Interesting Things You Can Buy on Amazon with EBT
If you have an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, card, you may use it for everyday foods, but you can get more than just your basic food staples. You can now use EBT cards on Amazon, which offers a wide range of EBT-eligible items that might surprise you. You can use your benefits for gourmet foods, STEM kits, outdoor gear, and luxury food experiences. Find out some of the items that are now EBT-eligible on Amazon.
What You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, is an electronic system that allows beneficiaries of certain programs that benefit low-income families to pay for food and other essentials using their benefits. EBT is available to those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF.
Amazon customers can now use their EBT card to pay for eligible items, including food, non-food items, delivery fees, bag fees, and gift boxing. SNAP recipients can use EBT funds on Amazon for SNAP-eligible food items, but these funds cannot be used for non-eligible grocery items. SNAP-approved products will have a “SNAP EBT eligible” label near the product name.
TANF cash assistance beneficiaries can use EBT for most products and services, like non-food items, shipping, and third-party seller items. To use your card for these benefits, select the “Cash EBT” option at checkout. However, cash assistance recipients cannot use their EBT cards to buy digital items, subscriptions or memberships, alcohol, jewelry, or gambling products, tobacco, firearms, adult entertainment, or marijuana.
While Amazon customers in all 50 states can use the SNAP benefits through an EBT card for approved food items, not every state allows them to use their cash assistance funds.
You can only use your cash assistance funds if you reside in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Meanwhile, delivery restrictions apply for New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
How to Shop with EBT on Amazon
Shopping with your EBT card on Amazon can be as easy as completing any other purchase. Eligible items should be labeled, and there are multiple ways to add your card to your account.
Amazon also offers a discounted grocery subscription, but you cannot pay for it with EBT benefits.
Linking Your EBT Card to Amazon
Adding your card to your Amazon account is simple. To use your EBT card on Amazon, go to www.amazon.com/ebt and follow the instructions. If you are not an Amazon customer, you must create an account. You can also add an EBT card during checkout or in your wallet.
When you finish your order, choose “Cash EBT” os “SNAP EBT” at checkout. For your order to be EBT-eligible, always select your purchases as a “one-time purchase,” rather than “subscribe and save. ” You do not need a Prime membership to be eligible. You can only have one EBT card registered to your Amazon account.
Identifying EBT-Eligible Items
Beyond searching for EBT-eligible items, you can visit the dedicated SNAP EBT page on Amazon to be sure you’re getting eligible products.
In the search results and filter options, select “SNAP EBT Eligible” to only display products eligible for your benefits. Always look for the “SNAP EBT eligible” label near the product name.
Surprising Gourmet Foods and Specialty Items
Amazon features a great selection of gourmet and specialty foods that you can buy with EBT, and some of these choices might even surprise you, like olive oils and chocolates.
Luxurious Foods Like Truffle Salt and Lobster
With EBT, you can discover new flavors and foods on Amazon, such as Selezione Tartufi Black Truffle Sea Salt or whole black summer truffles.
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, the Lobster Gram Ship to Shore Dinner For Two includes two lobster tails and two filet mignons, or you might opt for a seafood boil.
Specialty Sauces and Seasonings
For the pros in the kitchen, your EBT benefits can also mean trying premium sauces and seasonings in your tried and true recipes.
To try a new seasoning with your meal, add Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, popcorn seasoning, different meat or meal seasonings, or try a sampler pack of seasonings to get a wider variety.
When you’re on the grill next, you can try some new sauces, like Head Country’s Bar-B-Q Sauce. You can also get a new favorite pasta sauce or try curry or tikka masala through Amazon.
At home, baristas can now get a new dessert or drink sauce to add to their coffees and teas, which is easier than ever to get to your home with your EBT card.
Fun and Educational Kits
Now, you can buy many interesting items for families and kids on Amazon with EBT, like activity kits.
STEM Kits for Kids and Adults
Your benefits are a wonderful way for kids to discover something new and enjoy a tasty snack! Challenge their science skills and have some fun with the Thames & Kosmos Groovy Glowing Candy Lab STEM Kit, where they can create glow-in-the-dark candies. Or try the Super Duper Bubble Gum Lab STEM Experiment & Activity Kit to make their own bubble gum.
If you’re looking for a fun Halloween candy craft, their Gross Gummy Candy Lab is perfect for making creepy crawly worms and spiders.
These special kits turn learning into an exciting and tasty adventure. They’re all available on Amazon with your EBT card!
Creative Arts & Crafts
Bakers can get more creative with Amazon EBT-eligible items. Cake, cookie, brownie mixes, frosting, and sprinkles are all eligible. To make the day extra special, you can personalize your creation with a cake decorating kit or food markers.
Gourmet Beverages and Treats
With all of these fun options through Amazon, you can now get classic, non-essential food items with your benefits.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Although EBT cannot be used to buy alcoholic drinks, you can choose non-alcoholic options like Athletic Brewing Co.’s Upside Dawn NA Golden Ale, try new coffee or coffee pods, and buy juice, soda, and other beverages like energy drinks.
Sweet Treats and Chocolates
Amazon offers just about every candy and sweet treat you can think of, and now they can be added to your shopping list when using your EBT card.
Zollipops are tasty anti-cavity lollipops if you’re searching for something sweet that isn’t bad for you. If you’re craving chocolate, Kinder Joy Eggs might be a good choice, or you could elect one of the many sour candies.
Household Essentials and Practical Goods
You can buy other staples or essentials with EBT on Amazon that you might not expect. Most protein powder and protein shakes are EBT-eligible. You can also purchase EBT-eligible herb seeds, live edible herb plants, and starter kits on Amazon to grow your own herbs.
Additionally, you can purchase gift baskets of gourmet snacks and candies, or emergency food kits, so you always have something on hand, even during extreme weather or power outages.
Emergency Food Supply Kits
Emergency food kits, such as Augason Farms 72-Hour 1-Person Emergency Food Supply Kit, freeze-dried meals, and most camping meals, are EBT-eligible. It never hurts to be prepared in case of an emergency, and these meals are a practical way to have peace of mind.
Gift Baskets and Party Supplies
During the holidays, gift baskets are the perfect way to show you care, or can be a great addition to a party. Now, you can also purchase gift baskets of gourmet snacks and candies through EBT when shopping on Amazon, making planning easier for holidays or special occasions.
These gift baskets can have some non-food items, like a photo gift box with a holiday theme or featuring gourmet snack options.
Maximizing Your EBT Benefits
Next time you shop on Amazon, follow a few steps to maximize the value of your EBT benefits and get the most out of your purchases.
Look for Deals and Discounts
Keep an eye out for great discounts during Amazon sales and clearance sections, and think about buying in bulk to save even more. Don’t forget to watch for seasonal offers and special deals, too. These can help you get the most out of your EBT benefits.
Each year, Amazon Prime Day provides additional discounts with exclusive deals for Prime members, typically in July.
Avoiding Non-Eligible Purchases
Always double-check that what you’re purchasing is an EBT-eligible item. EBT cannot buy non-food products or items that don’t meet SNAp criteria, such as clothes, pet food, household supplies, cleaning items, or hygiene products.
Other EBT Shopping Opportunities Beyond Amazon
Amazon isn’t the only online retailer where you can find EBT-eligible products. Shopping for groceries online or through delivery services can be a great way to save both time and money, and many options beyond Amazon give you even more convenience and flexibility.
Other EBT-Eligible Online Stores
Other major retailers and services that accept EBT online for eligible food items include:
- Walmart
- Instacart
- Target
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Costco
- GoPuff
- DoorDash
To learn if your state participates in online SNAP purchasing and to find qualifying stores, go to the Food and Nutrition Service map.
Make the Most of Your EBT Benefits with Amazon's Surprising Selections
Using your EBT card on Amazon is a wonderful way to explore new recipes and flavors and unleash your creativity in the kitchen and with your shopping. Stock up on the everyday essentials you eat regularly, and try something new or get more creative the next time you’re baking or cooking.
