Is there sales tax on groceries in Rhode Island?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Rhode Island state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food and food ingredients are exempt; prepared meals carry the 7% rate plus a 1% local meals tax.
Rule summary
How Rhode Island treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Division of Taxation or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Rhode Island
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Rhode Island.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Rhode Island?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Rhode Island state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Rhode Island?
- Yes. Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Rhode Island.
More Rhode Island guides
Other Rhode Island rules that change the total.