Health
SNAP restrictions linked to 12% drop in soda purchases, working paper finds
A study of 10 states with new limits on buying candy and sugary drinks with food assistance estimated a yearly decline equivalent to 34 cans of soda per recipient.
The short version
- A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that SNAP participants in 10 states bought about 12% less soda after new purchase bans were implemented.
- Researchers estimated the decline amounts to approximately 34 fewer 12-ounce cans of soda per person annually.
- The findings provide early evidence regarding whether food benefit restrictions successfully reduce sugary beverage consumption rather than displacing purchases to other funding sources.
Key facts
- Soda purchases decreased by roughly 12% among SNAP beneficiaries following the introduction of restrictions on soda and candy in 10 states.[STAT]
- The observed decline translates to approximately 34 fewer 12-ounce cans of soda consumed per recipient each year.[STAT]
- The study was released by the National Bureau of Economic Research as a working paper.[STAT]
What remains uncertain
- The research paper has not yet undergone formal peer review.[STAT]