Is there sales tax on groceries in Wisconsin?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Wisconsin state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food and food ingredients are exempt; candy, soft drinks and prepared food are taxable.
Rule summary
How Wisconsin treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7.9%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Wisconsin
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Wisconsin?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Wisconsin state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Wisconsin?
- Yes. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Wisconsin.
More Wisconsin guides
Other Wisconsin rules that change the total.