Texas Restricts SNAP Purchases of Candy and Soda

New rules take effect April 1, prohibiting use of Lone Star Cards for sugary items

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Beginning April 1, Texas SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their Lone Star Cards to purchase candy, gum, or sweetened drinks, including beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. The restrictions also apply to certain candied, crystallized, glazed, or chocolate-coated fruits, nuts, and raisins.

Why it matters

The new rules are part of an effort by Texas to align SNAP benefits with healthier food options and encourage better nutrition among low-income families. The restrictions are one of the most significant of their kind in the country.

The details

The changes stem from a federal waiver approved last year and legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Under the new policy, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase candy, gum, or sweetened drinks, including beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins, and nuts that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel.

  • The new rules take effect on April 1, 2026.
  • The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 379 in 2025, codifying the restrictions.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved the state's waiver request in August 2025.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who praised the new SNAP restrictions and signed the legislation into law.

Stephanie Muth

The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, who expressed support for the policy changes.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

The state agency that administers the SNAP program in Texas and is rolling out educational materials about the new restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options. By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (News release)

“I thank Gov. Abbott and the Texas Legislature for taking action to improve long-term health outcomes for SNAP recipients. These changes will lead to healthier food choices and support the development of healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.”

— Stephanie Muth, Executive Commissioner, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (News release)

What’s next

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is rolling out educational materials through local offices, its website, and social media to notify SNAP recipients and retailers about the upcoming changes.

The takeaway

Texas is taking a significant step in restricting the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy, soda, and other sugary items in an effort to promote healthier eating habits among low-income families. This policy change is one of the most far-reaching of its kind in the country.