Youngkin speaks on move to prevent SNAP recipients from purchasing ‘sweetened beverages’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time, we’re hearing from Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) about Virginia’s new “sweetened beverage” ban for SNAP recipients. 

“I think this will be a component of Virginians being healthier and Americans being healthier,” Youngkin told 8News on Friday. 

Per a waiver approved by the USDA, Virginia is moving to prevent SNAP recipients from using their SNAP benefits to purchase any carbonated drinks that are flavored or sweetened with more than five grams of added sugars or artificial sweeteners. 

That means soda, including diet and zero sugar options, and energy drinks will be banned. 

“I think in this case, we felt there were lots of alternatives when it comes to beverages that recipients of SNAP benefits could choose from, and that is a deep well of opportunity and choice for folks,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin didn’t clarify why other sweetened beverages, like lemonade, sports drinks, iced teas and juices, can still be purchased, regardless of their sugar content. However, Youngkin did explain that food deserts led him to think differently about banning products that have been banned for SNAP recipients in other states, like candy. 

“This one category was a category that we felt there were substantial alternatives on the store shelf for folks, and in certain areas in the commonwealth, for some of the other categories, there aren't substantial alternatives,” Youngkin told 8News. 

We reached out to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s transition office to ask if she supports the changes, but never heard back. 

The changes will go into effect on April 1, 2026, and last for two years.