California WIC now offers more food choices that support healthy diets during pregnancy and early childhood. These options offer more variety and flexibility to meet the needs of different cultures and family preferences.
What’s New?
- More whole-grain foods, like corn masa flour, pita bread, whole wheat bagels, and whole wheat English muffins
- Plant-based milk options
- Cash value option for fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) instead of jarred baby foods
- More fruits and vegetables instead of juice
- Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) for all families
- More yogurt flavors to choose from, like peach, strawberry-banana, and mango
- Fresh herbs can be bought using the cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables
- More package size options when shopping for WIC-eligible foods
Here’s a more detailed look at some of the food package changes.
For more details, visit myfamily.wic.ca.gov.
Update the CA WIC App to see the WIC food changes
The CA WIC app will need to be updated in order to see the new WIC food changes.
Check your WIC app to see when you can start shopping for your new foods. Use the food scanner to find WIC-approved items.
April 2026 Food Package Change Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are WIC foods changing?
WIC is updating foods to give families more choices, healthier options, and foods that fit different cultures and diets. The California WIC App and Shopping Guide will show the new food options when they are available.
Do these changes affect all WIC families?
Yes! All California WIC families will see the updated foodsl. You may see new foods, new sizes, and updated amounts for some food items. Check your WIC app to see when you can start shopping for the new foods.
How will I know which foods I can buy?
The California WIC App will show your updated food balance. Use the food scan feature in the app to check if a food is WIC-approved and available on your food benefits. The California WIC Shopping Guide lists all the new foods and sizes available.
Will I lose any of my current foods?
Families will still receive healthy foods each month. Some WIC-approved foods may change, such as whole-grains and rice infant cereal, but families will also receive new foods, more choices, and flexibility with other foods.
WIC no longer allows rice cereal due to concerns about heavy metal exposure. You will see other healthy infant cereal options instead, such as oatmeal, multigrain, barley, and whole wheat.
Where did my juice benefits go?
With the new WIC food options, families get an extra $3 per person to spend on fruits and vegetables. These foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep your heart healthy, lower blood sugar, and help with digestion.
Families have the option to swap the extra $3 for 64oz of juice per individual on the family receiving WIC foods. If you would like to swap $3 for juice on your WIC benefits, text 91997.
What should I do if I have trouble buying the new WIC foods at the store?
If the stores have not updated their systems with the new WIC foods, speak with the manager first. If the issue is not fixed, contact the California WIC program at (800) 852-5770 or wic@cdph.ca.gov.
Shop for Your WIC Foods
Use these tools to find WIC-authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets near you.
