The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has released a reminder to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients that certain items are no longer available for purchase using their Lone Star Cards starting April 1, 2026.
The new restrictions prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy, gum or sweetened drinks, including beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins and nuts that have been candied, crystalized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel.
Last year, Gov. Abbott submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requesting a waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sweetened drinks and candy. The 89th Texas Legislature outlined the SNAP purchase restrictions in Senate Bill 379, which Gov. Abbott signed into law. FNS approved the waiver in August 2025.
More information can be found on the SNAP Food Benefits webpage. The full press release from HHSC can be found here.
