A major change is about to take place for Texas families using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Starting April 1, 2026, a new rule will take effect, banning certain items from being purchased by SNAP-eligible families in Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the change in August 2025, stating the action would help restrict “unhealthy foods from being purchased.” He stated, “The new SNAP guidelines will ensure taxpayer dollars are used to purchase foods that provide real nutritional value.”
“Access to healthy foods is important, and SNAP is important to millions of families,” Molly Regan, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) deputy executive commissioner of access and eligibility services, stated in the release in August. “These changes will help Texans improve their health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life.”
What SNAP benefits are being removed on April 1?
Below are the items that will no longer be eligible under SNAP starting April 1, according to HHSC:
Nuts, raisins or fruits that have been candied, crystallized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel
Sweetened drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
What SNAP benefits can you still buy?
Fruits, vegetables, garden seeds, and plants that produce food
Milk, milk substitutes and other dairy products
Beverages that contain milk or milk products like soy, rice or similar milk substitutes
Beverages that have more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume
Who is SNAP for?
SNAP benefits are typically eligible for people in low-income households, according to HHSC. Also eligible for SNAP are households in which all members are either older adults (age 60 and older).
SNAP food benefits are put on a Lone Star Card and can be used like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP.
This article originally published at New Texas SNAP rules ban these purchases for food stamp users.