March 1, 2026 - New Colorado WIC Food List Starts Today!

March 1, 2026

Colorado WIC

We’re excited to announce that the new Colorado WIC Food List and Shopping Guide is here! This new Food List replaces the old one, so be sure to check out the new options and your food benefits before you go shopping. For a summary of the changes, check out the client handout to learn more!

You can find the new Food List on the WIC Foods page or in the WICShopper app.

The Food List is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, French, Nepali, and Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Why did USDA update the WIC food packages?

The law requires USDA to review the WIC food packages every 10 years. These updates help ensure that the foods offered in WIC continue to support the health and nutrition needs of women, infants, and young children, while also reflecting current public health guidance and the diverse cultural food preferences of families served by WIC.

+How did USDA update the WIC food packages?

In November 2022, USDA published proposed changes to the WIC food packages, that considered:

Recommendations from the 2017 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) scientific review on updating WIC foods.
Guidance from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, babies, and children under 2.
The FDA's 2021 Advice about Eating Fish.
Program administration and how the WIC food packages are meant to be supplemental and designed to fill key nutrition gaps.

USDA invited public feedback through a 90-day comment period and received over 17,000 responses from WIC agencies, WIC clients, health professionals, organizations, and the general public. USDA used this feedback to make changes before finalizing the food rule. A summary of the comments is available.

+Will there be any changes to the Colorado WIC-approved cereals?

Yes. Starting March 1, 2026, Colorado WIC will add 18 new cereals to the Food List and Shopping Guide.

Most Americans do not eat enough whole grains, so the updated USDA WIC food rule now requires that at least 75% of cereals on the WIC Food List have a whole grain listed as the first ingredient.

To meet this requirement, 17 of the 18 new cereals are whole grain.

+Why are some yogurt options being removed from the Colorado WIC Food List and Shopping Guide in March 2026?

Some yogurts are being removed because they are discontinued or are no longer sold in Colorado.

Other yogurts will be removed because they do not meet the updated nutrition guidelines, which require that all yogurts:

Have no more than 16 grams of added sugar per cup, and
Provide at least 2.67 micrograms of vitamin D per cup.

+Will Colorado WIC be allowing tree nut and seed butters as a substitute for peanut butter?

Yes. Starting March 1, 2026, select brands of sunflower seed and almond butter that are nutritionally similar to peanut butter will be added to the Colorado WIC Food List and Shopping Guide. To help manage program costs, only certain brands and types are available.

If you do not eat peanut butter, you can ask about the new sunflower seed or almond butter options at your next WIC visit.

+Why will Colorado WIC be allowing more plant-based milks, but not all types like almond or coconut milk?

At this time, only a few plant-based milks provide similar levels of protein, calcium, and vitamin D as cow’s milk. Currently, Colorado WIC offers several brands and varieties of soy milk. Starting in March 2026, select pea-based protein and oat milk blend options that meet the updated nutrition guidelines will also be available. These options ensure families get the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

If you do not drink cow’s milk, you can ask your WIC staff about adding these options to your March and future benefits.