SNAP Healthy

SNAP Healthy is a statewide effort to encourage the use of SNAP dollars for nutritious foods and beverages. The goal is to improve long-term health outcomes for Virginia families. SNAP Healthy includes the upcoming SNAP Beverage Update and the Virginia Fresh Match program.

Beverage Update

Changes are coming to specific types of beverages that can be purchased by customers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at authorized retailers.

Starting October 1, 2026, SNAP customers will no longer be able to purchase carbonated sweetened drinks using their SNAP benefits in Virginia. Those beverages include soda, diet soda, “zero” soda, carbonated energy drinks or any beverages made with carbonated water and flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. All other beverages, including milk, juice, infant formula, sports drinks, iced tea and lemonade are still SNAP-eligible.

Virginians’ eligibility to participate in SNAP and their benefit amount are not affected by this change. This change is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver.

Beverages that will not be SNAP-eligible beginning October 1, 2026

• Soda
• Diet soda
• “Zero” or zero-sugar soda
• Carbonated energy drinks
• Carbonated drinks with 5 grams of added sugar or more per serving

Beverages that are still SNAP-eligible

• Non-carbonated energy drinks (“fizz-free”)
• Unsweetened seltzer drinks
• Lemonade
• Juice
• Iced tea
• Iced coffee
• Milk and milk alternatives
• Yogurt drinks
• Kombucha
• Infant formula
• Nutritional products like meal replacement shakes or drinks

Need Help or Have Questions?

We’re here to support you.

Email: SNAPHealthy@dss.virginia.gov

VDSS will continue sharing updates through stores, LDSS offices, community partners, our website, and social media.