The Journal. The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps
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Mar 7, 2025 
Laura Cooper, a WSJ reporter covering the beverage industry, dives into the ongoing battle to limit soda purchases in food stamp programs. She discusses Arkansas’ pioneering plan, which aims to tackle obesity by banning sugary drinks from SNAP. Beverage giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are feeling the heat and are adjusting their strategies accordingly. The conversation raises important questions about public health, consumer choices, and the political maneuvers at play. Tune in to learn about the potential impact on health and the industry.
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Arkansas SNAP Debate
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants to amend SNAP benefits to exclude junk food, citing concerns about obesity and diabetes.
- This has sparked debate, with some arguing for choice in how benefits are used and others supporting restrictions for healthier eating.
Past SNAP Restrictions
- Previous attempts to restrict soda purchases through SNAP faced USDA rejection due to implementation complexity and unclear public health impact.
- Distinguishing between various soft drinks with varying sugar levels proved challenging.
Soda Companies Diversify
- Soda companies are diversifying into other beverages like milk, seltzer, and energy drinks amidst changing consumer preferences.
- Sales of traditional sugary sodas have plateaued as health-conscious consumers seek alternatives.