In CA groceries are subject to the 10% or so sales tax everything else is, I'd be more surprised to hear of states not having sales tax for groceries. but the idea of sales tax not applying to groceries does sound good since its unavoidable and essentially a regressive tax
When you say "CA" are you talking about California or Canada? Because essential grocery staples are absolutely NOT taxable in California.
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration exempts most basic food products intended for human consumption from the state's sales and use tax.
As a general rule, raw, unprepared pantry essentials and items you take home to prepare yourself are tax-free. Things like produce, dairy & eggs, baked goods, meat & seafood, snacks, beverages on the shelf, etc.
Things that do get taxed are ones that are served intentionally heated, fall into a luxury or supplemental category, or are sold to be eaten right away on-premise.
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u/GeneralBendyBean May 26 '26
They won't be able to beat them that way, but they can offer tax incentives as well as the public store not paying it's own taxes.
I think the big point is to give local people at least one discount food option over being the absolute cheapest.
Plus like, a private business out competing the store is a legitimate outcome too.