What will happen with soft drinks this year 2026? Well, on April 1 of this year, the Texas SNAP will change a lot. SNAP, which is known for many people as food stamps, helps millions of families buy basic foods. However, a new law approved in Texas will limit what can be purchased with these benefits, and one of the biggest changes is that soft drinks and other sugary products will no longer be allowed. So, let’s find out more about this situation, shall we?
SNAP and Texas
SNAP is a food aid program that allows low-income people buying food by using a special card called EBT. For many years, SNAP allowed people to buy almost any food, even soft drinks, sweets, and snacks.
With the new SB 379 law, Texas has decided that soft drinks and other high-sugar-level products can’t be paid anymore with SNAP. State authorities explain that these products have a very poor nutritional value and are linked to serious health problems.
According to lawmakers, the state shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money to pay for food that doesn’t provide real benefits to our bodies. This is why the change mainly focuses on soft drinks and similar products.
Food allowed to buy with SNAP in Texas
Despite the new restrictions, most essential foods will still be allowed. Authorities have clarified that SNAP will continue helping families covering their basic food needs. Among the products the people could continue buying with SNAP we can find:
- “Light” drinks that use only non-caloric sweeteners.
- Meat such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
- 100% natural fruit or vegetable juices with no added sugar.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Grains and cereals.
- Dairy products and dairy substitutes.
- Beans, lentils, and other legumes.
- Infant formulas and nutritional products prescribed by a doctor.
These foods are considered necessary for a balanced diet and they won’t be affected by the new law.
Soft drinks and other products
The most important change of the SB 379 law has to do with soft drinks, meaning sodas and other sugary beverages. Basically, this 2026, SNAP benefits in Texas can’t be used to buy:
- Energy drinks.
- Soft drinks and sodas.
- Processed snacks like bagged potato chips.
- Carbonated beverages with added sugar.
- Fruit drinks that contain added sugar.
- Sweets such as cookies, candy, chocolate, and other desserts.
The law clearly targets products that are high in sugar or sodium and offer little nutritional benefit.
Limiting soft drinks consumption
Texas faces high levels of obesity, diabetes type 2, and heart diseases, especially in low-income communities that depend on SNAP. So, the main reason behind limiting soft drinks is public health.
Authorities consider that the frequent consumption of sodas and sugary drinks is one of the factors that contribute the most to these issues. This is why they believe the state shouldn’t fund these types of products.
By banning the use of SNAP to buy soft drinks, they want to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce long-term diseases.
How will this affect Texas families?
For many people, this change will mean adjusting the way in which they buy. Those using SNAP will have to pay more attention to the products they pick, since some common products will no longer be allowed to be bought with SNAP.
However, the state insists on the fact that the economic support won’t be reduced, this shift can help improve overall health outcomes while still guaranteeing access to basic food.
So…
For SNAP users, this means adapting to new rules at the grocery store. For Texas, it represents a major step toward aligning food assistance with long-term health goals. Do you think this is a good idea?