Beginning April 1, Texans can no longer use food stamps to purchase sweetened beverages and candy.
Texas will be the ninth state to prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from being used on sugary items, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At least 13 other states have also received federal approval to begin restricting the purchase of certain products in the coming months and years, per the USDA, although the specific restrictions vary state-by-state.
The state-level restrictions are aimed at “ensuring that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes,” per the USDA website.
SNAP is a federally-funded program, administered by state health departments, that provides low-income individuals and families with monthly stipends to spend on groceries. Over 3.5 million Texans receive SNAP benefits each month, according to Feeding Texas, the statewide network of food banks.
Keep reading for details about changes to SNAP and how the restrictions are expected to work.
How we got here
During the 2025 legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 379, which prohibits SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy and sweetened drinks. In August, the federal government approved a waiver allowing Texas to implement the prohibition beginning April 1.
“Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a March 3 news release. “By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food.”
How it works
Under SB 379, Texans will not be allowed to use their SNAP benefits to buy sweetened drinks containing any artificial sweeteners or at least 5 grams of added sugar, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The law does not prohibit SNAP purchases of beverages that:
Are made with milk, milk products or milk substitutesContain more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volumeUse natural plant-based sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, and have less than 5 grams of added sugarAre considered medical-grade electrolyte drinks used for dehydration illnessesSB 379 also bans the purchase of candy with Lone Star Cards, including:GumCandy barsNuts, raisins and fruits that are candied, crystallized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramelOther “confections made with natural or artificial sweeteners”Sweetened snack items, such as granola bars, trail mix, ice cream, ice pops and sorbet may still be purchased with SNAP benefits, according to a guidance document released by the HHSC. The law also does not prohibit the purchase of products “used exclusively for cooking,” including chocolate bits and sprinkles.
The restrictions impact all Texas retailers that accept SNAP benefits and online retailers that fulfill orders from Texas residents, per the USDA.
It is up to Texas businesses to determine which items are no longer SNAP-eligible, update their store purchase systems and train staff to recognize the newly restricted items, according to the HHSC.
“As with other SNAP benefits, the retailers are responsible for identifying which products may be purchased with SNAP benefits and ensuring that they are aligning with those regulations,” Rachel Patton, an associate HHSC commissioner, said during a March 19 meeting.
For several months, the HHSC has been holding biweekly meetings to ensure retailers are prepared for the changes, Patton said. Retailers can find information about the changes and optional posters to hang in stores on the HHSC website.
Texas retailers with questions about the SNAP restrictions should email [email protected], according to the USDA, while Texans who use SNAP benefits can contact [email protected]. The HHSC also created an optional, confidential survey for SNAP recipients to share how they are impacted by the changes.