The Iowa State Fair is among the largest events in the state, with more than 1 million people visiting the fairgrounds on Des Moines' east side every August. One of the biggest draws each year is the food — everything from traditional fair favorites like corn dogs and pork chops on a stick to new menu items. Video above: These 3 Iowa State Fair menu items will compete for title of best new foodThis year fair vendors have dozens of new foods and drinks for fairgoers to try. Fair officials narrowed the list of 84 new foods down to 11 semifinalists for the People's Choice Best New Food award and on July 16 judges — including a team from vlog — tasted each and narrowed the contestants down to three:Winn & Sara's Kitchen's Bacon Cheeseburger Egg RollDestination Grille's Lobster Corn DogWhatcha Smokin? BBQ's Iowa Sm'oak'ed RollFair officials say fairgoers can sample the top three finalists — along with all the rest of the new foods — and cast their vote in the Peoples' Choice contest starting Thursday, Aug. 8 through Wednesday, Aug. 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Friday, Aug. 16.The fair runs 11 days from Aug. 8-18. The annual parade kicks things off Aug. 7 in downtown Des Moines.Look below to find the food that made it to the semifinals and its price, and find all of our State Fair coverage here. Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll | $12Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco | $6.50Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB&J | $9 Dough-chos | $11Funnel Cake Burger | $20 Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll | $14 Lemonade Donut Drops | $6Lobster Corn Dog | $20Party Balls | $10Piggy in a Donut | $8 Tipsy Peach | $11More Iowa State Fair coverage
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair is among the largest events in the state, with more than 1 million people visiting the fairgrounds on Des Moines' east side every August.
One of the biggest draws each year is the food — everything from traditional fair favorites like corn dogs and pork chops on a stick to new menu items.
Video above: These 3 Iowa State Fair menu items will compete for title of best new food
This year fair vendors have dozens of new foods and drinks for fairgoers to try. Fair officials narrowed the list of 84 new foods down to 11 semifinalists for the People's Choice Best New Food award and on July 16 judges — including a team from vlog — tasted each and narrowed the contestants down to three:
- Winn & Sara's Kitchen's Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll
- Destination Grille's Lobster Corn Dog
- Whatcha Smokin? BBQ's Iowa Sm'oak'ed Roll
Fair officials say fairgoers can sample the top three finalists — along with all the rest of the new foods — and cast their vote in the Peoples' Choice contest starting Thursday, Aug. 8 through Wednesday, Aug. 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Friday, Aug. 16.
The fair runs 11 days from Aug. 8-18. The annual parade kicks things off Aug. 7 in downtown Des Moines.
Look below to find the food that made it to the semifinals and its price, and find all of our State Fair coverage here.
Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll | $12
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll is a combination of American and Asian cuisine. It includes smoked bacon, pickles and cheese wrapped into a pastry egg roll. It is topped off with Winn and Sara’s house-made burger sauce. You can find Winn & Sara’s Kitchen southwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco | $6.50
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco consists of a cinnamon sugar tortilla with vanilla ice cream, apple pie filling and caramel sauce inside. You can find the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association on the main floor of the Agriculture Building, under the southwest stairs.
Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB&J | $9
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Deep-Fried Uncrustable is a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich dipped in waffle batter. The dish is topped with powdered sugar and honey. You can find The Bird’s Nest near the MidAmerican Stage.
Dough-chos | $11
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Dough-chos consist of waffle cone chips with chocolate chip cookie dough and ice cream. It is topped off with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, cheesecake bites and brownies. You can find Dough Crazy in the outer perimeter of the Livestock Pavillion.
Funnel Cake Burger | $20
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Funnel Cake Burger consists of two funnel-cake buns with cheese sauce, bacon and a hamburger in the middle. You can find Jada’s Concessions on the north side of Grand Avenue, south of the Knapp Stage.
Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll | $14
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll is a smoked pork tenderloin with jasmine rice, jalapeno creamed corn, smoked poblano queso, Giddy Up Texas taco sauce and poblano ranch stuffed inside. It is topped off with green onion and smoked sesame seeds. You can find Watcha Smokin? BBQ west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Lemonade Donut Drops | $6
Hearst Owned
Made by The Snack Box, the Lemonade Donut Drops consist of lemonade-flavored donuts in bite-size pieces. The snack is shaken in sugar and served in a cup. You can find The Snack Box on the north side of the west entrance to Pioneer Hall.
Lobster Corn Dog | $20
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Lobster Corn Dog is made with North American lobster tails pulled through batter. It is seasoned with cayenne pepper and salt. It is then put on a skewer and deep-fried. Finally, it is topped off with lemon aioli, paprika, herbs and Parmigiano Reggiano. This dish is gluten-free. You can find Destination Grille west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Party Balls | $10
Hearst Owned
Made by , the Party Balls are made up of deep-fried potato chips topped with AE Party Dip. It is infused with bell peppers, parsley and onion. You can find JR’s SouthPork Ranch west of the Livestock Pavillion.
Piggy in a Donut | $8
Hearst Owned
Made by Biscuit Bar, the Piggy in a Donut is made up of a sausage dipped in batter, fried and rolled in sugar. The dish comes with a side of syrup. You can find Biscuit Bar on Grand Avenue, west of the north entrance of the Varied Industries Building.
Tipsy Peach | $11
Hearst Owned
Made by Bubbly Bar & Bistro, the Tipsy Peach is made with peaches, sugar pearl waffles, lemon mascarpone and fresh thyme. You can find Bubbly Bar & Bistro in the Grandfather’s Barn area.
More Iowa State Fair coverage
