Is there sales tax on groceries in Texas?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Texas state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Grocery food is exempt. Prepared food, candy, soft drinks and dietary supplements are taxable.
Rule summary
How Texas treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (8.25%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · 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 Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Texas
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Texas.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Texas?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Texas state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Texas?
- Yes. Texas 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 Texas?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Texas.
More Texas guides
Other Texas rules that change the total.