Nebraska becomes first state cleared to ban soda, energy drinks from SNAP

People who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in Nebraska will not be able to use those benefits to buy soda or energy drinks starting in 2026. While federal efforts are centered around limiting access to sugary foods, others contend there could be unintended consequences. 

The approval makes Nebraska the first to receive such federal permission.

“There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks,” Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement. “SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver.”