Texas to prohibit purchases of candy, sugary drinks with SNAP benefits

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 substitutes
• Contain more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume
• Use natural plant-based sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, and have less than 5 grams of added sugar
• Are considered medical-grade electrolyte drinks used for dehydration illnesses

• Gum
• Candy bars
• Nuts, raisins and fruits that are candied, crystallized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel
• Other “confections made with natural or artificial sweeteners”

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.