Indiana will ban candy, sugary drinks from SNAP benefit purchases starting Jan. 2026

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Candy and sugary drinks are off the table for Indiana SNAP benefit recipients come January.

"By removing this, you're getting kids back being healthy," Austin Metzler said.

Metzler and his five-year-old son Liam have relied on SNAP benefits for several years. They get $170 a month for milk, meat, and cheese. They also get Liam's favorite snack: mandarin oranges.

"He loves those," Austin Metzler said. "He can eat them by the dozen."

The Metzlers try to buy food that can last more than a few days in the fridge or pantry.

In January 2026, they'll have to be more mindful of their choices when it comes to junk food. That's when Indiana will launch Smart SNAP to promote healthier eating.

"SNAP benefits shouldn't be going to buy soft drinks and processed food," Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said. "We're at least not putting nutrition out there that has empty calories in it."

According to the Family and Social Services Administration, they're still allowed to buy chips, ice cream, and fruit with their EBT cards. However, candy, chocolate chips, marshmallows, fruit strips, gum and kettle and caramel popcorn aren't an option anymore.

"I don't disagree with the decision," Metzler said. "There's so much of us that's unhealthy."

Sweet ice tea, sports drinks, soda, water mixed with sweeteners, and energy drinks are also off the table. Instead, they can choose from unsweetened tea, milk, fruit juice, water and pediatric electrolyte drinks, according to the FSSA.

These changes will impact more than 570,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families. Gov. Braun believes Indiana SNAP benefits needed reforming.

"We found lots of folks on it who aren't even qualified for it," Braun said.

Indiana SNAP enrollees can’t buy hot or prepared foods, such as a rotisserie chicken or warm deli sandwich, alcoholic beverages or tobacco. Those rules won't change.

Metzler hopes Hoosiers will get more funds to help pay for those healthier options in the new year. In the meantime, he encourages everyone to take advantage of the resources already at their disposal.

"Just learn how to shop," Metzler said. "Use your coupons. Use your apps."

Smart SNAP regulations go into effect January 1, 2026 in Indiana.

If you need food assistance, here is a list of food pantries and resources in Louisville and southern Indiana.

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