Starting in 2026, individuals using SNAP (also known as food stamps) in Colorado will no longer be able to use their benefits to purchase sugary drinks, such as soda and energy drinks. This policy is part of a new federal pilot program, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on August 4, 2025, after a request from Governor Jared Polis on May 13, 2025. The program is scheduled to run for two years, but the exact start date has not yet been announced. Colorado is one of seven participating states.

Colorado is participating in the pilot as the first Democratic-led state. The ban aims to promote healthier eating and reduce health issues.

In an official statement, Governor Polis said:

“Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation and has the lowest obesity rate of any state. Sadly, even Colorado’s lowest obesity rate of 24.9% is too high, and endangers and shortens the lives of too many Coloradans. Today’s waiver is a big step towards improving the health of Coloradans, and reducing obesity rates, diabetes, and tooth decay.”

He also pointed out how the policy might change what’s available in local stores:

“Because many local grocers make stocking decisions in part based on SNAP eligibility, I’m confident that this waiver will also help reduce food deserts in Colorado by reducing shelf space for soda and increasing it for other nutritional food products eligible for SNAP.”

The new rule will block SNAP purchases of drinks with 5 grams or more of sugar per 12 ounces, such as most sodas, energy drinks, sweetened teas, and sports drinks. SNAP can still be used for milk, 100% fruit juice, unsweetened drinks, and diet sodas.

Other states included in the August 2025 federal pilot program are Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Idaho.

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