The Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT At Walmart
Surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart include protein shakes, Nutrisystem, seeds, plants, and hunting supplies.
QUICK SUMMARY
Most people who shop with an Electronic Benefits Card are aware of the things that can and cannot be purchased with the card. Even with Walmart charging for bags, it’s still essential to keep the kitchen stocked with essentials, like milk, bread, butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, and various protein options. Aside from everyday kitchen items, there are some surprising things you can buy with an EBT card at Walmart.
While things like protein shakes, vitamins, and Nutrisystems are not food, they still offer nutritional-related benefits. This raises the question of whether or not shoppers can purchase these types of items with an EBT card. Let’s find out.
PROTEIN SHAKES CAN BE BOUGHT WITH EBT AT WALMART
One surprising thing you can buy with an EBT card from Walmart is protein shakes. Protein shakes offer an easy solution for anyone looking for a quick nutritional boost, whether it be a nursing mother or a child who is behind on the growth chart. Additionally, customers can purchase protein powder from Walmart as well.
Protein shakes and powders can be purchased as long as they have a food label and are not being sold as a meal replacement option. That is the exception to the rule. Additionally, customers can shop eligible protein shakes and powders at other big box retailers like Target, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and others.
Some of the brands of prepared protein shakes that are eligible for purchase with an Electronic Benefits Card include but are not limited to OWYN, Muscle Milk, Ensure, and Premier Protein.
For children, options include Pediasure, Kinder Sprout, Orgain, and Parent’s Choice. Brands like Atkins and Weight Watchers, which are marketed more as a diet, meal replacing option, are often not eligible for purchase with EBT.
Some other options for protein include the powdered version of shakes. For children, there is a Pediasure powdered option and options from brands like Else and Healthy Heights. Adults can choose from the brands previously mentioned, plus a few others.
It is important to note the label when looking to purchase a protein shake or a protein powder. As long as the label is clearly marked Nutritional Facts and not Supplemental Facts, the item should be able to be purchased using an Electronic Benefits Card.
MOST NUTRISYSTEM MEALS CAN BE PURCHASED WITH EBT AT WALMART
Nutrisystem is a popular meal plan program that promotes eating six small meals a day to keep hunger at bay and lose weight. The program offers pre-made food items for every meal, plus snack time. Most, not all, Nutrisystem products can be purchased with an EBT card online from Walmart.
Nutrisystem is expensive and contains food that has been highly processed. Preparing meals from fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sources will not only be more cost-effective, but it will also be healthier. Though most Nutrisystem items can be purchased with an EBT from Walmarts online storefront, this may not be the best choice.
If the convenience of prepackaged meals and snacks is a factor for why you wish to purchase this item, simply set aside some time to prep meals yourself. Nothing, not even a highly processed diet meal from a company that has been around since the 1970s, beats a fresh home-cooked meal.
SEEDS, PLANTS AND ROOTS CAN BE PURCHASED WITH EBT AT WALMART
Some surprising things you can buy with an EBT card from Walmart include seeds, plants, trees, and roots for items that produce food for consumption.
While homegrown, organic produce might seem like a luxury, it is absolutely not, and EBT makes it even more accessible. If one is looking to create a lasting food source by starting a backyard garden, purchasing supplies such as seeds or plants is a great option.
SOME FISHING AND HUNTING SUPPLIES ARE ELIGIBLE
Depending on where you are in the country, different things may be available to purchase using an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card. One super surprising thing you can buy with an EBT card is fishing and hunting supplies. This is not available everywhere but is mostly in rural areas like Alaska, where hunting and fishing are a way of life for the people of the community.
These kinds of supplies are going to be on a case-by-case basis when it comes to regional eligibility which is why it’s important to consult with resource offices to make sure before purchasing.
GHOST PROTEIN WILL NOT WORK WITH THIS CARD
Ghost protein is a brand of protein powder with flavors like Chips Ahoy, Oreo, Sour Patch Kids, and more. While customers can buy Chips Ahoy, Oreos, and Sour Patch Kids with an Electronic Benefits Card from Walmart, they cannot purchase the Ghost Protein Powder with the same flavors. Ghost protein products are sold with a Supplemental Facts label, therefore they are ineligible to be purchased using an EBT card.
VITAMINS CANNOT BE PUCHASED WITH EBT
For many people, vitamins are a regular part of their daily routine. Both adults and children often take daily vitamins, perhaps with breakfast and dinner. Since vitamins are often consumed with a meal, is this another surprising thing you can buy with an EBT card from Walmart?
No, customers cannot purchase vitamins from Walmart with an Electronic Benefits Card. Additionally, shoppers cannot purchase any other type of supplement or medicine with an EBT card. These items are not food, do not contain a nutritional food label, and therefore cannot be purchased using an EBT card.
If perhaps you receive benefits through Medicaid, you may be able to purchase vitamins, medicines, and other medical supplies. What each customer will be able to receive depend on what Medicaid plan one receives benefits through.
It is best to look through your coverage benefits or call a representative directly to determine what you may be eligible for. Through certain Medicaid coverage programs, people may be able to purchase things like vitamins, cough medicine, pain relievers, and more.
To find out about any surprising things you can buy with an EBT card at Walmart or elsewhere, visit your local benefits office, give them a call, or check the website for your area.
Different parts of the country have different needs and the benefits available will vary. Stay current and in the know by simply communicating and reaching out to an EBT representative.
