Get Ready Louisiana, SNAP Benefits Are Changing Soon

The Governor says these new rules will no longer allow recipients to buy energy drinks or sugary drinks or any candy items. But Landry does say rotisserie chicken will now be allowed.

Governor Jeff Landry says

SNAP recipients are more likely to have higher rates of obesity. That creates a greater risk for chronic diseases. We want to make Louisianians healthy. Our welfare programs are supposed to be a hand up not a candy out.

The Governor says these changes are all part of the Make Louisiana Healthy agenda.
Landry says gone are the days of taxpayers subsidizing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. He says we need to make changes now to reduce health care spending later in life for folks who have made poor dietary choices.

READ MORE: Louisiana SNAP Changes: New Rules On Sodas And Candy

When Do the New SNAP Rules Take Effect

These new restrictions go into effect on January 15, 2026. It is a two year project and under the current terms, the restrictions would end on January 12, 2028. But there is an option to request three additional years which would extend these restrictions for five years.

What Drinks Will No Longer Be Allowed

“Soft drinks” are defined as any carbonated nonalcoholic beverage containing high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. The term does not include flavored carbonated water, nor does it include any beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy rice, or similar milk substitutes, or any beverage containing equal to or greater than fifty percent (50%) of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

“Energy drinks” are carbonated or non-carbonated beverages containing a stimulant such as fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, or taurine. They may also include herbal extracts such as ginseng, mineral salts and vitamins, or high doses of organic acids, amino acids, inositol, sugars or other similar compounds in addition to sweeteners. Juices or natural fruit pulp or concentrates may also be added. Energy drinks are specifically formulated to enhance energy, alertness, or physical performance.

What Foods Are Now Restricted

“Candy” means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. The candy exclusion includes any such preparation that also contains flour and is sold in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. This definition does not include protein bars, granola bars or baking ingredients such as sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, or chocolate chips.