Indiana Bans Soda and Candy from SNAP Benefits

By Andi Anderson

Indiana will become the first U.S. state to ban the use of food assistance for purchasing soda and candy. With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the new policy will start on January 1, 2026.

Governor Mike Braun announced the decision as part of his “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative. He signed an executive order in April to request a federal waiver to limit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins approved the waiver this week.

Governor Braun stated that sugary drinks and candy currently take up more SNAP spending than fruits and vegetables. “Indiana is proud to lead the way in the Make America Healthy Again agenda by making this common-sense move,” he said.

According to USDA data, soda is the most purchased item with SNAP dollars. On a national level, SNAP users spend more on unhealthy foods than healthy ones. Research also shows that children in SNAP households drink 43% more sugary drinks compared to similar-income households not using the program.

The decision is part of Indiana’s broader effort to tackle diet-related health problems and improve the quality of food in low-income communities.

During a public event in April, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supported the state’s initiative. He encouraged other governors to adopt similar policies and also called for more reforms such as banning food dyes, expanding farm-to-school programs, and increasing SNAP transparency.

Additional executive actions by Governor Braun include adding work requirements for SNAP users, studying food safety and health issues, and reducing fraud in the state’s Medicaid system.

Indiana’s new policy represents a major shift in how federal food assistance can be used, focusing more on nutrition and public health for the future.

Photo Credit: usda