More than half a million Hoosiers will see changes to what they can buy with SNAP benefits starting January first.

Hoosiers who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits will no longer be able to use that assistance to purchase sugary drinks or candy.

The change is part of Indiana’s new Smart SNAP program.  Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order in April directing the change. Indiana also received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to move forward with the update.

State leaders say the update follows public health data showing high rates of obesity and low fruit and vegetable consumption across Indiana.

Under the new rules, sugary drinks are defined as non-alcoholic beverages with added sweeteners. That includes soda, energy drinks, sports drinks like Gatorade, and sweetened iced tea. Drinks with milk or milk substitutes, one-hundred-percent fruit or vegetable juice, unsweetened iced tea, and electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte remain eligible.

Candy restrictions include items like candy bars, marshmallows, fruit strips, popcorn, and mints. Ice cream, fresh fruit, and potato chips are still allowed.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration says retailers must update checkout systems, train staff, and submit compliance paperwork before the January rollout.