Starting April 1, 2026, Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants will face new restrictions on what foods and beverages can be purchased, following Senate Bill 379 and approval from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
The rules are designed to encourage healthier eating habits by limiting high-sugar and heavily processed items. Restricted products include candy bars, gum, taffy, and other confections; sweetened drinks with 5 grams or more of added sugar, including some fruit juices; and nuts, raisins, or fruits that are candied, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel. Beverages with artificial sweeteners are also prohibited under the new rules.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will enforce these restrictions, and local organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank are preparing education campaigns to help SNAP recipients navigate the changes without feeling stigmatized.
Flyers, pass-along cards, and other guidance materials will be distributed to ensure participants understand which items are now restricted. Retailers, including H.E.B., have also been preparing to assist customers at checkout and provide support during the transition.
The goal of the changes is to encourage healthier food choices, support the development of lifelong healthy eating habits, and assess the impact of the new rules through post-implementation surveys.
Food bank CEO Eric Cooper emphasized moderation and awareness, noting that while the restrictions may initially confuse some recipients, the intention is to provide education and support so no one feels “less than” for their choices. Over time, officials hope the changes will be fully understood at both the retail and participant levels, helping SNAP users make healthier decisions without added stigma.
