Your Free Guide to Understanding Tariffs: How They Could Affect Food Stamps

When food prices go up, families who rely on food stamps often feel it first. And with new tariffs imposed on imported goods, the cost of everyday groceries could rise in ways that make it even harder to stretch SNAP benefits. While no one can say exactly how high prices might go or how long changes will last, certain types of food are more likely to be affected than others.

This guide is here to give a glimpse into what could change, what might stay the same, and has tips on how to adjust if you’re using SNAP (food stamps) to help feed yourself or your family. From knowing which foods are likely to rise in price to getting the most out of your benefits, this guide can help you learn ways to navigate what’s ahead, one step at a time.

What Foods Are Not Likely to Be Affected by Tariffs?

While tariffs can raise prices on many imported groceries, plenty of staple foods are grown, raised, or processed right here in the U.S.—which helps protect them from sudden cost spikes. By focusing on these domestic items, you can make food choices that are both budget-friendly and less likely to be impacted by international trade policies.

U.S.-Grown Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are grown in abundance across various U.S. regions. These are often available at more stable prices, especially when they’re in season:

Apples
Oranges
Grapes
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew)
Potatoes
Onions
Carrots
Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale)
Sweet corn
Broccoli
Squash
Tomatoes

Seasonal produce from local farms is generally a safer bet than tropical or out-of-season items, which are more likely to be imported.

Grains, Legumes, and Starches

Most of the nation’s grain supply is produced domestically. These items are pantry staples and tend to be affordable:

Rice
Cornmeal
Oats
Wheat flour
Pasta (made with U.S.-grown wheat)
Dried or canned beans (black beans, pinto beans, lentils)

Dairy and Eggs

Dairy products and eggs are mostly sourced locally and are less tied to global trade disruptions:

Milk
Butter
Cheese
Yogurt
Eggs

Meat and Poultry

Domestically raised meat is generally not affected by tariffs, though specialty or imported cuts may be. Affordable options to focus on include:

Ground beef
Chicken (whole or in parts)
Pork (chops, roasts, sausages)
Turkey

Fish and Seafood

Fish in the U.S. is a mix bag of imported and domestic options:

Domestic options like catfish, tilapia, trout, and certain freshwater fish are usually unaffected.
Imported seafood (shrimp, tuna, salmon, cod, etc.) is more likely to be impacted by tariffs, especially if it’s frozen or canned overseas.

If you’re shopping for seafood, check the label to see where it was sourced and processed.

Canned and Processed Goods

If items are grown and canned in the U.S., they are less likely to face tariff-related price jumps. These include:

Canned vegetables like green beans, corn, peas, and tomatoes
Canned fruit packed in juice (like peaches, pears, or applesauce)
Peanut butter
Soups and broths made with domestic ingredients
Pasta sauces

Which Foods Will Be Affected by Tariffs?

As tariffs resume, many imported foods may see price hikes at the grocery store. While not everything will change overnight, being aware of which items are likely to be affected can help you make smart substitutions before prices climb too high. These tariffs target goods from multiple countries, many of which are key exporters of everyday food items.

Seafood

Much of the seafood sold in U.S. stores is imported, especially from countries like China, Vietnam, and Chile. Tariffs on these goods may raise the price of:

Shrimp
Salmon (especially frozen or farm-raised)
Tilapia
Crab and lobster
Canned tuna and sardines (if processed overseas)

What you can do: Check labels for seafood caught and processed in the U.S., such as wild-caught Alaskan salmon or domestic catfish. Local fish markets may also carry affordable, regional catches.

Coffee

Since coffee isn’t grown in the U.S. except in small parts of Hawaii, nearly all of it is imported. Tariffs may affect:

Whole bean and ground coffee
Instant coffee
Pre-mixed cold brew and specialty beverages

What you can do: Watch for sales and consider switching to store-brand or bulk coffee. You can also stretch coffee by mixing it with chicory or using smaller portions per brew.

Tropical Fruits

Fruits that don’t grow well in the U.S. will likely be hit hardest by import tariffs. These include:

Bananas
Mangoes
Pineapples
Papayas
Coconuts
Passion fruit

What you can do: Focus on in-season U.S.-grown fruits like apples, berries, oranges, and melons. Frozen versions of tropical fruit (especially those packed in the U.S.) may be more budget-friendly.

Cooking Oils

Imported oils are especially vulnerable. Tariffs could raise prices on:

Olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)
Avocado oil (from Mexico)
Palm oil and coconut oil (from Southeast Asia)

What you can do: Look for domestically produced oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, or even blends labeled “Made in USA.”

Chocolate and Cocoa Products

Since cocoa beans are grown almost entirely outside the U.S., these items may go up in price:

Chocolate bars
Baking cocoa
Hot cocoa mixes
Chocolate chips
Chocolate-flavored protein or snack bars

What you can do: Stock up during sales or look for store-brand options. Unsweetened baking chocolate or cocoa powder can also stretch further when making treats from scratch.

Nuts

Some nuts are grown in the U.S. (like almonds and peanuts), but others are mostly imported:

Cashews (largely from Vietnam and India)
Macadamia nuts
Brazil nuts
Mixed nut blends containing imports

What you can do: Stick to U.S.-grown varieties like peanuts, almonds, and pecans. Buying in bulk or switching to nut butters may help reduce costs.

Spices and Condiments

Many of the flavors you cook with every day come from abroad. Tariffs could affect:

Cinnamon, pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom
Vanilla beans and extract
Soy sauce, hoisin, fish sauce
Imported hot sauces, mustards, and dressings

What you can do: Choose domestic brands when possible. Basic salt, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary and thyme are often U.S.-sourced.

By recognizing these high-risk items, you can keep an eye on prices and plan ahead. Small shifts in your shopping list can help keep your meals flavorful and affordable.

Tips for Stretching Your EBT Budget

If you’ve already felt your grocery money doesn’t go as far as it used to, you’re not imagining it, and new tariffs could make things even tougher. While you can’t control the prices, there are still a few ways you can stretch your SNAP benefits and make your meals go further.

1. Shop Seasonally and Locally

Buying in-season produce can save you money and give you fresher, better-tasting fruits and veggies. Farmers’ markets often accept EBT, and some even offer “double dollars” or matching programs that give you extra credit to spend on local produce.

2. Switch to Store Brands

Generic or store-brand items are often the exact same product as the name brand, just with a different label. You can save significantly on things like canned goods, pasta, cereal, and even dairy products without sacrificing quality.

3. Plan Meals Around What’s On Sale

Instead of planning meals and then shopping for ingredients, reverse the process. Check store flyers or apps first to see what’s on sale, then build your weekly meals around those deals. This helps you avoid impulse buys and focus on your budget.

4. Cook in Bulk and Use Leftovers

Make bigger portions of low-cost meals like soups, stews, or casseroles, then freeze leftovers in single servings. This reduces food waste, saves time on busy days, and helps you avoid expensive last-minute takeout.

5. Make Simple Ingredient Swaps

When prices spike on your go-to items, small changes in your shopping list can help keep meals affordable without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Try some of these lower-cost substitutions:

Instead of ground beef or chicken: Use canned beans, lentils, tofu, or eggs in tacos, pasta, and stir-fries.
Instead of fresh produce that’s out of season: Choose frozen or canned versions (without added salt or sugar) that last longer and cost less.
Instead of sour cream or mayo: Use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt in dips, dressings, and baked recipes.
Instead of butter: Use oil or margarine in cooking and baking, depending on the recipe.
Instead of boxed meal kits or frozen entrees: Make your own with rice, beans, and seasonings—you’ll often get more servings for less money.
Instead of expensive cuts of meat: Use ground meat, chicken thighs, or slow-cooker recipes with tougher cuts like chuck roast to make them tender.
Instead of flavored or instant oatmeal: Buy plain rolled oats in bulk and flavor them yourself with cinnamon, fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
Instead of pre-shredded cheese: Buy block cheese and shred it yourself—it’s usually cheaper per ounce.
Instead of bottled sauces or marinades: Mix pantry basics like oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices for a homemade version.

6. Buy Staple Items in Bulk (When Possible)

If your local store allows EBT for bulk items, stocking up on things like rice, oats, dried beans, or pasta can be more affordable per serving. Just make sure you have storage space and that you will use everything before it expires.

7. Consider Growing Your Own Food

You can use SNAP benefits to buy seeds and food-producing plants. If you have even a small outdoor space or a sunny windowsill, you can grow:

Herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro
Leafy greens like spinach or lettuce
Tomatoes or peppers in containers

It’s a small investment that can yield fresh produce all season long.

Will SNAP Benefits Go Up if Food Prices Do?

It’s a fair question—if groceries are getting more expensive, will SNAP benefit levels rise, too?

Unfortunately, benefit levels won’t rise right away, but there are regular adjustments. SNAP benefit amounts are based on something called the Thrifty Food Plan, which is the USDA’s estimate of what it costs to eat a modest but nutritious diet. Each year, usually in October, the USDA reviews this plan and updates the maximum benefit levels to reflect food inflation and cost changes.

Your own benefit amount also depends on things like your household size, income, and certain expenses. If your situation changes, like if your income drops or your rent goes up, you can report those changes to your local SNAP office to potentially receive a higher benefit sooner.

So, while benefits don’t rise the moment food prices jump, there is a system in place to adjust them over time. It may not happen as quickly as many families need, but the government does review inflation data and food costs each year to make sure SNAP keeps up as best it can.

What Can I Do if EBT Isn’t Enough?

Even when you do everything right—shop smart, plan meals, use every trick in the book—sometimes SNAP benefits just don’t go far enough. If you’re finding it hard to keep up, you’re not alone. Many households are in the same situation, especially as food prices continue to shift.

While there’s no formal way to “report” that your EBT isn’t covering enough, there are steps you can take and resources you can turn to for support:

Community-Based Help

Food banks and pantries: Local food banks, community centers, and churches often offer groceries at no cost. You can find one near you through sites like Feeding America (https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank) or by dialing 2-1-1.
Free community meals: Some shelters, nonprofits, and mutual aid groups host regular hot meal services, especially in larger cities.
Farmers’ markets: Many markets not only accept EBT but also offer “Double Up Bucks” or matching dollar programs for fresh produce.

Smart Shopping Tools

Coupon and rebate apps: Apps like Ibotta, Flipp, and Coupons.com can help stretch your dollars further by offering digital savings.
Buy in bulk (when possible): For nonperishable staples like pasta, rice, or beans, buying larger quantities can bring the cost per serving down—just be sure to compare unit prices.

Growing Your Own Food

If you have even a small outdoor space or sunny window, gardening is another way to make your food dollars go further. You can use your SNAP EBT benefits to buy:

Vegetable and herb seeds
Food-producing plants like tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries

Even a few pots can yield savings and a sense of control over your food.

Advocate for Change

It’s okay to speak up. One powerful step you can take is contacting your local representative in Congress. You can find your local congressman or congresswoman using the link here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Let them know that SNAP benefits don’t keep up with the cost of living in your area. While you may not see immediate results, elected officials rely on feedback from constituents like you to understand what’s happening in their communities.

Every bit of support helps, and every voice matters. Whether it’s stretching your budget a little further or finding additional sources of food, there’s no shame in needing help—and no reason you should have to figure it out alone.

Can I Change What I Buy with SNAP if Prices Go Up?

Absolutely. SNAP gives you flexibility in what you buy as long as it falls within the program’s guidelines. So, if certain foods become too expensive due to tariffs or price hikes, you can absolutely shift your shopping list around to make the most of your benefits.

SNAP covers most grocery items meant to be eaten at home, including:

Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and seafood
Dairy products and eggs
Bread, cereal, and grains
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that grow food

If prices go up on your usual items, here are a few ways to adapt:

Try store-brand or generic versions of products, which often cost less than name brands.
Swap out pricey ingredients—like switching from fresh berries to frozen ones or from imported cheese to domestic options.
Buy whole ingredients instead of pre-cut, pre-packaged versions. A block of cheese or whole carrots are often cheaper per serving than their shredded or sliced counterparts.
Look for unit prices on shelf tags so you can compare cost per ounce or per item—this helps spot the best deal, even across different package sizes.

What SNAP doesn’t cover includes hot/prepared foods, alcohol, vitamins, pet food, and non-food items like paper products or cleaning supplies.

The good news? You’re allowed to be strategic. Changing what you buy, even slightly, can help stretch your dollars further and still feed yourself and your family well.

Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Prices are shifting, the news is hard to keep up with, and even a simple grocery trip can feel like a balancing act. But here’s the truth: you’re doing the best you can—and that matters.

Small choices add up. Swapping ingredients, using store brands, checking for sales, or starting a tiny garden with EBT-approved seeds may seem like little things, but over time, they can make a real difference in how far your food budget goes.

You’re not alone in this. Millions of households are adjusting, rethinking their shopping habits, and finding creative ways to make it all work. There’s no shame in needing support, and no step is too small when it helps you feel a little more in control.