Why It Matters
The beverage industry faces unprecedented threats as eighteen states implement SNAP restrictions starting January 1, 2026, potentially banning up to 120,000 food and beverage items. Federal legislation like the Healthy SNAP Act (S. 561 / H.R. 479) seeks nationwide prohibition of soft drinks, candy, and processed desserts. The American Beverage Association is mobilizing to block these restrictions, targeting Farm Bill reauthorization and agriculture appropriations through Torrey Advisory Group’s agricultural policy expertise. The policy window is closing rapidly as the Trump administration’s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda gains momentum.
By the Numbers
The American Beverage Association has spent approximately $70.8 million on federal lobbying since 2003 across 489 disclosures. For the final quarter of 2025, the ABA retained Torrey Advisory Group at $80,000—continuing a relationship spanning 52 filings since 2013.
Four registered lobbyists lead this engagement, including Kathryn Naessens, whose experience as Senior Professional Staff on the Senate Agriculture Committee provides crucial institutional access. The ABA isn’t fighting alone: PepsiCo spent $60,000 quarterly on SNAP choice, Mondelez Global disclosed $250,000 in Q1 2025, and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED registered new lobbying capacity specifically for "SNAP in the Farm Bill."
The Agenda
The ABA is targeting two key pieces of legislation. The Healthy SNAP Act (S. 561 / H.R. 479) would prohibit SNAP purchases of soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts. The Nutritious SNAP Act (S. 1100) would permit only water, milk, milk substitutes, and 100 percent juice.
The lobbying also focuses on preventing restrictions in agriculture appropriations bills. Congressional Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee and Representative Andy Harris, argue beverages represent significant SNAP spending and should be restricted.
Broader Context
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has actively encouraged states to ban junk food from SNAP as part of the Trump administration’s health agenda. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines explicitly call to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, representing what HHS describes as "the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades."
Implementation remains chaotic—the USDA lacks definitive enforcement guidance, retailers face uncertainty on eligible items, and some states have announced delays. This creates lobbying opportunities for narrower definitions and federal coordination.
Between The Lines
Republicans are rapidly moving to restrict SNAP beverage purchases through multiple legislative vehicles. The agricultural appropriations process for fiscal year 2026 represents another avenue where policy riders could restrict purchases, creating urgency for federal industry engagement.
Competitive Landscape
Beyond the ABA, Instacart and RaceTrac Inc. have engaged on SNAP policy, demonstrating broad industry concern across food, beverage, and retail sectors as restrictions would impact business models dependent on SNAP purchasing.
The Bottom Line
The ABA’s targeted $80,000 fourth quarter 2025 lobbying spend reflects a broader industry effort to preserve consumer choice in SNAP amid growing congressional pressure. With eighteen states implementing restrictions and federal legislation advancing, the beverage industry faces its most significant regulatory threat in decades.
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