Little is known about the impacts of SNAP restrictions on the health of program participants. This brief provides a narrative review of published evidence on SNAP restrictions and combined incentive-disincentive approaches, highlighting the approaches’ historical context, perceptions among program participants, and evidence of impact on SNAP participants’ purchases and health. The studies reviewed found mixed results on how restrictions and strategies combining restrictions and incentives influence SNAP participants’ food choices and diet quality. Offering incentives for healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is more popular than restrictions on sugary drinks among both program participants and nonparticipants. Additional studies are needed to rigorously evaluate the implementation process and intervention effects of SNAP restrictions and approaches pairing incentives with restrictions.
Published: September 2025
Publisher: Healthy Eating Research
Authors: Reed L, Johnson J, Lott M, Story M
Age Group: Adults and Families
State: National
Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs
Resource Type: Research Brief
Keywords: Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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