South Carolina bars SNAP purchases of candy and soda

South Carolina SNAP recipients can no longer use benefits to buy candy, soda or energy drinks at any store in the state.

The restriction took effect Sunday, Nov. 1, under a statewide program called Healthy Food SC, as Count on 2 reported. The program removes candy, energy drinks, regular soft drinks and sweetened beverages from the list of items eligible for SNAP purchase. Families enrolled in SNAP have no option to opt out.

For North Charleston households that rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the change means a trip to the grocery store now works differently. Store point-of-sale systems will flag restricted items at checkout and prompt shoppers to use another form of payment, according to the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks remain eligible.

Gov. Henry McMaster announced his intent to pursue a federal waiver for the restrictions in August 2025 and issued an executive order in September 2025 directing the South Carolina Department of Social Services to submit the waiver request, according to WIS-TV. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved the waiver.

The USDA initially instructed DSS to postpone the launch, according to the agency's Healthy Food SC page. The revised start date was set for Nov. 1, 2026.

What counts as restricted

The definitions are specific. "Candy" covers preparations of sugar, honey or sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients in the form of bars, drops or pieces. Protein bars, granola bars, baking ingredients and bakery products such as cookies, cakes and brownies are not restricted.

"Energy drinks" means beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces marketed to boost energy. Coffee and tea are excluded.

"Soft drinks" means carbonated beverages with more than five grams of sugar or sweetener. Sweetened beverages include non-carbonated drinks with added sugar or sweeteners. Beverages containing milk or milk substitutes, juices with 50 percent or more natural fruit or vegetable content and no added caloric sweetener, infant formula, sports drinks and carbonated water are all still eligible.

Statewide reach

The program covers all SNAP-authorized retailers in South Carolina. In June 2026, the state's SNAP program served 235,235 households and 481,856 individuals, totaling $89.3 million in federally funded benefits, according to WIS-TV.

SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts will not change under the program, according to DSS.

The restrictions apply only within South Carolina. A South Carolina SNAP recipient who uses an EBT card in another state may be able to purchase restricted items, depending on that state's rules, according to DSS.

The initiative is scheduled to remain in place for two years while state leaders evaluate its impact on food purchasing habits and public health.

DSS said it will notify recipients about the changes through its website, the SCCES portal, text messages, social media and press releases. Information will also be posted in every local DSS county office.