TEXAS – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) already has rules about what can and can’t be purchased with benefits — items like tobacco, alcohol, non-food products, and restaurant meals are off the list. Now, sweetened drinks and candy are being added, too.
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Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to move forward with the change.
Starting April 1, 2026, Texans who receive SNAP will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy sodas, candy, or artificially sweetened drinks.
“By restricting unhealthy foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits, Texas can help ensure the health and well-being of Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The new SNAP guidelines will ensure taxpayer dollars are used to purchase foods that provide real nutritional value.”
What you can’t buy under the new rule:
- Candy bars, gum, drops, and taffy
- Candied, glazed, or coated fruits and nuts with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel
- Nuts roasted with sweetener
- Nonalcoholic drinks made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar
- Any drinks containing artificial sweeteners
What’s still allowed:
- Beverages that contain milk or milk products
- Milk substitutes like soy or rice milk
- Drinks that are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice
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“These changes will help Texans improve their health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life,” said Molly Regan, Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services at HHSC.
SNAP helps about 3.5 million low-income Texans buy groceries each month. Benefits can still be used to purchase items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereal, and even garden seeds or plants — both in-store and online.
For more information, visit the HHSC SNAP Food Benefits page or call 2-1-1.