Can You Buy Candy with EBT at Walmart? The Definitive Guide

Yes, generally, you can buy candy with EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at Walmart, as long as it’s considered a food item. However, there are nuances and exceptions that every EBT cardholder should understand to navigate the aisles successfully. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding EBT and Eligible Food Items

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides EBT cards to eligible low-income individuals and families. These cards can be used at authorized retailers like Walmart to purchase eligible food items. It’s crucial to understand what constitutes an eligible food item because not everything on the shelves qualifies.

What SNAP/EBT Covers

Generally, SNAP/EBT covers basic food staples like:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods (including some candy)
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat

What SNAP/EBT Doesn’t Cover

SNAP/EBT typically does not cover:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption (e.g., deli counter items meant to be eaten right away)
• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, or hygiene products
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

Candy and EBT Eligibility: The Sweet Spot

So, where does candy fit into this picture? The key lies in its classification as a “food” item. Most candies are considered snack foods and are therefore eligible for purchase with EBT.

Candy That is EBT Eligible

The vast majority of packaged candies readily available at Walmart will be EBT-eligible. This includes:

• Chocolate bars (e.g., Snickers, Hershey’s, Kit Kat)
• Hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers)
• Gummy candies (e.g., gummy bears, Sour Patch Kids)
• Lollipops
• Mints
• Individually wrapped candies
• Candy in bulk bags

Candy That Might Not Be EBT Eligible

While most candies are covered, there can be exceptions. Here’s where things get a little tricky:

• Candy marketed as a supplement: If a candy is specifically marketed as a vitamin or supplement (even if it looks and tastes like candy), it may not be EBT-eligible. These are often found in the pharmacy section.
• Gift baskets: Candy that is part of a larger gift basket containing non-food items (e.g., toys, decorations) is generally not EBT-eligible.
• Items prepared for immediate consumption: Any candy that’s part of a prepared meal or considered “ready-to-eat” from a deli or food service area might not be covered.
• Seasonal Novelties: Some highly decorative, seasonal candies that are considered more of a decorative item than food may not be eligible, especially if they contain non-edible components.

Shopping for Candy at Walmart with EBT: Tips and Tricks

• Check the labels: Always double-check the product label to ensure it’s clearly classified as a food item and not a supplement.
• Be mindful of bundled items: Avoid purchasing candy that is bundled with non-eligible items, as the entire bundle may be deemed ineligible.
• Observe the surroundings: Pay attention to where the candy is located in the store. Candies in the grocery aisles are more likely to be EBT-eligible than those in the pharmacy or seasonal sections.
• Don’t be afraid to ask: If you’re unsure about the eligibility of a particular candy, don’t hesitate to ask a Walmart employee for clarification.
• Separate transactions: If you are buying both EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, consider using separate transactions to avoid confusion and potential issues at checkout.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions related to using EBT to purchase candy at Walmart:

1. Can I buy Halloween candy with EBT at Walmart?

Yes, most Halloween candy sold at Walmart is eligible for purchase with EBT, as long as it’s individually wrapped and considered a food item. Avoid candy that is part of a non-food item display or gift basket.

2. What if my EBT card is declined when trying to buy candy?

If your EBT card is declined, first verify that you have sufficient funds in your account. If funds are available, the issue might be with the item itself being incorrectly flagged as ineligible by the system, or an issue with Walmart’s EBT system. Notify a Walmart employee immediately to investigate.

3. Can I buy candy online at Walmart using my EBT card?

Currently, Walmart allows online grocery purchases with EBT in select states and locations. Check Walmart’s website to see if online EBT payment is available in your area. If it is, eligible candies can be purchased online.

4. Does the quantity of candy I buy affect EBT eligibility?

No, the quantity of candy you purchase does not typically affect its EBT eligibility, as long as it remains within reasonable bounds for household consumption.

5. Are sugar-free candies EBT eligible?

Yes, sugar-free candies are generally EBT-eligible, provided they are marketed as food items and not supplements.

6. Can I use my EBT card to buy candy at Walmart’s self-checkout?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at Walmart’s self-checkout. Simply follow the prompts on the screen and select the “EBT” payment option.

7. What happens if I accidentally try to buy a non-EBT-eligible item with my EBT card?

The system will recognize the item as ineligible and prompt you to use an alternative payment method for that specific item.

8. Are gourmet or specialty candies EBT-eligible at Walmart?

As long as they are classified as food items and do not contain ineligible components (like alcohol), gourmet or specialty candies are generally EBT-eligible.

9. Does Walmart have a list of EBT-eligible items in their store?

Walmart does not typically provide a comprehensive list of all EBT-eligible items. The eligibility is generally determined at the point of sale based on the product’s categorization in their system.

10. Can I use my EBT card to buy candy for a party or event?

Yes, you can use your EBT card to buy candy for a party or event, as long as the items meet the eligibility requirements. However, consider the amount you are purchasing and ensure it is reasonable for household consumption.

11. If a candy contains a small amount of alcohol, is it still EBT eligible?

Generally, candy with a trace amount of alcohol used as flavoring is still EBT eligible. However, if the alcohol content is significant or if it is marketed primarily as an alcoholic product (like liqueur-filled chocolates), it is likely not EBT eligible.

12. What should I do if I believe an EBT-eligible item was incorrectly denied at Walmart?

If you believe an item was incorrectly denied, speak with a Walmart supervisor or manager. They can override the system if they confirm the item’s eligibility. You can also contact your local SNAP office to report the issue and seek further clarification.

By understanding the guidelines and keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the candy aisle at Walmart and make informed purchasing decisions with your EBT card. Happy shopping (and snacking)!