By Andi Anderson
Indiana has introduced new rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that ban the use of benefits on sugary drinks and candy.
These changes, part of the state’s “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative, took effect on January 1 and have brought major confusion to both retailers and shoppers. Families relying on SNAP and store owners across Indiana say the rules are difficult to understand and apply.
Under the new policy, gum and mints are not allowed, but items like potato chips and ice cream remain eligible. Sweetened drinks without dairy are banned, while beverages containing milk or milk substitutes are permitted.
Sports drinks are not allowed, but some fitness drinks are. Soda is always restricted. These unclear distinctions have created frustration for many store owners.
Rob Forsyth, operator of MotoMart, said, “What’s the difference between a sports beverage and a fitness beverage? I’m telling you, they’ve got themselves all tied up.” He added, “The arbitrariness of what they’ve decided has confused us completely … We have no high degree of confidence that we are complying with the law.”
Families using SNAP are feeling similar challenges. Marion County resident DeVonna Johnson shared that only certain brands of sugar‑free sparkling water or specific juice flavors work at different stores.
She said, “I’m just kind of confused to what their initiative is, because if it has no sugar, then it should be fine. I don’t know. It’s weird. It’s very confusing.”
Indiana’s rules fall under a federal waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as part of national efforts to reduce obesity. Twenty‑one states have similar permissions. In Indiana, sugary drinks are defined as non‑alcoholic beverages with natural or artificial sweeteners unless they contain milk or milk substitutes. Candy is defined as sweetened products with chocolate, nuts, fruit, or flavorings, unless they require refrigeration. The waiver lasts until 2027, with possible extensions.
Retailers are now preparing for full enforcement starting April 1. Many are struggling with compliance because the state has not provided a full list of restricted items.
Forsyth wants a complete list with universal price codes, but the state has only offered guidance for 35 common items. Smaller stores, like JJ’s Convenience Stores, must manually review each product. “It’s literally me and my brother and my price book manager reading labels, … trying to decide,” said CEO Megan Reckelhoff. She explained the process as “so cumbersome, and it changes all the time.”
With unclear rules and growing frustration, both shoppers and retailers are waiting for better guidance as Indiana moves forward with Smart SNAP.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy