Is there sales tax on groceries in New Jersey?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from New Jersey state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Unprepared food is exempt; prepared food, candy and soft drinks are taxable at 6.625%.
Rule summary
How New Jersey treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (6.625%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation · 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 New Jersey Division of Taxation or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in New Jersey
What a taxable purchase actually costs in New Jersey.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in New Jersey?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from New Jersey state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in New Jersey?
- Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in New Jersey.
More New Jersey guides
Other New Jersey rules that change the total.