This new restriction was put into full effect April 1st
What's Changed
Effective April 1, 2026, SNAP recipients can't buy candy and sweetened drinks in Texas with their Lone Star Cards.
New Restrictions
Candy, such as, Candy bars, Gum, Taffy, Nuts, raisins or fruits that have been candied, crystalized, 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.
Items that can be purchased include beverages that:
Contain milk or milk products like soy, rice or similar milk substitutes. Have more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume. Contain natural sweeteners (such as stevia, stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit) with less than 5 grams of added sugar.
Are medical-grade electrolyte drinks used to treat dehydration that are not labeled as a sports drink. To learn more about what you can and can't buy using SNAP, visit the SNAP Food Benefits webpage.
Background
Senate Bill 379, which prohibits the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy using SNAP benefits, was passed during the 89th Texas Legislature (2025) and signed into law June 2025.
In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved a healthy foods waiver that was submitted by Texas and allows the state to implement the SNAP limitations.
Part of the waiver requires Texas to survey SNAP recipients to determine if the changes are leading to heathier food choices. Surveys of SNAP recipients will be completed before and after the effective date of April 1, 2026.
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