Texas SNAP candy and sugary drink ban: What you should know about the new rules
Texas has new SNAP restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy starting on April 1, 2026. These rules limit which drinks and sweets you can buy with your SNAP benefits.
These changes will apply to every SNAP purchase made in Texas, including at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of what is changing and which items are now banned or limited.
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What are the newly restricted items in Texas?#what-are-the-newly-restricted-items-in-texas
These are the categories of foods and drinks that are restricted in Texas under the new SNAP rules as of April 1, 2026.
- Sweetened drinks, defined as nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener (milk-based and juice drinks are exempt).
- Candy, like candy bars, gum, drops, taffy, nuts, raisins, and fruits that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, and nuts roasted with a sweetener.
It will be up to retailers to figure out which specific products are now ineligible based on the new rules—for example, two bottled drinks that look nearly identical may be treated differently if one contains an artificial sweetener and the other does not, even if both are marketed as “light” or “low sugar.”
How do the new food restrictions work?#how-do-the-new-food-restrictions-work
According to the new rules, candy is defined as “any confection made with natural or artificial sweeteners.”
This can include candy bars, gum, drops, taffy, nuts, raisins, and fruits that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, and nuts roasted with a sweetener.
However, products used only for cooking or baking, like chocolate chips or cake sprinkles, are not considered “candy” under these rules and will still be SNAP-eligible. Certain snack items, like granola bars, nuts, ice cream, and popcorn, are also not defined as “candy” and can still be bought with SNAP.
Sweetened drinks are defined by the state as nonalcoholic beverages made with water and five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
The following drinks are not considered “sweetened drinks,” meaning you can still buy them with your SNAP benefits:
- Drinks that contain milk or milk products
- Drinks made with soy, rice milk, or similar milk substitutes
- Drinks that are more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume
What this means for you:
- Some items that used to be SNAP-eligible may no longer ring up at checkout.
- You may see “item not allowed” messages when trying to purchase groceries online.
- You can still buy the item with another form of payment (cash, debit, credit, or TANF).
- You won’t get in trouble if you accidentally buy something that’s part of the ban because the store where you’re shopping allows it.
What is still SNAP-eligible?#what-is-still-snap-eligible
You are generally allowed to use your SNAP benefits to buy any food item with a “nutrition facts” label. This still includes:
- Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
- Proteins like fish, meat, eggs, and beans
- Dairy, like cheese, yogurt, and milk
- Grains, like rice, farro, and corn
- Pantry and cooking staples like cooking oils, spices, salt, and pepper
- Infant formula and baby food
What can’t you buy with SNAP?#what-cant-you-buy-with-snap
The new purchase restrictions are in addition to the items that you’re never allowed to buy with SNAP under federal rules, which include:
- Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
- Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies and household items
- Diapers and wipes
- Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)
Quick tips#quick-tips
These new rules may take some getting used to. Here are a few quick tips to help make the transition easier and help you get the most out of your benefits.
- Look for “low sugar” or “unsweetened” versions of an item: Since Texas restricts some items by sugar level, some of these alternatives might still qualify.
- Avoid self-checkout confusion: If you’re unsure about some of your items, regular checkout may be simpler because you can talk to a cashier if you need help.
- Use online shopping to test item eligibility: Online shopping carts may label items as “EBT-eligible” or “EBT not accepted” before you pay.
- Use the Propel app to track your balance and transactions: Propel gives you real-time balance and transaction info so you can see whether a purchase went through. It will also send you benefit updates and alerts to keep you up to date on all new SNAP state restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions
Can I buy “junk food” with my EBT card in Texas?#can-i-buy-junk-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-texas
Some foods that might be considered “ junk food” are still allowed with SNAP in Texas. Texas is restricting sweetened drinks and candy from SNAP, but other snack items, like chips or pastries, should still be eligible to buy with your SNAP benefits.
Can I still buy soda with food stamps in Texas?#can-i-still-buy-soda-with-food-stamps-in-texas
Sodas and other drinks that are made with water and contain five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweeteners can not be purchased with SNAP in Texas. However, drinks that don’t meet that definition may still be eligible, such as low-sugar flavored sparkling water with no artificial sweeteners.
Can I buy frozen pizza with my SNAP benefits in Texas?#can-i-buy-frozen-pizza-with-my-snap-benefits-in-texas
Yes—frozen meals, like pizza, are still allowed, as is cold take-and-bake pizza that you finish cooking at home.
Can I buy hot food with my EBT card in Texas?#can-i-buy-hot-food-with-my-ebt-card-in-texas
No—you still can’t use your SNAP benefits to buy hot food in Texas.
