New SNAP Purchase Restrictions in Texas: What's Actually Changing
Starting April 1, new SNAP purchase restrictions in Texas are reshaping what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used to buy at the grocery store. Texas Health and Human Services confirmed that the state received a federal waiver allowing it to block EBT purchases of candy and sugar-sweetened beverages — making Texas one of the first states in the country to implement this type of restriction under the current federal framework.
This is a significant policy shift, and if you or your family receives SNAP benefits in Texas, it's worth understanding exactly what's changing, what's not, and how to adjust your shopping without losing ground on your monthly food budget.
---
Data Snapshot
As of fiscal year 2024, Texas was one of the largest SNAP-participating states in the country, with approximately 3.5 million individuals receiving benefits in an average month, according to USDA Food and Nutrition Service data (https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap). The average monthly SNAP benefit per person in Texas hovered around $187, though benefit amounts vary by household size and income. Nationally, SNAP served roughly 42 million Americans in FY2024. Any restriction on eligible purchases — even for a subset of items — has the potential to affect millions of shopping trips and household budgets at scale.
---
What Items Are Now Restricted Under Texas SNAP Rules
Under the newly approved waiver, Texas SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their EBT card to purchase:
- Candy — including chocolate bars, gummy candies, hard candies, and similar confections
- Sugar-sweetened beverages — including sodas, energy drinks, sweetened teas, and similar drinks with added sugar
These items will be flagged in retailer point-of-sale systems. When you attempt to purchase a restricted item using your EBT card, the transaction for that item will be declined. You can still pay for restricted items out of pocket with cash, debit, or credit — the restriction applies only to the SNAP/EBT portion of your payment.
What Is Still Covered
The vast majority of grocery items remain fully covered under SNAP. This includes:
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs)
- Bread, cereals, rice, and pasta
- Snack foods not classified as candy (such as chips, crackers, and pretzels)
- 100% fruit juices and non-sweetened beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
If you're unsure whether a specific product will be restricted, the safest approach is to check the label. Items with added sugar listed as a primary ingredient and marketed as candy or a sweetened beverage are most likely to be affected.
---
Why This Is Happening: The Federal Waiver Process
SNAP is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Normally, states must follow federal rules about what SNAP can and cannot purchase — and historically, candy and soda have been allowed.
However, states can apply for waivers that allow them to test different program rules. Texas applied for and received approval to restrict these specific categories. This is the same legal mechanism used by states to pilot other SNAP innovations, such as incentive programs for produce purchases.
The political and public health debate around these restrictions is ongoing. Proponents argue that SNAP should prioritize nutritious foods. Critics — including many anti-hunger advocates — argue that restrictions add complexity, stigma, and administrative burden without meaningfully improving nutrition outcomes. Regardless of where that debate lands, the practical reality for Texas SNAP households is that the restrictions are now in effect.
---
How This Affects Your Grocery Budget: Practical Steps
If your household receives SNAP in Texas, here are concrete steps to take right now:
Step 1: Review Your Typical Shopping List
Go through the items you regularly buy with your EBT card. Identify anything that might fall into the candy or sugar-sweetened beverage categories. This isn't about judgment — it's about avoiding a surprise decline at checkout, which can be stressful and embarrassing.
Step 2: Talk to Your Retailer
Large grocery chains and major retailers are required to update their point-of-sale systems to reflect the new restrictions. If you shop at a smaller store or a corner market, it may be worth asking whether their system has been updated. Some smaller retailers may experience a lag in implementation.
Step 3: Know Your Remaining Balance Options
If you want to purchase a restricted item, you can still do so — you'll just need to pay with a non-EBT method. Keeping a small amount of cash or a debit card available for those situations can help you avoid checkout disruptions.
Step 4: Explore Supplemental Food Resources
If the restrictions reduce the practical value of your SNAP benefit for your household's preferences, local food banks, food pantries, and community organizations may be able to help fill gaps. Feeding America's network (feedingamerica.org) has a pantry locator tool. Many pantries operate without income verification and are open to anyone in need.
Step 5: Stay Informed About Future Changes
This waiver is a pilot. Texas Health and Human Services and USDA FNS will likely evaluate outcomes over time. Additional items could be added to or removed from the restricted list. Signing up for updates from Texas HHS (hhs.texas.gov) is one way to stay current.
---
Could This Happen in Other States?
Yes — and it's already being discussed. Several other states have expressed interest in pursuing similar waivers. The federal approval of Texas's request signals that USDA FNS is open to considering these applications under the current administration's policy priorities.
If you live outside Texas, your SNAP benefits are not currently affected by this change. However, it's worth monitoring your state's health and human services agency for any announcements. Program eligibility and availability — including what you can purchase — vary by state.
---
If You're Not Yet on SNAP and Need Help
If you're not currently receiving SNAP benefits and are struggling to afford food, this program may be available to you depending on your household size, income, and state of residence. In most states, SNAP is available to households with gross income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though some states have expanded eligibility through categorical eligibility rules.
To explore whether SNAP or other food assistance programs may be an option for your household, you can:
- Visit Benefits.gov (https://www.benefits.gov) to screen for programs you may be eligible for
- Contact your local SNAP office — find it through your state's health and human services website
- Reach out to a local community action agency, which can often help you navigate the application process at no cost
Required documents for a SNAP application typically include: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters), Social Security numbers for household members, and documentation of any allowable expenses (rent, utilities, childcare).
Note: If you submit a form or request information through any third-party website, you may be contacted by phone, email, or text. Always review consent language before submitting your information.
---
People Also Ask
Q: Can I still buy soda with SNAP in Texas after April 1? A: Under the new Texas waiver, sugar-sweetened beverages — including sodas — are no longer eligible for purchase with SNAP/EBT benefits. You can still purchase these items using cash, debit, or credit. 100% fruit juices and unsweetened beverages remain SNAP-eligible. Check product labels if you're unsure about a specific drink.
Q: Will my total SNAP benefit amount change because of the restrictions? A: No. The dollar amount of your monthly SNAP benefit is not affected by the purchase restrictions. The restrictions only limit which items you can buy with those benefits — your benefit amount is still determined by household size, income, and allowable deductions.
Q: What happens if a store accidentally lets me buy a restricted item with EBT? A: Retailers are responsible for updating their point-of-sale systems. If a restricted item goes through on your EBT card due to a retailer system error, you are generally not held responsible for that transaction. However, intentional misuse of SNAP benefits is a separate matter and can result in disqualification.
Q: Are other states restricting SNAP purchases too? A: As of now, Texas is among the first states to implement this type of restriction under a federal waiver. Other states have expressed interest, but no additional states have confirmed implementation at this time. SNAP purchase rules may vary by state as more waivers are considered.
Q: Where can I find out exactly which products are restricted in Texas? A: Texas Health and Human Services (hhs.texas.gov) is the authoritative source for the specific product categories covered under the waiver. Your retailer's customer service desk may also be able to tell you whether a specific item is flagged in their system.
---
Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: July 2026