New Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) restrictions in Texas that take effect on April 1 could lead to confusion and questions as implementation begins.
Texas is one of 22 states approved for SNAP food restriction waivers.
The two-year program that starts April 1 will restrict the sale of sweetened drinks and candy. This impact reaches more than 3.5 million people statewide and about 250,000 people in Bexar County.
While not all-inclusive of the rules detailed under the Texas SNAP Restriction waiver, here are some of the top questions and categories of impacted products.
Texas SNAP Definition Changes
The Food and Nutrition Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture allowed Texas to redefine “food,” specifically as it applies to “any food or food product for home consumption.” That’s where “sweetened drinks” and “candy” came into the equation.
According to a 2016 survey through the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, “sweetened beverages” made up about 9% of all SNAP purchases. Another 2% was spent on candy.
Sweetened drinks and candy are no longer SNAP eligible in Texas, as of April 1, 2026. However, even within those terms, there is additional clarification needed.
Sweetened Drinks Definition
Texas tightened its definition of “sweetened drinks” to cover more than just obvious sugary sodas. Under the updated rules, a sweetened drink includes any nonalcoholic beverage made with water that contains at least five grams of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.
There are a few notable exceptions. Drinks made with milk or milk products are not included, and the same goes for plant-based alternatives like soy or rice milk.
Beverages that are made up of more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice are also excluded from the definition.
Understanding Artificial Sweeteners
If you’re not familiar with the various artificial sweeteners, here’s a starting guide. You’ll find these under the “ingredients” section of a food label.
Common examples that would trigger the restriction include:
Those are all synthetic sweeteners. Plant-based options like stevia and monk fruit are treated differently and are not included in this category.
Understanding the Added Sugar Limits
Artificial sweeteners aren’t the only thing that can make a drink ineligible. The rule also sets a clear threshold for added sugar.
Any beverage with five grams or more of added sugar per serving falls under the “sweetened drink” category and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
That’s where things can get confusing. This isn’t about total sugar. It’s specifically about added sugar, which is listed separately on nutrition labels. A drink could have naturally occurring sugars, like those found in fruit or milk, and still be allowed. But once sugar is added during processing and hits that five-gram mark, it crosses the line.
The easiest way to check is to look at the “Added Sugars” line on the label. If it shows five grams or more per serving, it would be considered a restricted sweetened drink under the new Texas SNAP rules.
How to Read the Labels
There are two important places to look when you’re reading the labels to see if a food or drink is SNAP eligible under the new restrictions.
First, look at the nutrition facts. This is where sugars and added sugars will be displayed. You’re looking for drinks with less than 5 grams of added sugar.
Nutrition label with added sugar. (Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.)
Second, to find if there is an artificial sweetener, you’ll want to look for the ingredient list.
Artificial sweetener listed on nutrition rundown. (Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.)
Drink Example Comparisons
