Eighteen States to Restrict 'Non-Nutritious Items' from SNAP in 2026

Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia are scheduled to restrict 'non-nutritious items' from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Jan. 1, 2026. 

The Details: Thirteen additional states are set to impose similar bans throughout 2026, with Idaho and Oklahoma being scheduled next on Feb. 15. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service encouraged (and continues to encourage) states to submit the "SNAP Food Restriction Waivers" to "strengthen integrity and restore nutritional value" within the program. The department stated, "These waivers are a key step in ensuring that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes within SNAP." Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Dr. Mehmet Oz reportedly said states imposing the restrictions will receive increased government assistance.

Jan. 1 Restrictions:

• Indiana: soft drinks and candy
• Iowa: "all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue except food producing plants and seeds for food producing plants"
• Nebraska: soda and energy drinks
• Utah: soft drinks
• West Virginia: soda

For Context: SNAP, also known as food stamps, benefits around 42 million individuals in the US. The restrictions come as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, led by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration. Prior attempts to ban non-nutritious foods were blocked by the USDA, which cited potential disadvantages to implementation.

How The Media Covered It: This story was covered most widely by media on the left and in the center. Associated Press (Left bias) and Newsweek (Center) highlighted potential issues with the restrictions, such as financial underpreparedness and various complexities, while Newsmax (Right) did not. Media across the political spectrum used the word "ban," though the USDA only used the softer word "restriction."

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