Last Updated On January 1, 2026
Are you wondering if you can purchase protein powder with EBT? If so, you've come to the right place! EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food.
The benefits can be incredibly beneficial, providing access to a wider variety of foods that may not have been affordable otherwise. However, can you buy protein powder with EBT? Is it considered a food item that can be bought with EBT? Let's dive in and explore this topic further.
- Can You Use EBT To Buy Protein Powder?
- Which Protein Powders Can You Buy With Food Stamps?
- Where Can You Buy Protein Powder With Food Stamps?
- What Other Supplements Can You Buy With EBT?
- Items You Cannot Purchase With EBT Card
- Buying Protein Powder With EBT Questions
- So, Can You Buy Protein Powder With EBT/Food Stamps/SNAP?
Can You Use EBT To Buy Protein Powder?
Although you can buy protein powder with EBT, not all protein powders are eligible. Only protein powders sold as food, with "Nutrition Facts" on the labels, can be bought with food stamps.
EBT is an electronic system that lets SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) participants purchase food using their SNAP benefits.[1]
Protein powders labeled as supplements with "Supplement Facts" on the label are not EBT eligible. So, Can EBT cover protein powder? Just check the label on the back panel of the packaging to make sure you're purchasing EBT-eligible protein powders.
Which Protein Powders Can You Buy With Food Stamps?
SNAP benefits (EBT cards or food stamps) are meant to help you buy food, so the question of whether or not you can purchase a product with EBT often comes down to whether or not it is considered a food item.
Protein powder (including whey protein powder, egg white protein powders, whey protein isolate, and even whey protein concentrate) is interesting because it can be sold as a food or supplement. Depending on the company that produces it, protein powder may be marketed as one or the other.
As we said above, to determine whether or not you have an EBT-eligible protein powder, check the label on the back of the powder.
If it says "Nutrition Facts," it's being sold as food. If it says "Supplement Facts," it's a supplement. That said, most protein powders are sold as food items, and you can buy protein powder with EBT.
However, it's important to note that some specialty protein powders or brands may not be eligible for purchase with EBT. It's always best to double-check with the retailer or contact your local benefits agency to ensure your favorite protein powder is eligible for purchase with EBT.
The "Ask the Expert" tool on the USDA website allows you to submit questions to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and receive expert guidance on a wide range of topics related to food and nutrition.
Where Can You Buy Protein Powder With Food Stamps?
Fortunately, you can find protein powders at many retailers that accept EBT as a form of payment. You can use the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's interactive map to find the nearest store that accepts EBT.[2]
This map allows you to search for retailers by zip code and displays a list of all the stores in your area that accept EBT.
Some retailers that accept EBT and carry EBT-eligible protein powders include Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, and Amazon.
These retailers may offer a variety of protein powders from different brands and in various flavors. On the other hand, supplement stores like Vitamin Shoppe and GNC do not typically accept EBT. So you usually can’t use SNAP to buy protein powders sold there.
In addition to these larger retailers, you may also find smaller local grocery stores in your area that accept EBT and carry protein powder. It's worth checking with these stores to see the available options.
What Other Supplements Can You Buy With EBT?
Can You Buy Creatine With EBT?
Unlike protein powder, a dietary supplement like creatine is not eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. EBT is meant for food items, and supplements like creatine are not considered food items. Therefore, it's unlikely that you'll be able to buy creatine with your EBT card.
Can You Buy Meal Replacement Shakes With EBT?
Meal replacement shakes are very similar to protein powders.
Your ability to purchase them with EBT depends on the brand and the product's labeling. Certain types of meal replacement shakes sold as food items are generally eligible for purchase with EBT.
However, shakes sold as supplements labeled with "Supplement Facts" are typically not EBT eligible.
Can You Buy Protein Bars With EBT?
There's a common theme here - protein bars with a "Nutrition Facts" label are considered food items and are typically eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
However, protein bars sold as supplements and labeled with "Supplement Facts" are typically not EBT-eligible protein bars. So just be sure your protein bar is EBT eligible and being sold as food.
Can You Buy Collagen Powder With EBT?
Again, dietary supplements typically aren’t covered by SNAP. Collagen powder is typically sold as a supplement and labeled with "Supplement Facts." So these powders usually are not eligible for purchase with EBT benefits.
Check with the retailer or the SNAP program to confirm whether a specific product is eligible for purchase with EBT before making a SNAP purchase.
Items You Cannot Purchase With EBT Card
EBT benefits help low-income individuals and families purchase meats, vegetables, plants, food products, and seeds to grow food.
Eligible food items include fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, bread, and canned goods.
You cannot use EBT benefits to buy vitamins like fish oil, medicines, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods, foods meant to be eaten in the store, hygiene products, household items, pet food, or cosmetics.
Buying Protein Powder With EBT Questions
You can buy Muscle Milk Protein Powder with EBT if it has a Nutrition Facts label. However, some Muscle Milk protein drinks have a Supplement Facts label and cannot be purchased with EBT.
A great way to get protein naturally is by consuming animal protein like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. If you don’t want animal-based proteins, plant-based protein sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and certain grains.
EBT does cover Premier Protein shakes because they are sold as food items labeled with "Nutrition Facts." However, some may be sold as supplements and labeled with "Supplement Facts," making them ineligible for purchase with EBT benefits.
Energy drinks are classified similarly to protein powders - some are labeled as food products, while others are classified as dietary supplements (non-food items). The drinks labeled as food can be purchased with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP.
Regular protein powder intake has several benefits, like building and repairing muscle tissue.[3] It can also help support muscle growth and recovery after exercise, aiding in weight loss and weight gain.
You can buy Special K protein shakes with food stamps because they have a Nutrition Facts label and therefore are considered a food product. That makes them eligible for EBT.
So, Can You Buy Protein Powder With EBT/Food Stamps/SNAP?
Buying protein powder with EBT, food stamps, or SNAP benefits is possible if the product is sold as a standard food item with a "Nutrition Facts" label.
EBT benefits can be a great resource for those who need assistance purchasing nutritious food, and protein powder is an excellent addition to a fitness and wellness routine.
EBT benefits allow individuals and families to expand their food budget and prioritize their health. So if you're looking to make the most of your EBT benefits, look for protein powders and other nutritious options that are eligible for purchase with your benefits.
References:
- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
- https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e1f3028b217344d78b324193b10375e4
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-014-0242-2
Last Updated on January 1, 2026
