Texas will bar Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using benefits to buy candy and soda starting April 1, becoming the first state to enact such limits.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced the final reminder to retailers and the 3.3 million Texans using Lone Star Cards.
New rules disqualify candy, gum, and sweetened drinks, targeting items with added sugar or specific coatings.
Beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener fall under the ban. Prohibited snacks include those glazed, crystallized, or coated in chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, such as candied nuts or raisins.
Senate Bill 379, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, outlines the restrictions.
“Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food.”
The policy follows a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver approved in August 2025, backed by Abbott and the Trump administration to promote long-term health. HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said the move aims to foster “healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.”
Texas officials argued that taxpayer-funded benefits should cover nutritional staples such as meat, vegetables, cereals, and dairy. Retailers must update systems to flag thousands of non-compliant products by the deadline, raising concerns over technical challenges.
HHSC launched an outreach effort with English and Spanish posters at offices, digital toolkits for retailers, social media alerts, and updates to the Your Texas Benefits website. Advocates predict fewer diet-related illnesses.
Recipients seeking eligible items can check the HHSC website or call 2-1-1.
Permitted purchases include fruits, vegetables, garden seeds and plants; milk and dairy products; bread and cereal; meat, fish, and poultry. Allowed beverages contain milk products or exceed 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
