Beginning April 1, 2026, the state of Texas will make a big change to its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This new rule will ban the purchase of certain food items with the goal of making it easier for low-income residents to eat healthy.
It is a focused effort to make sure that food stamp benefits actually help public health. Under the new approved rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy specific types of food and drinks. These restrictions cover candy and sweets, sugar drinks, and drinks with artificial sweeteners.
What’s set to be restricted in SNAP benefit next year
Any drink with five grams or more of sugar added per serving is also off limits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved this. Texas Health and Human Services will be in charge of the new rules. Even with these new limits, SNAP recipients will be able to buy many healthy foods.
This includes all fruits and veggies, meat, chicken, and fish. Dairy and non-dairy foods and drinks, grains, breads, and other baked items will also be on the list. In an effort to help people buy seeds and plants that grow food for a family to grow, benefits will still be able to be used for these.
In addition to Texas-specific restrictions, SNAP benefits across the U.S. cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco products, non-prescription vitamins, medicines, or other supplements. Non-food items, such as cleaning supplies, pet food, paper products, and hot prepared foods intended for immediate consumption, are also not eligible.
Maximum SNAP allotments: valid through September 2025
The main goal of these rules is to put the program money toward things that have real nutrition. The amounts of the maximum monthly SNAP benefits that a Texas household can get in the current fiscal year, which is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025, are:
$292 for a one-person household; $536 for a two-person household; $768 for a three-person household; $975 for a four-person household; $1,156 for a five-person household; $1,390 for a six-person household; $1,536 for a seven-person household; and $1,756 for an eight-person household. For each person after eight, add $220.
These amounts are based on the cost of living and are for households that meet all federal rules for the program. People should mark two dates on their calendars. The new restrictions on what can be bought will start on April 1, 2026. The new fiscal year for SNAP is October 1, 2025, which will bring changes in benefit amounts.
For more detailed information on the SNAP restrictions or to check if you are eligible, go to the website of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission: this is its official website.
