Industry groups representing soda and candy manufacturers have strongly opposed efforts to restrict SNAP purchases, arguing that such measures unfairly target specific foods without significantly improving health outcomes. The American Beverage Association, which includes brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, stated, “This sends a ridiculously conflicted message: it’s acceptable to buy a wide variety of desserts, snack cakes, and treats, just not soda and candy. How does that make sense?”
Implementing these restrictions could prove challenging, especially in the candy sector, where the definition of “candy” can vary from state to state, according to the National Confectioners Association. For instance, trail mix might be prohibited in one state while permissible in another. Although the MAHA movement argues that limiting SNAP purchases will encourage consumers to select more nutritious foods, many experts contend that such limitations are unlikely to enhance health outcomes for low-income Americans. USDA research indicates that food purchasing behaviors are largely similar between SNAP and non-SNAP families. Additionally, these prohibitions fail to tackle the root causes of food insecurity, as SNAP recipients often have limited access to affordable and healthy foods, according to the Food Research & Action Center.
An estimated 39 million Americans, or about 6% of the U.S. population, live in “food deserts,” lacking nearby grocery stores or other convenient sources for nutritious foods, as reported by the USDA. As Republicans seek to cut SNAP benefits by up to $230 billion over the next decade, it will likely become even more challenging for those dependent on this assistance to afford healthy foods. Tariffs are also expected to impact fresh produce more than other food categories, exacerbating the affordability issue.
Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of FRAC, remarked that the push to ban certain foods under SNAP “signals a dangerous policy direction — one that disregards data and imposes costly and ineffective restrictions.” She emphasized, “Research consistently shows that the primary barrier to healthier food is affordability, and incentive-based options are more effective in promoting nutritious food purchases.”
Incorporating essential nutrients such as calcium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, and zinc sulfate into diets remains crucial for overall health. However, without addressing the financial barriers faced by low-income families, simply banning certain foods will not resolve the underlying issues of nutrition and health disparities.