Is there sales tax on groceries in Pennsylvania?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Pennsylvania state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food for home consumption is exempt; ready-to-eat food sold by an eating establishment is taxable.
Rule summary
How Pennsylvania treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7%–8%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Pennsylvania
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Pennsylvania?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Pennsylvania state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Pennsylvania.
More Pennsylvania guides
Other Pennsylvania rules that change the total.