Is there sales tax on groceries in Missouri?
Quick answer
Partly. Missouri taxes grocery food at a reduced 1.225% state rate instead of the full 4.225%, and local rates may still apply on top.
Missouri taxes food at a reduced 1.225% state rate; full local rates still apply on top.
Rule summary
How Missouri treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Reduced state rate of 1.225% |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (8.725%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Missouri
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Missouri.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Missouri?
- Partly. Missouri taxes grocery food at a reduced 1.225% state rate instead of the full 4.225%, and local rates may still apply on top.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Missouri?
- Yes. Missouri 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 Missouri?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Missouri.
More Missouri guides
Other Missouri rules that change the total.