Can You Buy Protein Shakes Like SlimFast With Food Stamps?
This information is current as of April 5, 2022.
Are you a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient looking to lose weight or follow a high protein diet? Weight loss, diet, meal replacement, or nutritional protein shakes and bars come in handy when cutting calories and carbs or if you’re short on time.
However, purchasing vitamins or diet and nutritional products with SNAP, EBT, or food stamps can get confusing. For example, wondering if various weight loss products are EBT or SNAP eligible? Yes, the good news is that you can buy meal replacement bars and shakes from brands like SlimFast, Premier Protein, Atkins, Pure Protein, and more with SNAP or EBT, formerly known as the Food Stamps Program.
What Is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, is designed to help low-income individuals and families with financial support to buy food. An Electronic Benefit Transfer Card (EBT) card is provided to help you make purchases for EBT- and SNAP-eligible food.
Though SNAP is a federal program, state agencies help people sign up at their local offices.
Once eligible for the benefits, you’ll receive aid until it expires. Benefits can expire every 6, 12, or 24 months depending on your circumstances. You will be asked to show proof if you continue to require SNAP.
Do You Qualify for SNAP?
To qualify for SNAP benefits, you need to start an application in your state and meet specific income, work, and resource requirements. Only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens may receive SNAP. Those who are homeless also qualify.
Applying for SNAP in Your State
You can apply for SNAP via the internet or phone or visit your local SNAP office. However, suppose you’re unable to apply online or in person. In that case, you may have another person apply and interview for SNAP benefits on your behalf.
This person is considered your designated authorized representative. First, you must put this in writing. Then, visit the state directory website to apply with your state SNAP agency.
Foods You Can Buy With SNAP/EBT
Formerly known as the Food Stamps Program, SNAP helps low- and no-income individuals buy healthy and nutritious foods, including:
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Vegetables and fruits
- Cereals and breads
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Food-producing plants and seeds
Can You Buy Protein Shakes Like SlimFast With SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
SNAP food eligibility rules can get tricky when buying diet protein products such as SlimFast, Atkins, Premier Protein, and Pure Protein. However, it’s good to know that if watching your weight or trying to get or stay healthy, you may be able to use SNAP benefits or an EBT card to buy them.
Keep this in mind when shopping for weight loss or protein powders, protein shakes, and meal replacement items. They must include a Nutritional Facts label to be eligible for purchase. According to SNAP, “if an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.”
Another thing to consider is where you purchase the diet shakes or bars. For example, Amazon and Walmart.com sell SlimFast, Atkins, Premier Protein, Pure Protein, Muscle Milk, etc. However, if you purchase from a private seller online, that small business may not be equipped to accept EBT for purchase.
Here’s a quick trick. Type “EBT-eligible groceries” into the search bar on Amazon or Walmart.com when searching for SlimFast or any food item you think is eligible for SNAP benefits.
What Is SlimFast?
SlimFast has been around since 1977 and was known as a diet shake product. Original flavor choices were chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Through the 1980s, SlimFast became popular with busy moms or working women. The idea was to sip a convenient SlimFast shake as a lower-calorie way to replace breakfast or lunch. For dinner, dieters were encouraged to enjoy a “sensible dinner.”
By the mid-1990s, SlimFast added bars to its line of weight loss products. Today, the company offers a complete line of keto (ketogenic), low-carb bars, and ready-to-drink shakes.
Will SlimFast Help You Lose Weight?
When you visit SlimFast’s “How It Works” webpage, you will find detailed information on how to follow the plan. SlimFast says the average weight loss is between one and two pounds per week when following the program. Some diet experts might agree that losing one or two pounds per week is the best way to manage and maintain a steady, healthy weight loss.
At the very bottom, SlimFast also lists the following disclaimer:
“Based on clinical studies of the overall SlimFast 1-2-3 Plan (a calorie-controlled diet, regular exercise, and plenty of fluids), demonstrating fast and sustained weight loss. Individual results may vary. Average weight loss is 1-2 lbs. per week … Not a low-calorie food. See nutrition facts for sugar, calorie, and sat fat content.”
Best of Luck!
Whether on a weight loss journey or looking for a quick and convenient low-carb meal replacement, you need to find what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
It’s comforting to know that your SNAP benefits are there to help you along the way. You can use EBT (sometimes still referred to as “food stamps”) to buy SlimFast or any other diet, protein shake, bar, or snack with a nutritional label attached to the package.
Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service
Did you know that if you qualify for government benefit programs like SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Both Lifeline and ACP are programs run by the government that help low-income consumers receive free or deeply discounted communication services.
Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.
Get a Tablet for $10.01
If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. To get started, apply here!
Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals
Looking for additional ways to save? Check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card to purchase SlimFast, Atkins, Premier Protein, Soylent, and many more brands on Amazon.
