Idaho committee introduces bill to clarify candy and soda definitions in SNAP ban 

Despite testimony about confusing definitions and difficulty of implementation, the Idaho Legislature passed a law last year to prohibit purchases of candy and soda using federal food assistance benefits. 

This year, the Legislature will consider a new bill attempting to clarify the definitions of candy and soda and what is restricted under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, called SNAP.  

Idaho Legislature approves ban on SNAP coverage for candy, soda

“As the (Idaho Department of Health and Welfare) began implementing the program, which took effect February 15, 2026, it became clear the existing statutory definitions of ‘candy’ and ‘soda’ were difficult for retailers and consumers to interpret and could lead to inconsistent application,” the bill’s statement of purpose said. 

The House Ways and Means Committee voted to introduce the draft bill Friday, which allows it to be subsequently given a bill number and later return for a public hearing. 

Under the new bill, candy would be defined as a “shelf-stable preparation of sugar, honey or other nutritive or nonnutritive sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings, in the form of bars, drops, or pieces.” It does not include anything that requires refrigeration. 

The bill includes new exemptions of products that could still be purchased with SNAP: 

• Baked goods such as muffins.
• Baking ingredients, such as chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, chocolate, etc. 
• Savory or non-sweet snacks such as pretzels and crackers. 
• Fruit snacks made with real fruit, including fruit puree and fruit juice concentrate, such as dried mango, apple chips, and fruit leathers.
• Trail mix and products that list peanuts or tree nuts as the first ingredient. 
• Granola bars, breakfast bars, snack bars, protein bars, meal replacement bars, and weight loss bars. 
• Items used as ingredients in baking such as sugar, honey, and baking chocolate. 

The definition of soda is “any nonalcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners.” 

Soda would not include, any beverage that: 

• Contains milk or milk substitutes
• Are more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice
• Require preparation before consumption, such as powers or concentrates
• Are sports drinks used for hydration 
• Are used as a rehydration electrolyte solution formulated to prevent or treat dehydration 
• Are manufactured as a source of necessary nutrition or dietary supplement 

Retailers have been concerned about the definitions all along 

Representatives from grocers and other retailers opposed last year’s bill because of the broad definitions. Pam Eaton, president and CEO of the Idaho Retailers Association, told the Sun in February that the Idaho Department of Health and welfare had done “an exceptional job collaborating” with retailers to prepare for implementation. 

However, the association wanted a clear list of products. 

Retailers are tasked with programming their own systems to identify SNAP-eligible products.