not covered. Make sure to budget for your pets’ needs separately from your EBT benefits.
Household Items and Personal Care Products
The EBT program is intended to provide food, not to pay for everything you might need. This means you generally can’t use your card to purchase household items or personal care products. This includes items like: cleaning supplies, paper products, soap, shampoo, and diapers.
Even if these items are necessary, they don’t qualify. EBT covers food, and other things are not considered food. This means you need to pay for these items using another form of payment.
Here’s a quick overview of what you CAN’T buy:
- Cleaning supplies (e.g., dish soap, laundry detergent)
- Paper products (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels)
- Personal care items (e.g., soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
When shopping with your EBT card, keep these items separate. You’ll need another form of payment for all non-food purchases.
Items with a Non-Food Component
Sometimes, you might come across items that have both a food and a non-food component. In these cases, it can get a little tricky. The general rule is that if the item is primarily non-food, you can’t buy it with EBT. For example, you cannot purchase a birthday cake with a toy on top.
This rule extends to things like gift baskets that include both food and non-food items. It also covers things like pre-packaged meals with a toy inside. This is because the EBT program is about food. So, your money must go towards the food part of the item.
Let’s consider a few scenarios to help illustrate this. This is just for clarity:
Item | EBT Eligible? |
---|---|
Birthday Cake | Yes |
Birthday Cake with Toy | No |
Gift Basket with Food and a Mug | Potentially (check at the store!) |
Pre-packaged meal with a Toy | No |
If you’re unsure, you can always check with the cashier. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not the item is eligible for purchase with your EBT card.
So, to answer your question directly: You cannot use your EBT card to purchase a variety of non-food items, including alcohol, tobacco, and pet supplies, as well as prepared hot foods.
By understanding these restrictions, you can shop confidently and make the most of your EBT benefits. This helps ensure that you’re following the rules and can continue to receive assistance with food expenses.