Special diet food
Varies
Can You Write Off Special Diet Food?
Short answer: Rarely: food counts only when it's prescribed to treat an illness and doesn't replace your normal diet.
Medical costs are an itemized deduction only for the amount above 7.5% of your AGI, and only if your itemized total beats the standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 joint for 2026).
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
Special diet food
Varies
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Rarely: food counts only when it's prescribed to treat an illness and doesn't replace your normal diet.
Business justification
Rarely: food counts only when it's prescribed to treat an illness and doesn't replace your normal diet. Medical costs are an itemized deduction only for the amount above 7.5% of your AGI, and only if your itemized total beats the standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 joint for 2026).
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions