Is there sales tax on groceries in Massachusetts?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Massachusetts state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food products for human consumption are exempt; restaurant meals are taxable and some cities add a 0.75% local meals tax.
Rule summary
How Massachusetts treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (6.25%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue · 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 Massachusetts Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Massachusetts
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Massachusetts?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Massachusetts state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Massachusetts?
- Yes. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
More Massachusetts guides
Other Massachusetts rules that change the total.