Certain items will no longer be allowed in your cart if you’re using a Lone Star Card.
HOUSTON — Texas SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their Lone Star Cards to buy candy or sweetened drinks beginning April 1.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission says the changes stem from a federal waiver approved last year and legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. It’s now one of the country’s most significant restrictions on what the federal food assistance program can be used to purchase.
Gov. Greg Abbott praised the move in a statement in a news release.
“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.”
Under the new rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy candy, gum or sweetened drinks, including beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins, and nuts that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel.
HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth also expressed support for the policy.
“I thank Gov. 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.”
The restrictions have been in the works for more than a year. Abbott submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service seeking a waiver to prohibit SNAP purchases of sweetened drinks and candy. The 89th Texas Legislature then codified the restrictions in Senate Bill 379, which Abbott signed into law, and federal regulators approved the waiver in August 2025.
HHSC said it is rolling out educational materials through local offices, its website, and social media to notify recipients of the upcoming changes. Retailers and other SNAP stakeholders can access resources, including posters and graphics in both English and Spanish, to help communicate the new limitations to customers.
SNAP is a federal program administered by HHSC that currently serves approximately 3.3 million low-income Texans. Benefits can still be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, and plants and garden seeds, among other items.
Texans can visit the SNAP Food Benefits webpage or dial 2-1-1 to learn more about SNAP and other available programs and services.