World Market does not accept EBT cards for most purchases, but the answer depends on what you are buying and which World Market location you visit.

World Market (also called Cost Plus World Market) is a specialty retailer that sells home décor, furniture, snacks, and beverages from around the world. Most of these items are not food, so they fall outside what EBT can cover. However, some World Market locations do stock certain foods — particularly international snacks and beverages — that may be EBT-may be able to access if they meet USDA rules.

The catch is that World Market is not enrolled in the SNAP retailer network in most states. Even if a store carries may be able to access food items, it cannot process EBT payments unless it has gone through the authorization process with your state's SNAP agency. You should call your local World Market before making a trip, because enrollment varies by location and changes over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Most World Market merchandise — home goods, décor, and non-food items — cannot be purchased with EBT under any circumstances.
  • Some World Market locations may carry SNAP-may be able to access foods like certain snacks and beverages, but the store must be enrolled as a SNAP retailer to accept EBT.
  • World Market is not widely enrolled in the SNAP network, so most locations do not accept EBT even if they sell food.
  • Calling ahead to your nearest World Market is the only way to confirm whether that specific location accepts EBT and what food items are available.

What World Market sells and what EBT can cover

World Market's main business is imported home goods — furniture, kitchen items, décor, and gifts. None of these can be purchased with EBT, regardless of where you shop. EBT only covers food and beverages intended for home preparation and consumption.

Some World Market locations do carry international snacks, cookies, chocolates, coffee, tea, and beverages. If these items are packaged foods without preparation required, they may be SNAP-may be able to access. However, hot foods, prepared foods, and items meant to be eaten in-store cannot be purchased with EBT. The USDA rules are strict: the item must be a food for home consumption, not a ready-to-eat meal or beverage.

Why most World Market stores do not accept EBT

Accepting EBT requires a retailer to be enrolled in the SNAP program through your state's SNAP agency. This is a separate authorization process from simply being a business. The retailer must apply, meet USDA requirements, and be approved before it can process EBT transactions.

World Market has not pursued this enrollment at most of its locations. The company's primary customer base and product mix — home goods and specialty imports — means there is less incentive to go through the enrollment process. As a result, the vast majority of World Market stores do not accept EBT, even in states where the company operates many locations.

How to learn about your local World Market accepts EBT

Call the World Market location nearest to you directly. Ask whether they are enrolled as a SNAP retailer and whether they accept EBT cards. This is the only reliable way to know, because enrollment is not consistent across locations and can change.

You can also contact your state's SNAP agency or visit their website to search for authorized retailers in your area. Some states publish a searchable database of all SNAP-authorized stores. If World Market appears on that list for your area, the location accepts EBT. If it does not appear, that location does not accept EBT.

What to do if your local World Market does not accept EBT

If you need to buy groceries with EBT, look for supermarkets, grocery chains, and smaller markets in your area that are enrolled SNAP retailers. Most traditional grocery stores, many convenience stores, and some specialty food shops accept EBT. Your state's SNAP agency website or a call to 211 can point you to nearby options.

If you were hoping to buy a specific food item at World Market, check whether a regular grocery store carries it. Many international snacks and specialty foods that World Market sells are also available at larger supermarkets, which are almost always SNAP-authorized.

EBT rules for snacks and beverages

Not all snacks and beverages are EBT-may be able to access. The USDA has specific rules about what counts as food for home consumption. Cookies, crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and similar packaged snacks are generally allowed. Coffee, tea, and juice are allowed if they are not hot and not meant to be consumed immediately.

Candy, soda, energy drinks, and hot beverages are not EBT-may be able to access. Prepared foods — even if they are in a package — cannot be purchased with EBT. If you are unsure whether a specific item at World Market qualifies, ask the cashier or contact your state's SNAP agency before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at World Market for coffee or tea?

Only if the coffee or tea is cold and packaged for home preparation — like ground coffee, tea bags, or bottled iced tea. Hot beverages or ready-to-drink items meant for immediate consumption are not EBT-may be able to access. You would need to check with your local World Market to see if they carry cold, packaged options and whether they accept EBT.

What if I find an item at World Market that I think should be EBT-may be able to access?

Call your state's SNAP agency and describe the item. They can tell you whether it meets USDA rules. Keep in mind that even if an item is may be able to access, World Market still has to be enrolled as a SNAP retailer to process the payment. may be able to access of the item and enrollment of the store are two separate requirements.

Does World Market accept other government benefits like WIC?

WIC has its own separate program with different rules and a different list of authorized retailers. World Market is not widely enrolled in WIC either. Contact your state's WIC program to find authorized retailers near you if you have WIC benefits.

Can I use my EBT card at World Market online?

World Market does not accept EBT for online orders. Even stores that accept EBT in person typically do not process EBT payments through their websites. You would need to shop in person at a World Market location that is SNAP-authorized.