Virginia to Restrict SNAP Use for Soda Beginning April 1

Virginia Moves to Block SNAP Purchases of Soda Under New Federal Agreement

Starting April 1, more than 850,000 Virginians will be unable to use SNAP benefits for sweetened carbonated drinks as part of a broader push to restrict taxpayer-funded purchases to “nutritious” items.

Published December 13, 2025

Virginia will restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sweetened carbonated beverages beginning April 1, following an agreement reached this week with the Trump administration.

The change is part of a broader federal effort led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has encouraged states to tighten SNAP rules so taxpayer dollars cover what the administration calls “nutritionally sound” foods. States that adopt similar restrictions are expected to receive additional federal support according to WWBT.

Virginia’s waiver is narrower than those in some other states. The restriction applies only to beverages that are both carbonated and sweetened — either with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Soda, diet soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Sparkling water without added sugar and any drink containing fewer than five grams of added sugar remain allowed. The ban does not extend to non-carbonated beverages, even if they contain high levels of sugar. (RELATED: Virginia Middle School’s Cursive Club Revives a Lost Art)

🚨Fact check @AmeriBev

(1) Sugary drinks for kids DO contribute to obesity.

(2) Taking soda off SNAP isn't a ban – it is cutting a $10 billion subsidy to addict lower-income children to sugar water.

(3) SNAP recipients drink 45% more soda than the average American. pic.twitter.com/bME9iW5GqF
— Calley Means (@calleymeans) April 4, 2025

More than 850,000 Virginians use SNAP, which already bars purchases of alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and non-food items. State officials must now prepare a communication plan for retailers and recipients ahead of the April rollout.

Virginia is one of six states newly joining the program this week, bringing the total to 18 with soda or junk-food restrictions under the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. (RELATED: Virginia Approves Controversial Gas Plant for AI Power Increases)