Yes, you can buy coffee with EBT. SNAP covers coffee beans, ground coffee, instant coffee, K-cups, Nespresso pods, and coffee creamer. The rule is straightforward: if it's packaged for home preparation and has a Nutrition Facts label, it's eligible. Hot coffee and made-to-order drinks are not covered.

What's eligible

SNAP treats coffee like any other grocery item. If you're brewing it at home, you can buy it with your EBT card.

Eligible:

• Whole bean coffee

• Ground coffee (regular, decaf, flavored)

• Instant coffee and instant espresso

• K-cups and Keurig pods

• Nespresso capsules

• Cappuccino and latte mixes

• Cold brew concentrate

• Bottled iced coffee (sold cold from the refrigerator case)

• Canned coffee drinks

• Coffee creamer (liquid, powdered, non-dairy)

Not eligible:

• Hot coffee (any coffee hot at the point of sale)

• Made-to-order drinks from a café or coffee bar

• Coffee makers, grinders, or other equipment

The distinction matters at the register. A bag of Starbucks coffee beans from the grocery aisle is covered. A latte from the Starbucks counter is not, even if it's in the same store.

Why hot coffee doesn't qualify

The USDA excludes "foods that are hot at the point of sale" from SNAP because they're classified as prepared foods, not groceries. SNAP is designed for food you take home and prepare yourself.

This applies to all hot beverages. Hot tea, hot cocoa from a dispenser, and soup from a deli counter fall into the same category. The temperature at checkout determines eligibility, not the product itself.

A cold bottled Frappuccino from the refrigerator case? Eligible. The same drink made fresh by a barista? Not eligible.

Coffee pods and K-cups

K-cups, Nespresso capsules, and other single-serve pods are SNAP eligible. They're packaged grocery products meant for home brewing.

Safeway carries pods from Green Mountain, Starbucks, Dunkin', Peet's, Gevalia, Newman's Own, and Signature Select (store brand).

Cost comparison: Pods cost more per cup than ground coffee. A 12-count box of name-brand K-cups runs $8-12 (65 cents to $1 per cup). Store-brand pods cost $5-7 for 12 (40-60 cents per cup). Ground coffee runs about 16-20 cents per cup. If you're stretching your benefits, ground coffee goes further.

Coffee creamer

All types of coffee creamer are SNAP eligible:

• Liquid creamer (Coffee-mate, International Delight)

• Powdered creamer

• Non-dairy alternatives (oat, almond, coconut)

• Flavored creamers

• Half-and-half and heavy cream

Sugar, honey, and other sweeteners are also eligible.

Does Starbucks take EBT?

Standalone Starbucks locations do not accept EBT. They're classified as restaurants, not grocery retailers.

Licensed Starbucks counters inside grocery stores like Safeway are more complicated. The grocery store accepts EBT, but the Starbucks counter typically operates on separate registers.

What you can buy: Packaged Starbucks products from the grocery aisles (bagged coffee, bottled drinks).

What you cannot buy: Any drink made to order by the barista, regardless of temperature.

Some grocery stores process Starbucks counter transactions through their main registers, which may allow EBT for cold packaged items. Policies vary. Ask before ordering if you're unsure.

Using EBT at Safeway

In-store: Swipe your EBT card at checkout. The register automatically applies SNAP benefits to eligible items. Pay the difference for non-eligible items with another method.

Online: Safeway accepts EBT for Drive Up & Go pickup and delivery in most states. Add your EBT card at checkout. Delivery fees and tips require a separate payment method.

Coffee brands at Safeway

Budget options: Folgers and Maxwell House offer the lowest cost per ounce in large canisters. Signature Select (store brand) provides similar quality at lower prices than national brands.

Mid-range: Starbucks, Peet's, and Dunkin' sell whole beans and ground coffee. Often on sale.

Organic: O Organics (Safeway's organic line) and Newman's Own. USDA certified organic without premium specialty pricing.

Premium: Starbucks Reserve, Intelligentsia, Stumptown. Expect $10-15 for a 12 oz bag.

All are SNAP eligible regardless of price point or certification.

Brewing at home

Making coffee at home costs a fraction of café prices. A 12 oz bag makes 40-50 cups for $6-12. That's under 30 cents per cup versus $3-6 at a coffee shop.

Drip coffee maker: 2 tablespoons ground coffee per 6 ounces water. Adjust to taste.

French press: Same ratio, but use coarse-ground coffee. Steep 4 minutes.

K-cup machine: Use the smallest cup setting for stronger flavor. Larger settings dilute the same amount of coffee.

Cold brew: 1 cup coarse grounds to 4 cups cold water. Steep 12-24 hours, strain. Keeps refrigerated for two weeks.

Stretching your budget: Buy larger sizes (lower cost per ounce), choose store brands, skip pods for ground coffee, watch for sales.