Taxing on Groceries
By Amber
@AmbiePam (122659)
United States
July 11, 2026 9:46am CST
Does your country tax your groceries, the actual food items? I was watching more videos from visitors from other countries here for the World Cup, and they were saying things that surprised them about the United States. They named how nice we are, how huge the country is, how different each state’s climate is, and how huge Walmart was. And when they (this particular fellow was British) went to Walmart for groceries, they were surprised they had to pay tax on food. That isn’t the way it is in every state though. In Oklahoma, you don’t have to pay tax on food in grocery stores, but of course things like toilet paper you do. There is a big movement to get taxes from women’s monthly supplies removed, but I don’t know how successful that has been. We still pay tax on that in my state.
Anyway, that made me wonder, do they tax your food in grocery stores in your state or country?
9 people like this
8 responses
@Juliaacv (56705)
• Canada
4h
We do and do not pay taxes on groceries.
Essential items, fruits, vegetables, meats that have not been processed are not taxed.
But there is GST (Goods & Services Tax) on all other items, except for feminine hygiene products, agriculture, prescriptions and children's books. Odd collection of what is and is not taxed here.
That is at a rate of 13%, so the cereal, a premade sandwich or can of chili are subject to that tax, but if you bought a bag of milk, a tray of meat and a dozen eggs, you wouldn't be taxed.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56705)
• Canada
4h
@AmbiePam It isn't just junk food that is taxed, any cereal, as they are all processed, unless it came into the store right from the tree or farm, it is taxed.
Apples are not taxed, but if you purchase an apple pie, it was processed and you pay the tax.
I just mentioned to my husband that the price of the coffee that I buy used to go on sale for $15.99/can but today I noticed it was $17.49, and I told him that everything is on the rise because the government here gave out a food and essential benefit to people who qualify based on their tax return. We do not qualify.
He told me that wasn't the reason for the tax hike, it was something else. It sure does keep me hopping to keep up with the price hikes. I was going to retire the first of August next year, now I think it better to stay in work until he turns 65, which will mean that I will work until March 1st, 2028. My choice, because of the economy, and the unexpectedness of it all.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (122659)
• United States
3h
@Juliaacv I know you were looking forward to retiring; I’m sorry you have to put that off.
I’m worried about my dad retiring. He’ll have to get a part time job, and still, it will be tough for him. Of course, I just need to trust God like he does. He’s 71, and he deserves to retire. He’s actually sorry he let his church board talk him into staying one more year.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (210445)
• United States
6h
Oh yes, Virginia taxes everything. Supposedly the grocery tax was eliminated with the last governor's administration but it is still there.
1 person likes this
@LooeyVille (47)
• United States
4h
Grocery food is not taxed, not even cookies or chips or snack foods. But restaurant food is. And at the grocery all non-food items are taxed. Our state tax is 6%.
1 person likes this
