Texas SNAP Restrictions on Candy and Sweetened Drinks: What EBT Cardholders Need to Know
Texas SNAP recipients are now subject to new purchasing restrictions that prohibit using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy candy and sweetened beverages at the checkout. These changes took effect after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved a waiver request from the state of Texas — a significant policy shift that affects hundreds of thousands of households relying on EBT benefits for their monthly food budget. If you currently receive SNAP in Texas, here is exactly what changed, what it means at the grocery store, and what your options are if you need additional food support.
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What the New Texas SNAP Rules Actually Restrict
Under the updated rules, Texas SNAP EBT cards can no longer be used to purchase:
- Candy and confections — including chocolate bars, gummy candies, hard candies, and similar items
- Sweetened beverages — including sodas, energy drinks, fruit-flavored drinks (that are not 100% juice), and sweetened teas
These categories align with the definitions Texas submitted in its waiver application to USDA FNS. The restriction is enforced at the point of sale through retailer systems — meaning the register will decline EBT payment for flagged items automatically. You would need to pay for those items out of pocket or leave them behind.
What Is Still Covered
The vast majority of grocery staples remain fully purchasable with SNAP benefits in Texas. Covered items continue to include:
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods not classified as candy (crackers, chips, pretzels)
- 100% fruit and vegetable juices
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Baby formula and baby food
If you are unsure whether a specific product is restricted, ask the store's customer service desk before checkout. Retailers participating in SNAP are required to update their point-of-sale systems to reflect the new categories.
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Do You Need to Do Anything to Keep Your Benefits?
No. Your SNAP eligibility, benefit amount, and EBT card are not affected by these product restrictions. You do not need to reapply, contact your caseworker, or take any action to maintain your current benefits. The changes are product-level restrictions only — not changes to who qualifies or how much households receive.
Benefit amounts continue to vary by household size and income, as they always have.
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Why This Policy Change Happened
Texas is one of the first states to receive federal approval for this type of SNAP purchasing restriction. Historically, SNAP has allowed purchases of almost all food items intended for home consumption, with narrow exceptions (alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods). States have long sought waivers to restrict certain categories, arguing that SNAP dollars should prioritize nutritious foods.
The USDA FNS waiver process requires states to demonstrate a clear rationale and implementation plan. Texas's approved waiver represents a notable shift in how the federal government is responding to state-level requests — a policy trend worth watching, as other states may pursue similar waivers.
For SNAP households, the practical impact is a narrower list of purchasable items with the same monthly benefit amount.
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If Your Grocery Budget Feels Tighter: Supplemental Resources
If the new restrictions make it harder to stretch your food budget, several programs may be available to help — depending on your household situation and state eligibility rules.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) If your household includes a pregnant person, a postpartum parent, an infant, or a child under age 5, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may provide additional food benefits specifically for those family members. WIC is administered separately from SNAP and has its own eligibility criteria, generally serving households at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Contact your local Texas WIC office or visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website to learn more.
Local Food Banks and Pantries Food banks and community food pantries do not require SNAP enrollment or income verification in most cases. Feeding America's network includes multiple food banks across Texas. Use the Feeding America food bank locator (feedingamerica.org) to find a pantry near you. Many pantries offer fresh produce, protein, and shelf-stable goods at no cost.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) If your household includes children and you are experiencing significant financial hardship, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may provide cash assistance that can be used for food and other necessities. In Texas, TANF is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Eligibility is generally limited to families with children and is income-based.
Double Up Food Bucks (Texas) Some Texas farmers markets and participating retailers offer Double Up Food Bucks, a program that matches SNAP spending on fresh fruits and vegetables — effectively doubling your purchasing power for produce. Check with your local farmers market or the Fair Food Network for participating locations in Texas.
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How to Check Your Current SNAP Status in Texas
If you have questions about your current SNAP case, benefit balance, or renewal date, here are your options in Texas:
- YourTexasBenefits.com — Log in to check your case status, benefit balance, and upcoming renewal dates.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) helpline — Call 2-1-1 (Texas's statewide helpline) for referrals and case questions.
- Local HHSC benefits office — Walk-in or scheduled appointments are available for case reviews and document submission.
If your SNAP renewal is coming up, gather your required documents in advance: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters), Social Security numbers for all household members, and documentation of any household expenses (rent, utilities, childcare).
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A Note on State Variation
These purchasing restrictions are specific to Texas and apply only to SNAP recipients in that state. If you live in another state, your SNAP purchasing rules have not changed based on this Texas waiver. Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
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Last reviewed: April 2026