Is there sales tax on groceries in Utah?
Quick answer
Partly. Utah taxes grocery food at a reduced 1.75% state rate instead of the full 4.85%, and local rates may still apply on top.
Utah taxes unprepared food at a reduced combined 3% rate (1.75% state plus local shares).
Rule summary
How Utah treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Reduced state rate of 1.75% |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7.75%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Utah State Tax Commission · 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 Utah State Tax Commission or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Utah
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Utah.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Utah?
- Partly. Utah taxes grocery food at a reduced 1.75% state rate instead of the full 4.85%, and local rates may still apply on top.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Utah?
- Yes. Utah 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 Utah?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Utah.
More Utah guides
Other Utah rules that change the total.