I ate 11 new Iowa State Fair Foods for 2026. Here’s what I’d order again
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Iowa State Fair is still weeks away, but my stomach already feels like it’s Opening Day.
KCCI got an early invitation to a special taste-test featuring the 11 semifinalists for the 2026 Best New Fair Food contest, giving us the chance to sample everything from over-the-top deep-fried creations to surprisingly refined dishes that wouldn’t look out of place in a sit-down restaurant. Some were instant favorites. Others were delightfully weird. All were great contenders for the coveted title of “Best New Fair Food.”
After loosening my belt and taking plenty of notes, here’s my honest ranking and review of every new fair food I tried — including the ones I’d sprint back for, the ones I’d happily split with friends and the one I’ll almost certainly be carrying around the fairgrounds in a bucket.
Cajun Cluck ‘N’ Chaos, Cluckin’ Coop ($14)
Cajun-style chicken sloppy joe on a buttery brioche bun, loaded with crunchy sweet peppery coleslaw and spicy pickles. Topped with a skewer of pickled egg, dill pickle and lime-infused pickle cotton candy.
“Chaos” is the perfect way to describe this food.
I don’t know if this is something I’d plan to have for a meal, but I’d definitely split it with a few friends just to try it for the novelty.
Ultimate Minneapple Pie, Minneaple Pie ($14)
Deep-fried apple pie served with vanilla and cinnamon ice cream drizzled with homemade apple syrup.
It doesn’t get more “All-American” than apple pie and ice cream. The crust is perfectly fried, flaky and crispy, while the apple filling is warm and comforting. Paired with ice cream (especially the cinnamon ice cream!) and apple syrup, and you get the perfect summer dessert.
1776 Dubai Strawberries, The Strawberry Station ($19)
A cup filled with fresh strawberries, milk chocolate, pistachio creme and Kataifi.
These are the perfect light snack to enjoy while walking around the fairgrounds in 90-degree heat. The strawberries are refreshing, and the Dubai chocolate, pistachio and Kataifi topping adds the perfect amount of sweetness without becoming a total sugar bomb.
All-American Scrambled Egg Roll, Winn & Sara’s Kitchen ($15)
Thick-cut smoky bacon, savory sausage, hash browns, farm-fresh scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese inside a crispy golden egg roll. Finished with a drizzle of homemade cheesy ranch.
As the two-time reigning champions of the best new fair food, Winn & Sara’s Kitchen is feeling the pressure. They’re definitely a contender with this breakfast egg roll. It’s got the satisfying filling of a breakfast burrito with the crispy, crunchy wrap of an egg roll. This is a great way to start your morning at the Iowa State Fair.
Stuffed Tater Kegs, Tator Todd and Hot Doug’s ($10)
Giant stuffed tator tots. Choose from breakfast skillet filled with eggs, sausage and cheddar cheese, or the vegetarian cheese bomb, loaded with creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Todd and Doug took a loaded baked potato and tot-ified it to make the perfect portable bite. Ever wanted to walk around with a loaded baked potato? Now’s your chance.
Porky Parm Gnocchi, Destination Grille ($14)
Gluten-free potato gnocchi and Graziano sausage tossed in a house-made AE cream parmesan sauce with a pesto drizzle, shaved parmesan, fresh parsley and topped with an America 250th year flag and a souvenir piggy pal.
This is another item that looks more at home on a date night menu. For me, it’s a little heavy for eating outside in the dead of summer, but I would absolutely order it at a restaurant (with ample air conditioning). Definitely worth a try.
Star Spangled Swine, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ ($15)
Prime grade pork belly with apple chipotle rub, signature big red soda glaze; rolled in blue and white honey crystals.
I just have two words: meat candy.
10/10 no notes.
Strawberry Bliss, Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association ($8)
Buttery shortbread cookie topped with a plump, juicy strawberry enveloped in a cloud of fluffy meringue and coated in milk chocolate.
This treat looks more like it belongs on a Valentine’s Day dessert menu than in a food stall at the fair. It’s almost too pretty to eat, but definitely tasty enough that you won’t be leaving any crumbs behind. Another great lighter option for a snack.
Garlic Dill Pickle Cheese Curds, Brad and Harry’s Cheese Curds ($9)
Combination of two best-selling flavors — dill and garlic.
These were hands-down my favorite new fair food. Three of my favorite things in one crispy, chewy, food coma-inducing bite — garlic, dill pickles and fried cheese curds. If you see me walking around the fair with a bucket of these, mind your business and, no, I’m not sharing.
Crunchy Lamb Wrap, HoQ ($19)
Homemade naan bread stuffed with creamy risotto, braised Iowa lamb, local cheese, creme fraiche and local greens; breaded and deep fried; served with watermelon ranch sauce.
Take fair food and make it fine dining… Or is it taking fine dining and making it fair food? Either way, this is a must-try. It’s on the heavier side, so I’d say it’s better for a meal than a snack. Did you do a double-take when you saw “watermelon ranch sauce?” Me, too. But trust me when I tell you it WORKS. Honestly, I hope they let me order some extra sauce so I can dip some fries (or some garlic dill pickle cheese curds).
Sweet Americana, Over the Top ($13)
Strawberry shortcake, lemon bar and blueberry crisp ice creams, topped with a shortcake cookie, lemon bar square and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Listen. There are very few things as satisfying as eating ice cream after a day in the hot summer sun. Like me, you may sometimes struggle to decide what flavor to enjoy. With this treat, you get three different scoops, so you get to try them all.
Best New Fair Food finalists
After tallying up the ballots from all the voters at Tuesday’s tasting event, the top three items were named as finalists:
Porky Parm Gnocchi (Destination Grille)Ultimate Minneapple Pie (Minneapple Pie)All-American Scrambled Egg Roll (Winn & Sara’s Kitchen)
Fairgoers can vote for their favorite among the finalists during the fair. This year’s Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13-23.
Past winners of Best New Fair Food
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Dining and Cooking