Sugar substitutes are not eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Sugar Substitutes Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
Sugar substitutes, including artificial and natural sweeteners, are considered general food products used to replace sugar for dietary or personal preference reasons. Because they are not used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a specific medical condition, they do not qualify as medical care under IRS Code Section 213(d).
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, food and beverage products are not eligible for reimbursement unless they are prescribed by a physician for the treatment of a specific medical condition and are not part of the person’s normal nutritional needs. Common sugar substitutes do not meet these criteria.
What’s Not Covered?
Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose, saccharin)
Natural sugar substitutes (e.g., stevia, monk fruit, erythritol)
Low-calorie or “zero sugar” sweetener packets or blends
Baking or drink mixes containing sugar substitutes
Any food or beverage product purchased for dietary preference or wellness reasons
LMN and Exceptions
Sugar substitutes are not eligible under normal circumstances, even with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
In rare cases, a physician may recommend a specialized nutritional product for a diagnosed medical condition such as diabetes or metabolic disorders. However, common sugar substitutes used in coffee, beverages, or cooking are still considered part of general nutrition and do not qualify.
