Is there sales tax on groceries in Connecticut?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Connecticut state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food products for human consumption sold in grocery stores are exempt; meals and prepared food carry an extra 1% surcharge on top of 6.35%.
Rule summary
How Connecticut treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (6.35%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services · 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 Connecticut Department of Revenue Services or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Connecticut
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Connecticut.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Connecticut?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Connecticut state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Connecticut?
- Yes. Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Connecticut.
More Connecticut guides
Other Connecticut rules that change the total.