Virginia is joining most states and getting rid of the grocery tax. The change began with the turn of the new year. Currently, grocery shoppers in the Commonwealth are paying 2.5% on items like bread and milk. Beginning Jan. 1, the sales tax rate on groceries will decrease from 2.5% to 1%.This goes for most staple grocery items, but there are some exceptions:Alcoholic beveragesTobaccoPrepared hot foods packaged for immediate consumption on or off premises and Seeds and plants used to grow food for home consumption.