Yes. In many cases, you can purchase lobster meat with your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card. SNAP is designed to help low-income households purchase food to prepare and eat at home.
Eligible seafood includes:
- Fresh lobster
- Frozen lobster tails
- Packaged or canned lobster meat
- Live lobster (for home cooking)
The USDA specifically allows the purchase of any food for human consumption, except for hot prepared foods sold for immediate consumption (such as cooked meals in deli stores). Therefore, raw, frozen, or canned lobster is eligible for EBT because it is taken home for preparation.
What You Can’t Buy
There are important limits:
Hot, ready-to-eat lobster, for example, a lobster roll cooked in a deli, is not allowed.
Restaurant meals are not accepted unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) in some states for seniors, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness.
Non-food items (lobster bibs, wine, condiments, butter, etc.) are not accepted; these are not covered.
Where to Buy Lobster Meat with EBT/SNAP
You can find lobster meat at grocery stores, seafood markets, wholesale clubs, and some farmers markets that accept EBT.
Major Chains That Accept EBT
Walmart: Many stores sell frozen lobster tails or claws.
Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons: Some stores carry fresh or frozen lobster.
Whole Foods: Usually carries frozen or fresh lobster tails and sometimes live lobster.
Costco: Some stores sell frozen lobster in bulk. They accept EBT for food.
Local Seafood Markets: Some local fish markets accept EBT; ask before buying.
Online: Currently, some major online grocery stores allow SNAP EBT payments for delivery or pickup (such as Amazon Fresh or Walmart Grocery), and you can also find frozen lobster products. Always check which products are EBT-eligible before checking out.
Tips for Buying Lobster on a Budget
Lobster is expensive; using SNAP is allowed, but it can affect your monthly food budget. Here are some tips:
Look for frozen or canned products: Frozen lobster tails or claws are often cheaper than live lobster.
In-store deals: Some stores have seafood specials during the holidays or in coastal regions.
Buy Whole Lobsters: Sometimes buying whole lobsters and cooking them at home is cheaper than pre-cooked meat.
Check out farmers markets: Some coastal farmers markets sell fresh fish and accept EBT.
Is it legal or allowed?
Yes, buying premium seafood like lobster is perfectly legal with SNAP. There are no rules restricting the types of food you can buy, as long as it’s not hot or ready-to-eat. Some people feel stigma or prejudice about buying lobster with SNAP, but there is no law prohibiting it.
Restaurant Meal Program (RMP)
Some states (such as California, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, and Rhode Island) allow SNAP-eligible seniors, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness to purchase hot, prepared meals through RMP-approved restaurants. However, most restaurants do not serve lobster under these programs.
You can buy lobster meat with your EBT/SNAP card, as long as it’s raw, frozen, or packaged for you to prepare at home. You cannot buy hot, cooked lobster meals or restaurant lobster with SNAP (unless it’s part of a special RMP program, which is rare for lobster).
Final Thoughts
Lobster can be a delicious snack, and SNAP gives you the freedom to choose what you want, whether it’s ground beef, salmon, or lobster tails. Just remember to plan your budget carefully and check if your grocery store or seafood market accepts EBT.
