By Lew Kizer — 2026-10-24 — Health & Nutrition
The short answer
Starting November 1, 2026, Virginia SNAP benefits can no longer be used for carbonated sweetened beverages, including regular and diet soda and carbonated energy drinks, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Juice, milk, lemonade, iced tea, sports drinks and unsweetened seltzer remain eligible. Tennessee's approved restrictions were vacated by a federal court on June 22, 2026 and cannot be implemented.
Key facts
- Virginia start date: Nov. 1, 2026, under a USDA food restriction waiver.
- Not eligible in Virginia: soda (including diet and zero), carbonated energy drinks, carbonated drinks with 5 g or more added sugar per serving.
- Still eligible: juice, milk and plant milks, lemonade, iced tea, sports drinks, kombucha, unsweetened seltzer.
- No food items change in Virginia.
- June 22, 2026: the U.S. District Court for D.C. vacated waivers for Tennessee, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and West Virginia.
- USDA lists 23 states with food restriction waivers.
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2026 — In one week, what families can buy with SNAP will depend on which side of State Street in Bristol they shop on.
What changes in Virginia on Nov. 1
| No longer SNAP-eligible in Virginia | Still eligible |
|---|---|
| Soda, including diet and zero soda | Juice and juice drinks |
| Carbonated energy drinks | Milk and plant milks |
| Carbonated drinks with 5 g+ added sugar per serving | Lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee |
| Probiotic or “better-for-you” sodas | Sports drinks, kombucha, unsweetened seltzer |
The Virginia Department of Social Services says no food items change. The state is testing the rule under a USDA waiver and mentions follow-up surveys in 2027.
Why Tennessee is different
USDA approved a Tennessee waiver in late 2025 to exclude soda, energy drinks and candy. On June 22, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated that approval, along with waivers for Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and West Virginia, finding that USDA exceeded its authority and skipped a required notice period. USDA's waiver page says Tennessee's implementation “may not proceed.”
What families can do
Our guide to what to drink instead of soda covers easy swaps, and our SNAP changes explainer walks through the rules on both sides of the line.
“We heal in community. We thrive in community. That's what Smash Meals is trying to be — not just a food company, but a community.” — Lew Kizer, Founder, SmashMeals
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
We serve families on both sides of the state line, so this one is close to home. Whatever you think of the policy, the practical question for families is the same: what goes in the cart instead. Water, milk and unsweetened drinks are the easy swaps. Food rules have not changed in Virginia, so the bigger lever is still what ends up on the plate.
Frequently asked questions
When does Virginia's SNAP soda restriction start?
November 1, 2026, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Can I buy diet soda with SNAP in Virginia?
No. Virginia's list of restricted drinks includes diet soda and zero or artificially sweetened soda, along with carbonated energy drinks.
Is Tennessee restricting soda and candy with SNAP?
Not now. A federal court vacated Tennessee's waiver on June 22, 2026, and USDA says implementation may not proceed.
Sources and credits
Follow the original sources for context and verification. A reference is not an endorsement of SmashMeals.
- SNAP Healthy: Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Department of Social Services
Why it matters: The official list of what changes and what stays eligible.
- SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (opens in a new tab)
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Why it matters: State-by-state status, including the court order.
- Federal district court vacates USDA SNAP food restriction waivers (opens in a new tab)
Covington & Burling
Why it matters: Legal summary of the June 22 ruling.