Starting April 1, 2026, Texas will implement new restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting over 3.3 million residents statewide. These changes aim to promote healthier eating habits among recipients.

Under the new guidelines, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase candy, gum, or sweetened beverages. This includes drinks containing 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. Additionally, items such as candied fruits, raisins, and nuts coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel are prohibited.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options. By implementing these changes, the state encourages better nutrition and ensures the program helps families access nutritional food.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has launched an outreach campaign to educate both retailers and recipients about the upcoming changes. This includes educational materials in multiple languages, digital toolkits for retailers, and updates to the Your Texas Benefits website.

While some retailers have expressed concerns about the complexity of filtering thousands of products based on sugar content, advocates suggest that these restrictions will reduce the prevalence of diet-related illnesses.

For more information on eligible items and the upcoming changes, recipients are encouraged to visit the HHSC website or dial 2-1-1.