The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved waivers allowing 18 states, including Texas, to restrict what foods can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in 2026, marking a significant shift in how the federal food-assistance program is administered at the state level.
Under the waivers, states may prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain sugary foods and drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, candy and some prepared desserts. The USDA began approving the food-choice waivers earlier this year as part of a broader effort to encourage healthier eating among SNAP recipients.
The changes are expected to affect approximately 14 million people across the 18 states with approved waivers. Those states are Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Florida, West Virginia, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Texas implementation set for April 2026
In Texas, the new restrictions will take effect April 1, 2026, under a two-year demonstration project approved by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The Texas waiver outlines specific categories of items that will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
According to the USDA approval documents, SNAP benefits in Texas will not be allowed for:
- Sweetened beverages containing five grams or more of added sugar
- Beverages with artificial sweeteners, including diet sodas
- Candy and confectionery items, such as candy bars, gummies and similar products
Texas officials have said the restrictions are designed to reduce purchases of foods considered to have little or no nutritional value while maintaining access to staple groceries.
What remains eligible
Despite the new limitations, many food and beverage items will remain eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in Texas. These include:
- Milk and dairy products
- Plant-based milk alternatives such as soy or almond milk
- Beverages containing more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice
- Cooking ingredients used exclusively for food preparation, such as baking chocolate or chocolate chips
State and federal officials have emphasized that the program will continue to cover core grocery items intended to support household nutrition.
State-by-state differences
While all 18 states received waivers, the specific lists of prohibited items vary by state. Some states focus narrowly on soft drinks, while others, including Texas, apply broader definitions that include artificially sweetened beverages and candy.
There is no single national list of restricted items. Each participating state is responsible for defining, implementing and enforcing its own rules in coordination with retailers and the USDA.
Broader context
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, serves more than 40 million Americans nationwide. For decades, the program has allowed recipients to purchase most foods intended for home consumption, with few restrictions beyond alcohol and hot prepared foods.
Supporters of the waivers argue that limiting sugary and low-nutrient items promotes better health outcomes. Critics, however, have raised concerns about personal choice, administrative complexity and the impact on low-income families.
The USDA has indicated that additional states may apply for similar waivers in the future, but for now, the approved changes will begin rolling out in 2026, with Texas among the first to implement the new rules.
