AUSTIN, Texas — Texas will prohibit the purchase of candy, gum and sweetened beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits beginning April 1, after receiving federal approval for new restrictions affecting about 3.3 million residents, state officials announced Wednesday.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said the changes will prevent recipients from using their Lone Star Cards to buy items such as candy, gum and drinks containing five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
The policy follows a waiver approved in August 2025 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the federal level. Texas officials said the change aims to focus SNAP purchases on staple foods such as meats, vegetables, cereals and dairy products.
Greg Abbott said the policy encourages healthier food choices among program recipients. The restrictions are outlined in Senate Bill 379, which the Texas Legislature approved during its 89th session.
State officials said the ban also covers “candied” snacks, including raisins or nuts coated in chocolate, yogurt or caramel.
To prepare for the rollout, the health agency said it has begun an outreach campaign that includes educational materials in English and Spanish, digital resources for retailers and updates to the state’s benefits website.
Some retailers have raised concerns about identifying restricted products at checkout based on sugar content, while state officials said the campaign aims to help stores and SNAP recipients understand the new rules before they take effect.