Yes, you can buy infant formula with SNAP benefits
Infant formula is one of the items you can purchase with SNAP benefits, commonly called food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs SNAP, treats infant formula the same way it treats other food products — it is an approved food item. You can buy it at any store that accepts SNAP, including supermarkets, grocery stores, and some pharmacies and convenience stores.
The formula does not have to be a specific brand or type. Powdered, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed formulas all count. Store brands and name brands are both allowed. You can also buy formula for children who are not infants — toddler formulas and follow-up formulas are covered under the same rules.
One thing to know: you cannot use SNAP to buy formula that is labeled as a medical food or that requires a prescription. Those fall under a different category. But standard infant formula sold on the shelf without a prescription is covered.
Key Takeaways
- Infant formula in all forms — powder, concentrate, and ready-to-feed — can be purchased with SNAP benefits at any store that accepts the card.
- Both store brands and name brands of infant formula are allowed, and you can choose based on your budget and your child's needs.
- Formula labeled as a medical food or requiring a prescription is not covered by SNAP and must be paid for another way.
- Your SNAP card works the same way for formula as it does for other food items — swipe it at checkout and the amount comes out of your monthly benefit.
What other baby food items are covered
Beyond formula, SNAP covers most foods intended for babies and young children. Baby food in jars or pouches — whether meat, vegetables, fruits, or mixed meals — is allowed. Cereal made for babies is covered. Baby food made at home and frozen is also covered, as long as you are buying the raw ingredients with SNAP.
Whole foods that you prepare for your baby count too. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, and grains with SNAP and use them to make baby food yourself. Yogurt and cheese are covered. Milk is covered. Bread and pasta are covered. The rule is straightforward: if it is a food item that a baby or young child can eat, and it is not a hot or prepared meal, SNAP will cover it.
Items that are not covered include baby vitamins, baby medicine, diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, or any non-food item — even if it is sold in the baby section of the store. Those have to be paid for with cash or another payment method.
How to use your SNAP card to buy formula
Using SNAP to buy infant formula works exactly like using it to buy any other food. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP or EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer). Hand over your card. The cashier will run it through the register like a debit card. The amount of your purchase comes out of your monthly SNAP balance.
The store's register system automatically knows which items are SNAP-approved and which are not. If you buy formula and other allowed foods together, only the approved items will go through on your SNAP card. If you accidentally put a non-food item in your cart — like diapers or baby wipes — the register will flag it, and you will need to pay for that item separately with cash or another card.
You can check your SNAP balance before you shop by calling the number on the back of your card, checking online through your state's SNAP website, or using a mobile app if your state offers one. Knowing your balance helps you plan what to buy and avoid running short at checkout.
Stores that accept SNAP for formula purchases
Most large grocery stores accept SNAP, including chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and regional supermarkets. Many smaller grocery stores and independent markets also accept SNAP. Some convenience stores and pharmacies accept it, though not all do.
To find stores near you that take SNAP, you can use the USDA's store locator tool on the SNAP website, or call your state's SNAP office and ask for a list. Some states also have a mobile app that shows nearby authorized retailers. When you find a store, you can call ahead to confirm they have the formula brand or type you need in stock.
Online grocery shopping with SNAP is now available in many states through Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, and other retailers, though the rules vary by state. If you want to order formula online and have it delivered, check your state's SNAP website to see which retailers participate in your area.
What happens if formula is flagged at checkout
If you are buying a product labeled as formula but the register rejects it, the most common reason is that it is classified as a medical food or supplement rather than a standard food item. Some specialized formulas — like those for allergies or digestive issues — may be labeled this way. If this happens, ask the cashier to check the product code or call a manager, because the classification can sometimes be corrected.
Another reason a purchase might be rejected is if you are buying a non-food item by mistake. Baby formula itself should never be rejected if it is a standard infant formula sold as food. If you believe the register made an error, you can ask to speak with a manager or contact your state's SNAP office to report the issue.
Keep your receipt. If a formula purchase was rejected and you think it should have been covered, you can show the receipt to your state SNAP office, and they can investigate whether the product should be approved or whether there was a system error.
How much formula costs and budgeting with SNAP
Infant formula prices vary widely depending on the brand, type, and where you shop. Powdered formula is generally less expensive than ready-to-feed liquid formula. Store brands are usually cheaper than name brands. Prices also differ between stores — supermarkets, discount chains, and online retailers often have different costs for the same product.
Because formula is often one of the largest food expenses for families with infants, it is worth comparing prices across stores if you have access to multiple retailers. Some families find that buying larger containers or bulk sizes saves money. Others find that sales and store promotions make certain brands affordable at certain times.
Your SNAP monthly benefit amount depends on your household size and income. If you are concerned that your benefit will not cover all your food needs including formula, you can contact your state's SNAP office to discuss your situation. Some families also use WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), a separate federal program that provides formula and other foods specifically for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. WIC and SNAP can be used together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy any brand of infant formula with SNAP?
Yes, any brand of infant formula sold as a standard food item is covered by SNAP. Store brands and name brands are both allowed. You can choose based on what your baby tolerates and what fits your budget. The only exception is formula labeled as a medical food or requiring a prescription, which SNAP does not cover.
What if my baby needs a special formula for allergies?
Most specialty formulas for allergies or sensitivities are covered by SNAP as long as they are sold as food and do not require a prescription. Hypoallergenic formulas, lactose-free formulas, and formulas for sensitive digestion are typically allowed. If the register rejects a specialty formula, ask the cashier to check the product code, or contact your state SNAP office to confirm whether that specific formula is approved.
Can I use SNAP to buy formula online?
Online SNAP purchases are now available in many states through retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.com, though the program is still rolling out. Check your state's SNAP website to see which online retailers participate in your area and whether formula is included in their SNAP delivery service.
If I have WIC, do I still need SNAP to buy formula?
WIC and SNAP are separate programs and can be used together. WIC provides specific brands and amounts of formula for may be able to access women and children. If you have both WIC and SNAP, you use your WIC card for the formula WIC covers, and your SNAP card for other foods. Some families find that WIC covers their formula needs and SNAP covers other groceries.
What if I buy formula and diapers together?
The register will separate them at checkout. Your SNAP card will cover the formula, but you will need to pay for diapers with cash or another payment method, because diapers are not a food item and SNAP does not cover them.