Iowa State Fair releases top food list for 2023

DES MOINES — With 64 new foods, there’s a lot to try from the already hundreds of options returning to the Iowa State Fair in August.

Celebrity judges have narrowed down the top 10 list to their top three picks. Now, it’s up to the public to taste the choices for themselves and vote on the food they think is number one.

“Food is a very important reason why people come to the State Fair,” said Jeremy Parsons, CEO of the Iowa State Fair. “In fact, people tell us it’s the number one reason.”

See what whets your appetite before the fairgrounds open Aug. 10, and vote for your favorite food between Aug. 10 and Aug. 14 on the official Iowa State Fair smartphone app, or at iowastatefair.org.

The top new food will be announced Aug. 16.

1. Grinder Ball at The Bacon Box

The Bacon Box, a newcomer to this year’s fair, brings a naturally gluten-free take to the traditional State Fair Grinder. A blend of bacon balls is stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in — of course — bacon, rotisserie smoked and served with a warm marinara sauce.

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2. Iowa Twinkie at Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew

Described as a “Texas staple with an Iowa twist,” this twinkie is no dessert.

The smoked bacon-wrapped jalapeno is stuffed with all the quintessential summer favorites, including pulled pork and sweet corn, alongside cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Then, it’s glazed with a signature housemade sweet, sticky barbecue sauce, and drizzled with more housemade ranch dressing.

3. Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese at What’s Your Cheez

The title is not the only thing that’s a mouth full with this top 3 contender. This was one of two deep-fried items to make the top 10 list this year for best new foods, and the only one that made it into the top 3.

Incorporating bacon brisket macaroni and cheese at the center, this deep-fried sandwich enveloped layers of American cheese between two slices of What’s Your Cheez Bacon Cheddar Bread and is served with a raspberry chipotle barbecue sauce.

That bacon brisket mac and cheese, from The Rib Shack, was incorporated into last year’s new “The Finisher,” which won People’s Choice as the epitome of a loaded baked potato.

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The rest of the top 10

The rest of this year’s top finalists in the Best New Foods contest include:

See dozens of other new food options at iowastatefair.org/food/whats-new.

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