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By Aliss Higham
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Millions of low-income Texans have been reminded that changes are coming to how they can use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with new limits set on purchases to take effect next month.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has reminded SNAP recipients that, beginning April 1, they will not be able to use their Lone Star Cards to buy candy, gum or sweetened drinks.
Why It Matters
SNAP—often called "food stamps"—provides monthly assistance to more than 40 million low- and no-income Americans who need help affording groceries. The change is set to affect Texas' 3.3 million SNAP recipients.
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What To Know
SNAP is a federally funded program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in Texas by HHSC. While the USDA sets national rules, states can request waivers allowing them to adjust certain aspects of how benefits are used.
Last year, Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service seeking permission to block SNAP purchases of sweetened drinks and candy. The restrictions were later outlined in Senate Bill 379, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by the governor. Federal approval of the waiver came in August 2025.
Now, the HHSC has confirmed on its website that changes will take place on April 1.
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Under the new policy, sweetened drinks are defined as nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. However, not all drinks fall under the restriction. Beverages containing milk or milk products, plant-based milk substitutes such as soy or rice milk, and drinks made up of more than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice are excluded.
The state also defines candy as any confection made with natural or artificial sweeteners. Examples include candy bars, gum, drops and taffy, as well as nuts, raisins or fruits that have been candied, crystallized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel. Nuts roasted with a sweetener are also included. Products intended solely for cooking, such as chocolate chips and cake sprinkles, are not covered by the ban.
Waivers were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to make it easier for people to access benefits and to give states more flexibility. This latest round of waivers, however, focuses on narrowing what can be purchased rather than expanding eligibility or payment levels.
Texas is not alone in imposing additional limits on SNAP purchases. Similar restrictions are already in place in Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia.
What People Are Saying
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement: "Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options. By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food. I thank the Trump Administration, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work to strengthen this program and better serve Texans."
Stephanie Muth, the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in a statement: "I thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for taking action to improve long-term health outcomes for SNAP recipients. These changes will lead to healthier food choices and support the development of healthy eating habits that last a lifetime."
What Happens Next
Other states are preparing to introduce comparable measures in 2026, while proposals elsewhere remain under consideration by state legislatures and governors. Some of those plans may not take effect until 2027, if they are approved at all.
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