SNAP soda bans cut purchases by about one-tenth, new study finds
A recent analysis shows that SNAP beneficiaries bought roughly 12% fewer sodas after restrictions on sugary drinks were introduced in ten states.
New SNAP restrictions on soda and candy, part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, have led to a measurable decline in sugary-drink purchases among recipients. An NBER paper using six months of 2026 purchase data from 15,000 SNAP households—3,291 of which lived in ten states with the bans—found a 12% reduction, or about 34 fewer 12-ounce cans per person annually. The authors, including University of Chicago economist Matt Notowidigdo, argue the change could cut future type-2 diabetes cases by 2.6%, saving roughly $1 billion in health-care costs over ten years.
However, the study also shows that up to 39% of the saved SNAP dollars were spent on other sugary drinks and fruit juices not subject to the bans, and a survey revealed feelings of judgment among some recipients. Experts such as Benjamin Chrisinger and Robert Paarlberg caution that the modest impact may not justify the stigma, suggesting broader taxes on sugary beverages as a more effective alternative.
Why it matters
The findings reveal how targeted food-benefit rules can modestly curb soda consumption but also highlight limits and potential stigma for low-income families.
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