In June 2025, federal officials in President Donald Trump’s administration approved Utah’s waiver, along with Idaho and Arkansas, letting them ban some items from SNAP as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” efforts, as stated by Utah News Dispatch. The Utah Department of Workforce Services confirmed the SNAP restrictions will start Thursday, January 1, 2026.
SNAP soda ban details
Becky Wickstrom, spokesperson for the department, said, “This is not a change to the amount of SNAP benefits eligible individuals receive. It is a change to what the benefits can purchase. We have worked closely with the state’s retailers to prepare for this change and are ready for it to take place on January 1, 2026.”
The soda ban covers flavored carbonated drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Drinks still allowed include milk, milk substitutes, and drinks with more than half real fruit or vegetable juice.
Other items that cannot be bought with SNAP in Utah include:
- Hot, prepared foods
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Non-food items like cleaning supplies and pet food
Lawmaker comments and opposition
Rep. Kristen Chevrier, who sponsored the bill, said the change aims to improve SNAP and health in Utah. She said, “The SNAP program helps those who are facing food insecurity and in need of nutrition. We don’t want to undermine health and fuel chronic disease by subsidizing the purchase of sugary drinks”, as stated by Utah News Dispatch.
The bill originally included a candy ban, but that was removed before the legislature approved it along party lines. Utah House Democrats expressed concerns that the law could hurt SNAP recipients’ autonomy and dignity, and might not change eating habits. They said, “While this bill claims to promote healthier choices, it imposes restrictions without offering constructive or evidence-based solutions. Additionally, this legislation will be complicated to implement — requiring costly updates to point-of-sale systems, staff retraining, and compliance monitoring, all without guaranteeing better health outcomes”, as noted by Utah News Dispatch.
FAQs
Q1. Can I buy soda with SNAP in Utah after January 1, 2026?
No, soda and sugary drinks cannot be bought with SNAP in Utah starting January 1, 2026.
Q2. What drinks are allowed with SNAP in Utah?
Milk, milk substitutes, and drinks with more than half real fruit or vegetable juice are allowed.