Things You Didn't Know You Could Buy with EBT on Amazon!

Things You Didnt Know You Could Buy with EBT on Amazon closetsamples

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the fascinating realm of what you can purchase with your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card on Amazon. While many people associate EBT cards exclusively with groceries, there's a world of possibilities awaiting those who want to make the most of their benefits. From personal care items to household essentials and even some surprising options, you'll be amazed at what you can access with your EBT card on Amazon.

To Summarize...

Here are some surprising things you can buy with an EBT card:

Food: You can buy food online from participating retailers in your state. You can also buy junk food like candy, cookies, ice cream, soda, chips, and crackers.
Plants: You can buy edible plants like basil or food-producing plants like tomato plants. You can also buy seeds for growing your own food.
Meals: You can buy meals at restaurants.
Drinks: You can buy water, bags of ice, cold drinks, and meal replacement shakes.
Other items: You can buy fishing and hunting gear, coffee and tea, and Atkins Bars.

You can also buy some items on Amazon with EBT, including:

Chia Pets
Coffee Pods
Games
Emergency Kit Food Supply
Zollipops Anticavity Prevention
Listerine Pocketmist
Electrolyte Powder
Cotton Candy Color Mix Slime
Lotion & Moisturizer

You can't use food stamps to buy:

Alcohol, Tobacco products, Vitamins, Live animals, Prepared foods, Any non-food household items.

Table of Contents

What is EBT?

Can You Use EBT Online?

Why Can you Buy this?

Before We Begin

EBT Eligible Toys & Games

EBT Eligible Weight Loss Supplements

EBT Eligible Pet Stuff

EBT Eligible Plants & Seeds

EBT Eligible Kitchen Goodies

EBT Eligible Gift Crates

EBT Eligible Emergency Food Kits

EBT Eligible Pedialyte & Other Health Products

EBT Eligible Household, Beauty, & Skincare Items

EBT Eligible Phone Service

How to use SNAP EBT benefits on Amazon?

FAQ

Conclusion

There was a time when you could only use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and the like. However, since more people shop online than ever before, big online retailers like Amazon adapted and take the electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card for a number of things. Some of those things might surprise you.

For those who may not know, you can get a HUGE discount on Amazon Prime if you have EBT or Medicaid. If you participate in an eligible program, you can get Amazon Prime for just $6.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month!

They’ve even expanded the number of qualifying programs, so that you can get this discount if you get WIC, TANF or TTANF, SSI, NSLP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, EIP Cards and more. It’s a great deal that saves a lot of people a lot of money so I highly recommend it.

I know at first not much was available while using EBT on Amazon. However, recently, I dug through HUNDREDS of pages of Amazon listings and discovered that there is actually a lot of really surprising things you can buy with EBT on Amazon… but not all of it makes sense.

*Please note EBT eligibility and availity may vary. All were available for my area at the time of posting, however, listings are subject to change or be pulled.

Things You Didn't Know You Could Buy with EBT on Amazon!

Image credit: Pexels

What is EBT?

Before diving into unexpected items available for purchase with SNAP EBT, those new to SNAP or considering applying for SNAP, you may be wondering about the program.

Millions of Americans need assistance with purchasing food at some point in their lives. While many individuals are fortunate enough to have robust support systems to help provide meals, others don’t have that luxury. The pandemic has made it even worse. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is beneficial and comes in handy for those who need it. This federal program (once known as Food Stamps) helps feed low-income Americans who otherwise may not have the means to put food on the table.

A SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card helps people buy nutritious food at EBT-participating stores. The program ensures that no one goes hungry – children can grow into adults and that seniors can afford to eat as healthily as working adults.

According to the USDA, SNAP benefits are for the purchase of items in the following categories:

Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products
Breads, cereals, canned vegetables and pantry staples
Other foods such as snacks, seeds and non-alcoholic beverages

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Can you use SNAP benefits to shop online?

Many online retailers now accept SNAP benefits as payment, which is great news for those with limited mobility, who live in rural areas, or who don’t have a car. Many retailers also offer free shipping too, making it just as economically sound as going to the local grocery store. Some participating stores include Aldi, Walmart, Amazon, Safeway, and Albertsons, just to name a few. You can find which stores serve your area by looking online.

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Why can you buy this stuff?

Strictly speaking, the USDA says you can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to buy “any food for the household,” but you cannot buy non-food items. You’re supposed to purchase food for human consumption only. The law states, “The term “food” means any food or food product for human consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, those foods which are identified on the package as being imported, and meat and meat products which are imported.”

Now, there are some situations where you can buy items that aren’t strictly food. you’re allowed to purchase seeds, produce-bearing plants, and even gift baskets when at least half the basket’s value comes from eligible food items. That’s the rule: at least half the value of the non-food item must be from the food. That creates a bit of a gray area. Many of the EBT-eligible items I found on Amazon fall into that gray area.

However, some of the items I found were clearly mistakes. With a retailer as big and complicated as Amazon, there’s bound to be glitches in the system. According to Amazon’s EBT question and answer section, “The Grocery and Gourmet Food category on Amazon features pantry staples, shelf-stable food, and household items available nationwide.”

Image credit: Pexels

Before we begin…

Before we get into our list, I want to be perfectly and completely clear about something: I will NEVER encourage you to use your benefits illegally. I do NOT recommend buying items that are clearly ineligible with your food stamps. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

Things You Didnt Know You Could Buy with EBT on Amazon closetsamples EBT ELIGIBLE

Although I did not purchase any of these items with EBT, I did make sure they were all marked EBT-eligible at the time of purchase. However, these things frequently change (especially for items that fall into that gray area we discussed). These items may not be EBT-eligible at the time you are reading this, so you should always check each Amazon listing for that SNAP EBT Eligible label.

Image credit: Pexels

What are some surprising things you can buy with EBT on Amazon?

These are listed in no particular order. I hope these help someone on EBT who could use them:

EBT-Eligible Toys & Games

#1 Gross Gummy Candy Lab

#2 Thames & Kosmos Groovy Glowing Candy Lab STEM Kit

#3 Thames & Kosmos Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab

#4 Kracie Popin' Cookin' Japanese Festival DIY Candy (1 Box)

#5 Kracie Popin Cooking DIY Candy Ramen Kit, 1.1 Ounce

#6 ZURU Oosh Yellow Handle, Blue Slime

#7 Hot Ones Truth or Dab The Game - Hot Sauce Included (Ages 17+)

#8 PEZ Hello Kitty, 0.58-Ounce Assorted Candy Dispensers (Pack of 12)

#9 PEZ Candy My Little Pony Assortment, 21.6 Ounce

#10 Roller Derby Roller Star Women's Roller Skates - Bubblegum Color in Size 8 ONLY!

EBT-Eligible Weight Loss Supplements

Amazon has a great selection of EBT-eligible weight loss products. Rather than listing them all, I figured it made more sense to just link directly to the page.

The average price was around $20, although some were as low as $10 and some were $40 or more. These products are usually considered meal replacements, which is why they are EBT-eligible at Amazon and most other retailers as well.

A few stand out products:

#1 Atkins Bars

#2 Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder, Vanilla

#3 Premier Protein Shake, Bananas & Cream, 30g Protein, 1g Sugar, 24 Vitamins & Minerals, Nutrients to Support Immune Health, 12 Pack, 138.0 Fl Oz

Image credit: Pexels

EBT-Eligible Pet Stuff

#1 Cadet Gourmet Twists

#2 Meow Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food, Mixer, or Topper, or Treat

#3 Aqueon Omnivore Shrimp Food

EBT-Eligible Plants & Seeds

You can order gardening seeds and live herb plants! There are tons to choose from. Also, search Back to the Roots brand products as well as they have a ton of EBT-eligible items!

Here are a few of the items that fall into those categories:

#1 Chia Pet Trolls, Poppy World Tour with Seed Pack

#2 Back to the Roots Cherry Tomato Organic Windowsill Planter Kit

#3 Back to the Roots New Kitchen Garden Complete Herb Kit Variety Pack of Basil, Mint, and Cilantro Seeds

#4 Vegtrug Seed Pod Kit-Herb, Varied

#5 AeroGarden Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit - Herb Seeds for AeroGarden Indoor Garden, 6-Pod

#6 Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit

#7 AeroGarden Salad Bar Seed Pod Kit (24-pod)

#8 Burpee Sun King Broccoli Seeds 400 seeds

#9 Back to the Roots Lavender Organic Windowsill Planter Kit

#10 Back to the Roots Organic Wheatgrass Seeds – 2lb Non-GMO Value Pack

#11 Live Aromatic and Edible Herb - Mint (4 Per Pack)

#12 Live Flowering Indoor Cyclamen in Deco Cover - Assorted Colors (2 Plants Per Pack)

#13 Live Organic Catnip (2 Plants Per Case)

#14 Back to the Roots Reusable Fabric Grow Beds for Herbs, Vegetables & Flowers, 3 sq. ft.

Image credit: Pexels

EBT-Eligible Kitchen Goodies

#1 Numi Organic Tea Dancing Leaves Flowering Tea Gift Set, 5 Tea Blossoms with 16 Ounce Glass Teapot (Packaging May Vary)

#2 Numi Organic Tea Flowering Tea Gift Set, 6 Tea Blossoms with 16 Ounce Glass Teapot (Packaging May Vary)

#3 Himalayan Chef Himalayan Pink Salt and Black Pepper Grinder Set with Rack

#4 Wilton Rainbow Icing Pouch Cake Decorating Set, 7-Piece

#5 Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, Black

#6 Wilton 609-1192 Black Food Writer Edible Ink Markers (2-Pack)

#7 Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 12 Pack of 1lb Boxes

#8 Himalayan Chef Himalayan Pink Salt, Coarse Salt, Mason Jar-3.5 Ounces

#9 NATIERRA Salt Trio

#10 Tiesta Tea - Ultimate Live Loose Kit

#11 Harney & Sons Silken Sachets Tea Gift Set, Assorted Teas, 32 Count

#12 Dil's Royal Tea Cherry Wood Box Variety Pack, 80-Count

#13 Amoretti Premium Martini Cocktail Mixes - Tons of options!

#14 Amoretti Premium Floral Syrups - Tons of options!

#15 W&P Craft Cocktail Syrup Set, Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, Spicy Margarita | Variety Pack, 1 Ounce Each, 3 Bottles

#16 W&P Craft Cocktail Kit, Italian Spritz, Portable Kit for Drinks on the Go, Carry On Cocktail Kit, Makes A Great Gift, Pack of 2

#17 Jordan's Skinny mixes - Tons of options!

#18 Lobster Gram Ship to Shore Dinner For Two

#19 Gift Basket Village Deluxe - A Grilling Gift Basket

#20 Wilton Sugar Cookie Decorating Kit, 15-Piece

#21 Tasty by Wilton Royal Icing 101 Kit

#22 NIDO Fortificada Powdered Drink Mix

#23 Maldon Salt, Sea Salt Flakes

#24 BetterBody Foods Organic Greens Blend (8 oz) | Superfood Powder for Nutrition & Smoothie Booster

Under the kitchen category, you can also include coffee pods as eligible for purchase with EBT. There are a LOT to choose from do I'll let you browse the list rather than listing each one. This includes K-cups such as:

EBT-Eligible Gift Crates

According to the USDA, you can buy certain gift baskets as long as at least half of the value of the item comes from the food inside. That’s obviously been a recurring theme in this post as well. As a result, Amazon has a TON of special gift crates that are marked EBT-eligible. Since there are quite a bit, once again, I am not listing them individually. Some include non-food items like baskets, floral arrangements, socks, and even a beautiful keepsake mahogany photo box. That definitely puts these among the most shocking things you can buy with EBT on Amazon!

Here are just a few gift sets you may find:

#1 King Of The Grill - For Men Who Like to Grill, Grilling Gift Set with Rubs, Recipes, Beer Can Chicken Roaster, Sauces and Snacks

#2 Gift Basket Village It's A Guy Thing, Gift Basket For Guys with Cheese, Sausage, Crackers and Sweets, 8 Piece Set, Original, 1 Count

#3 Lobster Gram - Blood Mary Bar

#4 California Delicious Gourmet Cheeseboard Gift, 8 piece set

Image credit: Pexels

EBT-Eligible Emergency Kit Food Supply

In case of emergencies, disaster experts recommend you have as much as a week's worth of food stored in case you can't leave your home. Amazon sells an Augason Farms lunch and dinner 4-gallon pail emergency food supply that you can purchase with EBT. There are quite a few on these so I simply linked to the search page rather than listing all available options.

Additionally, some freeze-dried foods are eligible as well, such as these:

#1 Mountain House Breakfast Skillet | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food

#2 Mountain House Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food

EBT-Eligible Pedialyte & Other Health Products

Did you know that items like PediaSure and Pedialyte are SNAP eligible? Ideal for children and adults, it should be comforting to know you can buy Pedialyte in bulk using your EBT account on Amazon. There are quite a few on these so I simply linked to the search page rather than listing all available options.

Also, here are some other health products you can get with your EBT card:

#1 YumEarth Vitamin C Pops - Quite a lot of options to choose from!

#2 Vive Organic Immunity Boost Vitamin C, Ginger & Turmeric Shot (2oz bottle)

#3 SOS Hydration Electrolytes Powder Packets

#4 Emergen-C Hydration+ Sports Drink Mix With Vitamin C (18 Count, Raspberry Flavor) - Make sure you select sold by Amazon!

#5 Preggie Pop Drops - Morning Sickness & Nausea Relief During Pregnancy (3 pack, 63 count)

#7 Queasy Drops | 3 Pack: 21 Drops Each | Nausea Relief (Chemo, Motion Sickness, Hangover etc.)

#8 Queasy Drops Plus Honey & Pectin | 21 Drops | Nausea Relief (Chemo, Motion Sickness, Hangover etc.)

#9 Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum For Motion & Pregnancy Morning Sickness, 24 Count

#10 Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops, Eucalyptus & Bee Propolis, 20 Count (4oz) (Pack of 1)

#11 ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum with Xylitol, Sugar Free Bubble Fresh (20 Count)

#12 TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges with Zinc, 100 Lozenges, Mandarin Mint, 100 Count (Pack of 2), 200 Count

#13 Listerine Pocketmist Cool Mint Oral Care Mist to Get Rid of Bad Breath, 2 Pack

#14 Zollipops Anticavity Prevention

EBT Eligible Household, Beauty, & Skincare Items

#1 Broadway Basketeers Photo Gift Box with Lid, Gourmet Food, Tea & Cocoa

#2 Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

#3 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | 12 oz | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin | Fragrance Free - depends on seller

Image credit: Pexels

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

When you qualify for government benefit programs like SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services. Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

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How to use SNAP EBT benefits on Amazon?

To use SNAP EBT benefits on Amazon, follow these steps:

1) Check Eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and that your state participates in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program. Not all states offer this option, so confirm your eligibility with your local SNAP office.

2) Create an Amazon Account: If you don't already have one, sign up for an Amazon account.

3) Add SNAP EBT Card: Go to the Amazon website and log in to your account. Navigate to "Account & Lists" and select "Your Account." Under the "Amazon Wallet" section, choose "Manage Payment Options." Here, you can add your SNAP EBT card information.

4) Shop for Eligible Items: Amazon offers a wide range of eligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP EBT benefits. Look for items labeled "SNAP EBT eligible" while browsing.

5) Add Items to Cart: Add the items you want to purchase to your cart.

6) Proceed to Checkout: When you're ready to check out, go to your shopping cart, review your order, and select "Proceed to Checkout."

7) Choose EBT Card Payment: During the checkout process, you'll see payment options. Choose your SNAP EBT card as the payment method.

8) Enter EBT Card Information: You'll be prompted to enter the EBT card number and other required information.

9) Complete the Purchase: Confirm your order and complete the purchase.

10) Enter Your PIN: After the order is placed, you may need to enter your EBT card PIN at the time of delivery or pickup, depending on your location and Amazon's policies.

11) Enjoy Your Food: Once the transaction is successful, your SNAP EBT benefits will be used to pay for the eligible items, and your food will be on its way!

Remember that Amazon also offers Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry for grocery delivery and pickup services, which can be convenient for using SNAP EBT benefits. Double-check the eligibility of the items you select and make sure to follow any specific guidelines provided by Amazon and your state's SNAP program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I buy electronics with my EBT card on Amazon?

Yes, you can purchase certain electronics with your EBT card if they are EBT-eligible. However, not all electronics are covered, so it's essential to check the eligibility status of the item you want to buy.

Q: Are clothing and apparel items EBT-eligible?

No, clothing and apparel items are typically not eligible for purchase with EBT cards. These benefits are primarily intended for essential items like food and household necessities.

Q: Can I use my EBT card for Amazon Prime membership?

No, EBT cards cannot be used to pay for Amazon Prime memberships. Prime memberships are considered a subscription service and are not covered by EBT benefits. However, you do get a discount on your prime membership for having EBT or Medicaid!

Q: What is the best way to find EBT-eligible items on Amazon?

To find EBT-eligible items on Amazon, you can use the search filter option. Look for the "EBT eligible" filter in the left sidebar when browsing.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can spend with my EBT card on Amazon?

EBT cardholders are subject to the same spending limits as when shopping in physical stores. The specific spending limits vary depending on your household size and income.

Q: Can I buy gift cards with my EBT card?

No, EBT cards cannot be used to purchase gift cards on Amazon or elsewhere. They are intended for purchasing essential items for personal use.

Q: Does Amazon EBT Work In All 50 States?

Almost. Amazon EBT works in all states except Alaska. You can also use EBT in Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

Q: Do I Have To Be An Amazon Prime Member to Use EBT?

No. You don’t need an Amazon Prime membership in order to use EBT benefits for Amazon items. This means you also have access to Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market without being a Prime member. Likewise, on SNAP EBT-eligible orders, you can get free delivery without needing a Prime membership.

Q: How Does Amazon Verify My EBT Status?

Amazon verifies your EBT status by requiring you to enter your EBT number. You must qualify again each year to ensure your EBT status has not changed.

Q: Can Items Be Sold by a 3rd Party Seller?

No. For items to EBT eligible, they MUST be shipped by Amazon and sold by Amazon. Items sold by 3rd party sellers are not eligible.

Q: Is the Return Policy The Same When Using EBT?

Yes. If you aren’t satisfied with your Amazon Fresh store item or Amazon Go item, you can return it to receive a refund if you paid using EBT. To return your Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go item for a refund you paid with EBT:

1. Visit “Your Orders” (on your Amazon account).

2. Navigate to the item you wish to return (that was bought using EBT)

3. Select “Request Item Refund”.

4. Follow the additional directions provided.

It’s important to note it can take up to 10 business days for the refund to be issued back onto your EBT card once the refund has been processed.

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Conclusion

Using your EBT card on Amazon opens up a world of possibilities beyond groceries. From personal care to household essentials, baby supplies to educational materials, and even some unexpected items, you can make the most of your benefits. Take advantage of the convenience of online shopping to access the products you need. Start exploring the world of Things You Didn't Know You Could Buy with EBT on Amazon today!