Is there sales tax on groceries in California?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from California state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Cold food products sold for home consumption are exempt. Hot prepared food, carbonated drinks and dietary supplements remain taxable.
Rule summary
How California treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7.75%–10.25%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in California
What a taxable purchase actually costs in California.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in California?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from California state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in California?
- Yes. California treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in California?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in California.
More California guides
Other California rules that change the total.