Is there sales tax on groceries in Minnesota?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Minnesota state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food and food ingredients are exempt; candy, soft drinks and prepared food are taxable.
Rule summary
How Minnesota treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (9.025%–9.875%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Minnesota
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Minnesota.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Minnesota?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Minnesota state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Minnesota?
- Yes. Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Minnesota.
More Minnesota guides
Other Minnesota rules that change the total.