A new law in Texas is changing what people who use SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits can buy. Supporters say it will make residents healthier, but many feel it limits personal choice and freedom.
The biggest change is that Texans on SNAP will soon no longer be able to use their benefits to purchase sugary drinks or candy.
What Senate Bill 379 Covers
The new rule comes under Senate Bill 379, which originally aimed to ban more items like cookies and chips. However, those items were later dropped to speed up approval. The law now focuses mainly on sugary drinks and candy.
Sugary drinks are defined in the bill as non-alcoholic beverages that contain at least five grams of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. Tobacco and alcohol have already been banned under SNAP for years, so this is an expansion of existing restrictions.
Governor Abbott’s Approval
Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law, clearing the final hurdle for it to take effect. He praised the move, saying it would improve health and ensure that taxpayer money goes only toward nutritious food. According to Abbott:
“By restricting unhealthy foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits, Texas can help ensure the health and wellbeing of Texans.”
National Push for Healthier Eating
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also backed the decision, linking it to his wider plan for improving public health across the United States.
He criticised food companies for using harmful chemicals in snacks and drinks, saying these ingredients are unsafe for children and offer no nutrition. Kennedy added that taxpayers should not have to fund products that make people unhealthy.
Other States Following the Ban
Texas is not alone. Three more states—Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah—have also received approval to ban unhealthy items from SNAP purchases. Their rules are stricter than Texas, covering not just sugary drinks and candy but also chips and other snack foods.
Iowa and Ohio have joined in with even more detailed bans. For example, Iowa’s proposal will stop SNAP recipients from buying:
Candy of all types, including gum, jellybeans, licorice, and mints
Sweetened dried fruits and fruit snacks
Sweetened baking chocolate and chocolate chips
Candy-coated fruits, marshmallows, caramel-coated apples, and granola bars without flour
Caramel corn, kettle corn, and other candy popcorn
Soft drinks, lemonades, and fruit drinks with less than 50% real juice
Beverage powders, mixes, or concentrates with sweeteners
When the Changes Will Start
Utah and Idaho will start their bans on January 1, 2026.
Arkansas will begin on July 1, 2026.
Nebraska and Iowa will also launch their restrictions on January 1, 2026.
This shows a growing national movement to reshape SNAP benefits toward healthier foods.
The new SNAP restrictions in Texas mark the beginning of a wider change across the United States. While supporters argue it will improve public health and ensure taxpayer money is spent responsibly, critics say it limits freedom of choice for low-income families.
With more states joining the ban, the debate over food, health, and personal rights is set to continue.
