Oklahoma Healthy Food Waiver

Across the country, states are responding to rising rates of diet-related disease and a renewed federal focus on improving nutrition through public assistance programs. Oklahoma is participating in that broader national effort through a federally approved SNAP demonstration project focused on promoting healthier food choices and aligning SNAP purchase guidelines with the program’s purpose.

With the SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver, Oklahoma is testing whether clearer standards for SNAP-eligible foods and beverages can support public health, help reduce long-term health care costs, and strengthen SNAP’s core role in improving food security through access to nutritious food.

The SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver will go into effect February 15, 2026. The original January 1 date was adjusted to allow additional time for retailers to complete system updates and ensure a smooth rollout for families.

SNAP benefits may continue to be used to purchase a wide range of nutritious, everyday foods that support meals and household needs.

What SNAP Benefits Can Be Used to Purchase

• SNAP benefits may continue to be used to purchase:
• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Dairy products
• Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta
• Eggs and plant-based proteins
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice
• Plain bottled water
• Coffee and tea prepared at home

Purchase Changes Beginning February 15, 2026

Starting February 15, 2026, a limited number of items will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in Oklahoma. These updates are part of a two-year federal pilot designed to test whether clearer food standards improve consistency and nutrition outcomes while maintaining access.

Items No Longer Eligible for Purchase with SNAP

Candy
Items marketed or sold as candy, including:

• Chocolate bars
• Hard candies
• Gummies
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Licorice
• Mints
• Chewing gum

Baked goods (such as cookies, cakes, or muffins) and baking ingredients (such as chocolate chips or cocoa powder) are not considered candy.

Soft Drinks
Sweetened beverages, including:

• Carbonated soda
• Energy drinks
• Sweetened bottled or canned tea
• Sweetened bottled or canned lemonade
• Flavored, sweetened water

Milk, milk substitutes, plain bottled water, 100% juice, coffee, and drinks prepared at home are not considered soft drinks.

Information for Retailers

Oklahoma Human Services is working directly with SNAP-authorized retailers to support implementation of the SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver.

Retailers can expect:

• Clear guidance on which items are SNAP-eligible and ineligible
• Product identification based on existing UPC codes used at checkout
• Advance notice and resources ahead of the February 15, 2026 effective date

Retailers who need assistance or have questions about system updates, product eligibility, or compliance requirements can access dedicated resources and ongoing updates online or contacting AFS.SNAPRetailers@okdhs.org.

SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are not changing. As this pilot moves forward, Oklahoma Human Services will continue sharing clear, practical information so families and retailers know what to expect.

SNAP: Foods the Fuel