Local convenience and grocery stores may soon change which items are available for purchases on SNAP benefit cards. A growing national trend has already seen more than 15 states implement a ban on junk food and sugary drinks. Governor Kay Ivey would like to add the State of Alabama to the list.
The Governor’s Communication Director, Gina Maiola, stated “Governor Ivey wants the Legislature to have a say when it comes to SNAP benefits.”
Maiola added “She is supportive of the Make America Healthy Again Movement, so if the Legislature passes a bill to eliminate certain products from SNAP, she will sign it.”
Several states have enacted bans on the purchase of junk food, candy, or soda using SNAP benefits in recent years. At least 18 states are implementing these bans in 2026, including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Texas, and others, with rules varying by state.
In Alabama, SNAP benefits are controlled by Department of Human Resources (DHR). Brandon Hardin, SNAP director for Alabama DHR, said the currently over 700,000 Alabamians are enrolled in the benefits.
New State-Specific 2026 Restrictions
In 2026, 18 states are implementing individual bans on specific “junk foods”. Implementation dates vary by state throughout the year:
Banned Items Primary States Implementing
Soda & Soft Drinks AR, CO, FL, HI, ID, IN, IA, LA, MO, NE, ND, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV
Candy & Gum AR, FL, ID, IN, IA, LA, MO, ND, OK, SC, TN, TX
Energy Drinks FL, LA, MO, NE, ND, SC, TN, TX, VA
Prepared DessertsFL, MO, TN, TX
Low-Juice Drinks AR, IA (restricts drinks with <50% natural juice)
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