Are cooking spices eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

A) In general, cooking spices are eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as long as they are not in a mixture that contains added vitamins or minerals, have medicinal or herbal properties, or are marketed as a dietary supplement. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the SNAP program, provides a list of eligible and ineligible items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. However, it is important to note that eligible items and specific rules may vary by state. You can contact your local SNAP office for more information on what items can be purchased with SNAP benefits in your area.

You CAN use SNAP benefits to buy cooking spices and condiments eligible. Foods for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, dairy products. You can also use your benefits to buy seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

Since condiments & spices are food items, they are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

You CANNOT use SNAP Benefits to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco; any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products and household supplies; vitamins and medicines; food that will be eaten in the store; and hot foods. Click here for more information.

When considering the eligibility of branded products for purchase with SNAP benefits, the primary determinant is the type of product label chosen by the manufacturer to conform to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines:

· Items that carry a nutrition facts label are eligible foods

Note: Items that carry a supplement facts label are classified by the FDA as supplements, and are therefore not eligible.