Most places have abolished grocery taxes, but these 9 states are still charging them

(NEXSTAR) – In nine places around the U.S., families are paying more for the exact same food at the grocery store, even when the advertised price is exactly the same.

The difference comes down to taxes. Most states do not charge sales tax on grocery items, and in recent years, there’s been a growing wave of states abolishing these types of taxes.

Oklahoma, for example, used to charge a 4.5% sales tax on groceries until it was completely eliminated in 2024. Kansas got rid of it in 2025, and Arkansas and Illinois just ditched their own grocery taxes this year.

However, nine states are still clinging on: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah.

Many states have moved away from charging sales tax on groceries because it’s considered “regressive” by economists, meaning it hits poor people hardest.

Research by the United States Department of........

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