SNAP Healthy Choice Demonstration Project

What is the Hawaii SNAP Healthy Choice Demonstration Project?
The Hawaii SNAP Healthy Choice Demonstration Project aims to protect healthier choices and health outcomes among SNAP participants.   To test this approach, effective August 1, 2026.   SNAP benefits will no longer be used to buy “soft drinks,” defined as described below.

What is the definition of “soft drinks”?”
“Soft drinks” are defined as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.   This does not include milk, soy/rice substitutes, or drinks with >50% vegetable/fruit juice.

When does the project go into effect?
The Hawaii SNAP Healthy Choice Demonstration Project and restrictions will go into effect statewide on August 1, 2026.

What beverages will be restricted?
All “soft drinks” as defined by the sugar and carbonation criteria, including:

  • Canned drinks
  • Bottled drinks
  • Fountain drinks

What beverages will still be available for purchase using SNAP?

  • Diet sodas
  • Any unsweetened beverage such as bottled water and seltzer
  • Any beverage that contains milk or milk products (e.g., soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, almond milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, etc.)
  • Products commonly referred to as “infant formula” or “baby formula”
  • Beverages consisting of at least 50 percent natural fruit or vegetable juice by volume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any products, such as foods or candy, that will be restricted for purchase using SNAP?

No. At this time, the restriction only applies to “soft drinks” as defined above.

Do the restrictions affect every SNAP user regardless of which state they receive SNAP from?

This Demonstration Project will apply to any SNAP participant who purchases at a retailer within the state of Hawaii, regardless of where the SNAP participant lives.

Do the restrictions follow the cardholder into other states?

No. The Hawaii SNAP Healthy Choice Demonstration Project applies to purchases made in Hawaii. SNAP transactions are subject to the rules of the state where the purchase is made.

Will there be any changes to SNAP eligibility requirements?

No.

Why is Hawai`i implementing the Healthy Choice Demonstration Project?

  • Participation in the Demonstration Project aims to improve health outcomes for low-income households by reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • There is a need to improve health outcomes for this population due to reports of higher rates of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among low-income consumers compared to higher-income households, and linkages between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and increased levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Are there other types of products that are restricted under the SNAP Program?

Federal regulations already prohibited the use of SNAP benefits to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and hot foods or hot food purchases.