Study Finds SNAP Soda Bans Cut Sugary Drink Buys By 12 Percent
A new study finds SNAP households in states that adopted sugary-drink restrictions cut sugary beverage purchases by about 12.4% from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.[1]
The decline amounts to roughly 34 fewer 12-ounce cans of sugary drinks per person per year, and researchers reached the result by analyzing Numerator purchase data from about 15,000 SNAP households and comparing restriction and non-restriction states.[1] Economic modeling in the paper projects that a nationwide SNAP sugary-drink ban would yield about $1.2 billion in net annual benefits, mostly from reduced obesity and diabetes treatment costs.[1]
USDA granted SNAP eligibility waivers to 23 states as part of the policy rollout.[1] Eight states now have active bans on using benefits for items such as soda and candy, ten are in the process of implementing restrictions, and five states had bans blocked by a June 2026 court ruling.[1]
The study also notes concerns that restrictions could increase stigma for program participants, a critique cited by some advocates and opponents as states and federal officials weigh broader policy changes.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- From January 1 through June 30, 2026, SNAP households in states with new sugary drink restrictions reduced sugary beverage purchases by about 12.4%.
- The reduction equates to roughly 34 fewer 12-ounce cans of sugary drinks per person per year among affected SNAP recipients.
- Researchers used Numerator purchase data from about 15,000 SNAP households and compared trends in restriction and non-restriction states.
- USDA has granted SNAP eligibility waivers to 23 states; 8 have active bans on using benefits for items such as soda and candy, 10 are implementing, and 5 had bans blocked by a June 2026 court ruling.
- Economic modeling in the paper projects a nationwide SNAP sugary drink ban would yield about $1.2 billion in net annual benefits, mostly from reduced obesity and diabetes treatment costs.
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