TO ITS WEBSITE. NEW AT NOON, THE STATE IS CHANGING WHAT FOOD YOU CAN BUY WITH SNAP BENEFITS. THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAYS IT’S PROMOTING HEALTHIER EATING. STARTING ON JANUARY 1ST, SNAP ELIGIBLE ITEMS WILL FOLLOW THE STATE’S NONTAXABLE FOOD LIST, SO THAT MEANS SODA AND SUGARY DRINKS, CANDY AND SOME PREPARED FOOD WILL NO LONGER QUALIFY. THE STATE SAYS IT’S WORKING WITH RETAILERS AN
Iowa changes SNAP benefits to exclude sugary items
Starting January 1, the state will exclude soda, sugary drinks, and candy from SNAP benefits to promote healthier eating.
Updated: 3:43 PM CDT Oct 10, 2025
Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services is changing what food can be purchased with SNAP benefits to promote healthier eating. Starting Jan. 1, SNAP-eligible items will follow the state’s non-taxable food list. This means soda, sugary drinks with less than 50% fruit juice, candy and candy-coated items, and some in-store prepared foods will no longer qualify. The updated eligibility is meant to encourage better eating habits and support long-term health. “This change is about more than just policy — it’s about building a stronger, healthier Iowa for generations to come,” said Kelly Garcia, director of Iowa HHS. “As obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is taking bold steps upstream — focusing on prevention and early intervention.” The state says it is working with retailers and SNAP recipients ahead of the rollout.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services is changing what food can be purchased with SNAP benefits to promote healthier eating.
Starting Jan. 1, SNAP-eligible items will follow the state’s non-taxable food list. This means soda, sugary drinks with less than 50% fruit juice, candy and candy-coated items, and some in-store prepared foods will no longer qualify. The updated eligibility is meant to encourage better eating habits and support long-term health.
“This change is about more than just policy — it’s about building a stronger, healthier Iowa for generations to come,” said Kelly Garcia, director of Iowa HHS. “As obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is taking bold steps upstream — focusing on prevention and early intervention.”
The state says it is working with retailers and SNAP recipients ahead of the rollout.