What Foods Can You Buy with EBT at Walmart? Complete List

Article Outline

• Introduction to EBT at Walmart
• Quick Answer: Eligible Food Categories
• Complete List of EBT-Eligible Foods at Walmart
• Non-Eligible Items
• How to Shop with EBT at Walmart
• Walmart's EBT Online Ordering
• Tips for Maximizing Your EBT Benefits
• Seasonal and Special Offers
• Comparing EBT Shopping Options
• FAQs About Using EBT at Walmart

Introduction

Navigating the world of EBT benefits can be challenging, especially when trying to determine what you can purchase at major retailers like Walmart. At Bargain Boxed, we understand the importance of making every dollar count, which is why we've created this comprehensive guide to EBT-eligible foods at Walmart. This article breaks down everything you need to know about using your EBT card at Walmart, helping you shop confidently and efficiently.

Quick Answer: What Foods Can You Buy with EBT at Walmart?

EBT benefits at Walmart cover a wide range of food items including:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

Complete List of EBT-Eligible Foods at Walmart

Fresh Produce

Walmart offers an extensive selection of EBT-eligible fresh fruits and vegetables. From apples and bananas to lettuce and carrots, all fresh produce can be purchased using EBT benefits. Walmart's produce section includes both conventional and organic options, giving EBT users diverse choices for healthy eating.

Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Your EBT card covers all varieties of uncooked meats available at Walmart:

• Beef (ground beef, steaks, roasts)
• Pork (chops, bacon, sausage)
• Chicken (whole, parts, ground)
• Turkey (whole birds, ground, parts)
• Fish and seafood (fresh, frozen)
• Deli meats

Dairy Products

The dairy section at Walmart offers numerous EBT-eligible items:

• Milk (whole, reduced-fat, skim)
• Cheese (block, shredded, sliced)
• Yogurt (regular, Greek)
• Butter and margarine
• Eggs
• Cream and sour cream

Bread and Cereals

EBT covers all bread products and cereals at Walmart:

• Sliced bread and rolls
• Tortillas and wraps
• Breakfast cereals
• Pasta and rice
• Oatmeal and hot cereals
• Flour and baking mixes

Snack Foods

Contrary to what some might believe, many snack foods at Walmart are EBT-eligible:

• Chips and crackers
• Popcorn
• Granola bars
• Nuts and trail mixes
• Ice cream and frozen desserts

Beverages

While alcoholic beverages are excluded, many drinks at Walmart can be purchased with EBT:

• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Bottled water
• Soda and energy drinks
• Coffee and tea (unflavored)
• Powdered drink mixes

Canned and Packaged Foods

Walmart stocks a variety of EBT-eligible canned and packaged items:

• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meats and fish
• Soups and broths
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pasta sauce
• Condiments and spices

Frozen Foods

The frozen food section contains many EBT-approved items:

• Frozen fruits and vegetables
• Frozen meals and entrees
• Frozen meat and seafood
• Frozen breakfast items
• Pizza and other frozen convenience foods

Seeds and Plants

A lesser-known benefit is that EBT can be used at Walmart to purchase:

• Vegetable seeds
• Fruit seeds
• Herb plants
• Vegetable plants

Non-Eligible Items at Walmart

While Walmart carries many EBT-eligible foods, certain items cannot be purchased with EBT benefits:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Vitamins and supplements
• Medicines
• Hot prepared foods
• Cosmetics and hygiene products
• Pet food
• Household supplies
• Non-food items

How to Shop with EBT at Walmart

Shopping with EBT at Walmart is straightforward. Simply gather your items and head to checkout. At the payment terminal, select EBT as your payment method and swipe your card. You'll need to enter your PIN to complete the transaction. For mixed purchases containing both eligible and non-eligible items, the system automatically separates them, allowing you to pay for non-eligible items with another payment method.

Walmart's EBT Online Ordering

Walmart has expanded its services to include online grocery ordering with EBT payment. This convenient option allows you to:

• Shop for EBT-eligible items online
• Schedule pickup at your local store
• In many areas, arrange for home delivery
• Pay with your EBT card at pickup or online

This service makes shopping more accessible for those with transportation challenges or busy schedules.

Tips for Maximizing Your EBT Benefits at Walmart

Watch for Rollbacks and Special Buys

Walmart frequently offers rollbacks and special buys on food items. These discounts allow you to stretch your EBT benefits further.

Consider Walmart's Great Value Brand

Walmart's store brand, Great Value, offers quality foods at lower prices than name brands, helping your EBT dollars go further.

Shop Seasonal Produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically less expensive and at peak freshness.

Check the Clearance Section

Many Walmart stores have clearance sections with discounted food items that are approaching their best-by dates but are still perfectly safe to consume. Items with a longer shelf life can be great deals when found in clearance.

Use the Walmart App

The Walmart app can help you plan your shopping list, check prices, and find in-store deals before you shop.

Seasonal and Special Offers

Walmart regularly features seasonal promotions that can benefit EBT shoppers:

• Holiday food specials
• Back-to-school deals
• Summer grilling promotions
• Harvest-time produce discounts

Keeping an eye on these seasonal offers can help you maximize your EBT benefits throughout the year.

Comparing EBT Shopping Options

While Walmart offers excellent value for EBT shoppers, we at Bargain Boxed provide unbeatable deals on shelf-stable groceries and household essentials. Though we don't accept EBT, our everyday low prices without membership fees make us the perfect complement to your Walmart EBT shopping. By combining Walmart's EBT-eligible items with Bargain Boxed's deep discounts on non-perishables, you can create the most economical shopping strategy.

FAQs About Using EBT at Walmart

Can I use EBT for Walmart pickup or delivery?

Yes, Walmart accepts EBT payment for grocery pickup in all locations and for delivery in areas where available.

How do I separate EBT-eligible items from non-eligible items?

Walmart's system automatically separates eligible from non-eligible items during checkout.

Can I check my EBT balance at Walmart?

Yes, your receipt will show your remaining EBT balance, or you can check it at any Walmart payment terminal.

Does Walmart accept EBT cash benefits?

Yes, if your EBT card includes cash benefits, you can use these at Walmart for non-food items.

Are all Walmart stores EBT-approved retailers?

Yes, all Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets accept EBT.

Can I return items purchased with EBT at Walmart?

Yes, Walmart allows returns on EBT purchases according to their standard return policy.

Are organic foods EBT-eligible at Walmart?

Yes, all food items, including organic options, are EBT-eligible (except for prepared hot foods).

Does Walmart offer any special discounts for EBT users?

While there are no specific EBT discounts, Walmart's everyday low prices benefit all shoppers.

Can I use coupons with my EBT card at Walmart?

Yes, you can combine coupons with EBT payment to save even more.

What should I do if my EBT card is declined at Walmart?

Check your balance, ensure you're purchasing eligible items, and verify that your card is not damaged. If problems persist, contact your state's EBT customer service.

Conclusion

Navigating EBT benefits at Walmart doesn't have to be complicated. With this comprehensive guide, you can shop confidently knowing exactly what foods you can purchase with your EBT card. Walmart offers a wide variety of eligible items across all food categories, making it possible to create nutritious, delicious meals while staying within your budget.

Remember that while Walmart is great for EBT-eligible items, Bargain Boxed remains your #1 destination for deep discounts on shelf-stable groceries and household essentials. Our ever-revolving inventory and no-membership model mean you always get the lowest prices possible without any extra fees.

For more helpful guides on making the most of your food budget, check out our other articles at Bargain Boxed, where we're committed to helping you save money while eating well.