Indiana launches Smart SNAP to promote healthier choices for Hoosiers
Starting January 1, 2026, SNAP users in Indiana can’t pay for sugary drinks and candy with their SNAP cards.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s recent announcement that its Smart SNAP program is launching in the new year to support Governor Mike Braun’s initiative to Make Indiana Healthy Again.
Smart SNAP aims to improve the health of Hoosiers by aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food choices like fruits and vegetables.
“This isn’t the usual top-down, one-size-fits-all public health agenda. We’re focused on root causes… and taking on the problems in government programs that are contributing to making our communities less healthy,” Gov. Braun said. “This initiative is a direct response to alarming public health statistics.”
The governor noted that 66 percent of adult Hoosiers are overweight or obese, 44% eat fruit less than once daily, and 27% eat vegetables less than once daily. Among WIC toddlers aged 2–4, 16% are overweight and 15% are obese. Additionally, 25% of high schoolers and 32% of youth aged 10–17 are overweight or obese.
The new rules for SNAP purchases define sugary drinks as non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. The rule permits milk-based or 100% juice beverages.
The soda restriction is on both diet and regular drinks because they are naturally or artificially sweetened.
Energy drinks are on the SNAP exclusion list. Gatorade or other sports drinks will not be allowed to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Pedialyte will be allowable.
Sweet tea and unsweetened tea can still be purchased.
Zero sugar drinks like Celsius is an energy drink and cannot be purchased
Candies prepared with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners and combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or flavorings in bar, drop, or piece form can no longer be purchased with SNAP. The rule excludes candy items requiring refrigeration.
FSSA has provided retailers with Smart SNAP labels to help identify items that are approved and not approved for purchase with SNAP benefits.
In April 2025, Governor Braun signed an executive order banning sugary drinks and junk food from SNAP purchases. Indiana was one of the first states to secure a USDA waiver to implement this change, and since then, 11 other states have followed suit.
The Smart SNAP initiative is a cornerstone of the broader Make America Healthy Again movement.
Joe Lackey, president of the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association, criticized Indiana’s ban.
Lackey said, “Retailers along state lines will feel it more. Indiana may ban products, but since SNAP is a federal program, Hoosiers can cross state lines and purchase the items in states not participating in the ban on junk foods.”
