What the New SNAP Purchasing Restrictions Mean for You

March 12, 2026 | ,

Here’s a look at what you can no longer purchase with SNAP in Texas starting April 1.

Beginning April 1, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy sweetened drinks or candy in Texas.

According to the new rules, sweetened drinks and candy are defined as the following:

  • Sweetened drinks: Nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
  • Candy: Any candy, like candy bars, gum, drops, taffy or nuts, fruits, and raisins that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, and nuts roasted with a sweetener

When shopping for groceries, you can still purchase the restricted items with another form of payment, like cash or debit and use your SNAP EBT card for eligible items.

Which “sweetened” items are still eligible under these new rules?

Products used only for cooking or baking like chocolate chips or sprinkles for a box care are not considered “candy” under this rule and can still be purchased with your SNAP EBT card.

The drinks below are not considered “sweetened drinks” and are therefore eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits:

  • Milk or milk products made with soy, rice milk, or similar milk substitutes
  • Drinks that are made with more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice
  • Drinks with natural sweeteners derived from plants (such as Stevia, Stevia Leaf Extract, and Monk Fruit) with less than 5 grams of added sugar; or
  • Medical-grade electrolyte drinks used for illness related to dehydration, such as Pedialyte

Helpful tips for shopping:

  • Look for “sugar free,” “unsweetened,” or “low sugar” beverages. Make sure to read the nutrition label to ensure it does not contain 5 grams of added sugar or any artificial sweetener.
  • As a rule, items that are used for cooking or baking are still eligible for SNAP purchases, such as chocolate chips from the baking aisle.
  • Pay attention to juice or juice items. Drinks that are made with more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice are still eligible to purchase.
  • Don’t assume “healthier” candies, like low sugar options or dark chocolate, will be eligible. Any candy is ineligible to purchase with your SNAP EBT.

Please note, you will not lose SNAP benefits for accidentally buying a restricted food item. Retailers are responsible for coding items correctly, so any mistakes are the store’s responsibility.

For more information, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website here.

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