SNAP TRIP TRACKER
How are SNAP shopping trips changing over time?
Numerator’s SNAP Trip Tracker looks at longitudinal trends in SNAP & WIC usage, and showcases how the frequency, composition and location of these SNAP shopping trips have changed over time. How does a grocery trip where SNAP benefits are used differ from the average grocery trip, how has the overall prevalence of these trips changed over the past few years, and how have category and channel choices shifted for SNAP trips since the end of the Emergency Allotment program?
High Level SNAP Trip Tracking
While SNAP grocery trip share peaked above 6% during the height of emergency allotments, usage has gradually tapered since their expiration in early 2023. As of April 2025, SNAP trips accounted for 3.6% of all in-store grocery trips– well below pandemic peaks, but notably higher than the range seen in 2019. The trend suggests a new, post-pandemic baseline of elevated SNAP engagement, reflecting continued economic pressure on many households.
How do SNAP trips differ from the average grocery trip?
Grocery trips where SNAP benefits are used continue to outpace non-SNAP trips in both spend and units purchased, though the gap has steadily narrowed over the past year. With the expiration of Emergency Allotments in early 2023, average SNAP baskets have become smaller but still ring up higher totals and more items than the average trip. Meanwhile, spend per unit on SNAP trips has dipped slightly below non-SNAP trips, pointing to more cost-conscious buying behaviors.
SNAP Department Shifts
As overall units decline, certain categories like candy, deli items, and prepared foods are showing up on fewer SNAP trips compared to last year. At the same time, categories like produce, dairy, beans & grains, and pasta & noodles have modestly increased their presence. These shifts suggest SNAP shoppers are prioritizing staples and versatile ingredients while cutting back on more discretionary or convenience-driven items.
SNAP Trip Channel Shifts
Over 40% of in-store SNAP grocery trips now happen at food retailers, a growing share compared to last year. While usage has dipped across dollar stores, drugstores, and gas & convenience locations, shoppers are shifting more of their SNAP usage to food and club channels signaling a potential return to larger, stock-up style trips and deeper value-seeking across fewer stops.
Visit our SNAP Insights Hub to learn more.
Numerator’s SNAP Insights Center brings together our latest research on shopping trips where SNAP / WIC benefits are leveraged and the households using these programs.