Iowa State Fair announces list of more than 80 new foods coming in 2026

Dozens of new foods are coming to the Iowa State Fair in 2026.

The fair announced a list of more than 80 new foods that will debut next month. The top 11 finalists for Best New Food will be revealed at a later date, and fairgoers can vote during the fair for their favorite among the top three finalists.

This year’s fair runs from Aug. 13-23.

2026 new Iowa State Fair foods

Courtesy of the Iowa State Fair

• 1776 Dubai Strawberries: We start out by cutting fresh strawberries, then place them in a cup. Then we add delicious MILK chocolate to pour all over them so that a velvet layer of milk chocolate cascades all around different areas of the strawberries. We then incorporate a rich pistachio crème as a topping. This rich creamy addition complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the tartness of the fresh strawberries. Lastly, we sprinkle Kataifi (a roasted Middle Eastern Philo dough) creating a light crunchy element that complements the smoothness of the melted milk chocolate and creamy nuttiness of the pistachio. The combination of fresh strawberries, rich chocolate, creamy pistachio, and the delicate crunch of Kataifi transforms this treat into a multi-layered encounter, celebrating both flavor and texture in a truly elegant indulgence. (The Strawberry Station) ($19)
• 1776 Parmesan Ice Cream: Celebrate 1776 with a scoop of history! This savory-sweet Parmesan Ice Cream was an 18th-century sensation, blending the rich, nutty flavor of aged Parmesan with smooth, creamy ice cream. Layered with tart cherry and buttery pound cake, this unexpected Revolutionary-era treat offers a delicious taste of America’s founding year. (Bubbly) ($14)
• Affogato: New to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a delicious, rich, refreshing espresso ice cream drink, perfect for sunny days at the fair. May be drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce for added flavor. (Biscuit Bar) ($8)
• All-American Scrambled Egg Roll: Wrapped in our signature crispy golden egg roll is the ultimate American classic feast: thick-cut smoky bacon, savory sausage, hearty hash browns, farm-fresh fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese — all perfectly blended into one mouthwatering masterpiece. Finished with a rich drizzle of our homemade cheesy ranch, every bite delivers the comforting flavors of an American favorite with an irresistible Fair-food twist. (Winn & Sara’s Kitchen) ($15)
• Amaretto Ice Cream, Cake Batter with Chocolate Cake Balls and Birthday Cake Batter Ice Cream: Amaretto ice cream loaded with cherries and chocolate flakes, vanilla cake batter ice cream with salted chocolate cake balls, birthday cake batter ice cream packed with cake bits and colorful frosting chunks. Served in a waffle bowl with sprinkles. Topped with an American Flag for America’s 250th Birthday! (The Bird’s Nest) ($13)
• America’s “Berry” Good Grilled Cheese: A sweet and savory grilled cheese made with caramelized brioche bread. Inside, a rich blend of savory cheeses including a melted artisan blueberry white cheddar that creates a deep, creamy melt. It’s layered with tart raspberry amaretto jam and blueberry bourbon jam, then stuffed with crispy candied pork belly that has a touch of sweet heat. The result is a bold, gooey, flavor-packed bite that’s sweet, salty and indulgent in every way. (What’s Your Cheez) ($16)
• Banana Cream Fries: Banana cream funnel cake fries feature warm, crispy funnel cake sticks coated in powdered sugar and topped with rich banana pudding, fresh banana slices, a generous dollop of whipped cream and topped with crushed vanilla wafers. (Taylor Concessions) ($8)
• BBQ Pulled Pork Cheddar Corn Bread Waffle: 12 hour smoked pulled pork piled high on a savory cornbread waffled stuffed with sweet corn, cheddar cheese and diced jalapeno smothered in a house-made BBQ sauce. (Old West Roadhouse BBQ) ($18)
• Bedrock Twist: A yabba-dabba doo-licious deep-fried pretzel covered in sweet glaze, then topped with a Fruity Pebble crunch. (Smith’s) ($9)
• Belgian Chocolate Covered Strawberries: We start by putting fresh cut strawberries in a cup & then smother them with decadent creamy Belgian chocolate. Add a fork and you have a delicious fruity, chocolate-y delight! (The Strawberry Station) ($17)
• Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake Funnel Cake: Crispy, golden funnel cake layered with decadent Biscoff cookie butter, crowned with crunchy cookie crumbles and lavishly drizzled with homemade cream cheese icing—every bite is pure dessert bliss. (McGrath’s Funnel Cakes) ($15)
• Bison Burger: 100% Bison Burger. (Sleepy Bison Grill) ($13)
• Bison Cheesesteak Slider: Grilled marinated bison steak strips on a hoagie bun, topped with caramelized fried onions, American cheese and queso cheese. (Sleepy Bison Grill) ($11)
• Bison Nachos: Ground bison with queso cheese over corn tortilla chips, topped with lettuce and optional picante sauce. (Sleepy Bison Grill) ($14)
• Burrata Bomb: A refreshing ball of burrata cheese served with fresh tomatoes and a tasty drizzle. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($11)
• Butter Dipped Ice Cream Cone: A one-of-a-kind Fair treat that takes buttery goodness to the next level. This rich vanilla soft serve is coated in a warm, buttery hard shell sprinkled with flaky salt, that cracks with every bite- creating the perfect mix of creamy, sweet and smooth butter flavor. (Coney Corner) ($6)
• Butterfinger Ice Cream Bar: Vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and topped with crisp, flaky, peanut butter candy bar pieces. (Dough Crazy) ($7)
• Cajun Cluck ‘N’ Chaos: Introducing the Cajun Cluck ’N’ Chaos — the wildest flavor ride at the Iowa State Fair. A bold Cajun-style chicken sloppy joe piled high on a buttery brioche bun, loaded with crunchy sweet pepper coleslaw and fiery spicy pickles for the perfect mix of sweet heat and Southern chaos. Then it gets even crazier — topped with a skewer stacked with a tangy pickled egg and extra pickles, finished with a cloud of lime-infused pickle cotton candy for a sweet-and-sour twist you’ll never forget. One bite is smoky, spicy, crunchy, sweet and totally over-the-top Fair food madness. (Cluckin’ Coop) ($14)
• Candied Pork Belly Mac & Cheese Pizza Slice: Candied pork belly mac & cheese pizza slice with a sriracha cream corn glaze. (Wiseguys Woodfired Pizza) ($9)
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Roasted Pecans, Topped with Cheesecake Bites, and Drizzled with a Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Indulge in a decadent dessert featuring luscious caramel apple cheesecake roasted pecans. We then top it with delightful cheesecake bites and drizzled with rich bourbon caramel sauce, this treat is a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. (The Nut Farm) ($10)
• Caramel Apple Crumble Cinnamon Roll: Cinnamon roll topped with cinnamon apples, caramel, crumble and icing. (Buni’s Cinnamon Rolls) ($14)
• Caviar and Chicken Nuggets Package: JR’s SouthPork Ranch is proud to introduce one of the boldest and most talked-about creations ever to hit the Iowa State Fair — the “Caviar & Chicken Nuggets.” This over-the-top fair food experience blends childhood nostalgia with pure luxury in true JR’s SouthPork Ranch fashion. The dish was created to celebrate the fun, outrageous and unforgettable spirit of the Iowa State Fair while showcasing JR’s SouthPork Ranch’s signature style of combining elevated ingredients with playful comfort food. The rich crème fraiche adds a smooth, tangy finish that perfectly balances the salty pop of the caviar and the crispy comfort of the chicken nugget. It’s a little bit county fair, a little bit champagne lifestyle and 100% conversation starter. Whether you’re a foodie, fairgoer, influencer or first-time caviar eater, “Caviar & Chicken Nuggets” is designed to be one of the must-try experiences of the 2026 Iowa State Fair. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($99)
• Cinnamon Cloud Rolls: Warm, golden-fried sweet rolls dusted in cinnamon sugar and finished with a luscious drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside – like a sweet cloud in every bite. (The Snack Box) ($7)
• Cinnamozza Kdog: Full mozzarella cheese Korean corn dog dunked in salted butter, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cinnamon toast crunch. (GoldenKDog) ($18)
• Cluck Yeah Hush Puppies: Golden-fried hush puppies loaded with sweet corn, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, melty cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs for a bold bite packed with crunch, heat, and Southern comfort. Crispy outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor worthy of a “Cluck Yeah!” (Cluckin’ Coop) ($8)
• Cowboy Candy: Sweet and spicy breaded jalapenos. (Stockman’s Inn) ($5)
• Deep Fried Cookie Dough Pie: Deep fried cookie dough pie served with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. (Minneapple Pie) ($12)
• Dough-Noli: Cannoli shells filled with chocolate chip cookie dough, topped with chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar. (Dough Crazy) ($10)
• Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie: Dubai chocolate strawberry smoothie (Best Concessions) ($15)
• Firecracker Churros: Light up the Fair with the new firecracker churros topped with Lola’s sweet seasoning that is a decadent fusion of caramelized cinnamon sweetness with subtle spice. Honey molasses and sugar create a rich sweetness to fire up the mixture Lola’s adds its signature to the recipe with a perfect blend of jalapeno and habanero pepper spice blend with a gentle warmth that enhances every bite. Top it off with an apple butter/cream cheese dip. (Applishus) ($10)
• Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Breakfast Burrito: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Breakfast Burrito combines scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, green chiles, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños and savory breakfast sausage gravy in an extra large tortilla. Crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos add a fiery kick and satisfying crunch, creating the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, savory and spicy in every bite. (Burrito Bobo) ($16)
• French Silk Cannoli: A crisp cannoli shell filled with creamy French Silk chocolate and topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips and chocolate syrup. (Hagar’s Hoagies) ($4)
• Fried Green Tomatoes: Get ready to shake up your fair plans with a limited-time exclusive on the Grand Concourse! For this year only, you can experience the old-school nostalgia of our fried green tomatoes before they’re gone. These thick, tangy slices feature a soulful cornmeal and flour crust that delivers a satisfying crunch with a warm, tender center. It’s a classic flavor making a strictly limited appearance at the Fair this August, and because it is naturally vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan-friendly, it’s a treat everyone can enjoy. Come grab a basket and savor this exclusive taste of the Iowa State Fair while it lasts! (The Veggie-Table) ($10)
• Fried Saimin Noodles: Vegetarian noodles. (Kama’aina Grill) ($15)
• Fried Saimin with Huli Chicken: Vegetarian noodles with chicken. (Kama’aina Grill) ($17)
• Fuego Bowl: Mango sorbet topped with fresh pineapple, chamoy sauce and served with a tahin-coated spoon and a lime slice on the rim. (Big Acai Bowls) ($13)
• Garlic Dill Pickle Cheese Curds: Combining our best-selling flavors for a mashup of cheese curd goodness. Combining our two most popular flavors, garlic and dill pickle to make our best flavored cheese curds yet! (Brad & Harry’s Cheese Curds) ($9)
• Garlic Parmesan Pretzel: A buttery pretzel with garlic and parmesan cheese covering every bite. (Pretzels) ($13)
• Hand Rolled Pretzel: Hand rolled salted pretzel served with cheese sauce or mustard. (Josephine’s Glazed Doughnuts) ($8)
• Hawaiian Ricotta Ravioli: Carefully prepared with ricotta, pineapple, coconut, mango and a few additional ingredients. (Grater Taters) ($9)
• Hd-Smokin’ Cowboy Dog: The Smokin’ Cowboy Dog is a ¼ lb hardwood smoked-burnt ends beef sausage infused with jalapeno, topped with cowboy candy breaded jalapeno slices and drizzled with our special sauce. Be ready for something sweet/spicy & hot! (Smokey’s Grill) ($14)
• Homestead Bites: Its Dough Time presents a fresh take on an American comfort-food classic that has brought families together around the table for generations. Hot, fresh frybread is cut into golden strips and smothered in rich country sausage gravy, then topped with smoky bacon crumbles, lightly drizzled with maple syrup, and finished with a sprinkle of green chives. Each strip is carefully crafted to cradle the gravy, sausage, bacon, and maple syrup, delivering the full combination of flavors in every bite. This indulgent creation celebrates the hearty flavors of a homestyle breakfast—reimagined for the Iowa State Fair. (Its Dough Time) ($15)
• HoQ Crunchy Lamb Wrap: 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. (HoQ) ($19)
• Hot Honey Chicken Wrap: A tortilla wrap with Chuckie’s chicken strips, creamy cole slaw, and hot honey made in a wrap. (Chuckie’s Famous Breaded Pork Tenderloin) ($12)
• Huli Chicken: A grilled chicken dish in Hawaiian cuisine, basted with a huli sauce. (Kama’aina Grill) ($17)
• Iowa Sweet Corn & Popcorn Sundae: Creamy sweet corn soft serve layered with crunchy toffee corn, rich caramel, flaky sea salt and buttery toffee popcorn, then finished with a swirl of whipped cream. A sweet and salty Iowa original packed with crunch in every bite. (The Salad Bowl) ($10)
• Italian Hand Pies: New to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, you will be drawn to try these delicious, flaky hand pies, made with mild Italian sausage, cheese and sauce with Italian seasonings. The hand pies are fried to perfection and are an easy finger food. Two scrumptious hand pies are served with sauce, if desired. (Biscuit Bar) ($11)
• Jalapeño White Cheddar Pretzel Dog: A cheesy pretzel dog topped with jalapeños. (Pretzels) ($14)
• Kalua Pork: Served with rice and macaroni salad. (Kama’aina Grill) ($18)
• Kama’aina Bento (Teri Beef, Fried Saimin Noodles, Spam, & Garlic Chicken): Served with rice and macaroni salad. (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Kama’aina Mix (Huli Chicken, Teri Beef, Fried Saimin Noodles, & Kalua Pork): Served with rice and macaroni salad. (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Kapu Poke Bowl (Kalua Pork, Shrimp Tempura, & Shoyu Poke): Ahi tuna and served on a bed of ricer with furikake seasoned (dried seaweed flakes). (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Liberty Shrimp Melt: Liberty Shrimp Melt is a twist on an American classic. French bread stuffed with creamy shrimp Alfredo. This is a handheld creation making it easy to enjoy while walking the Fairgrounds. (Po-Boys) ($15)
• Loaded Sausage Waffle Stick: Belgian waffle baked around a large sausage link, topped with sausage gravy, bacon and cheese. Served on a stick! (Waffle Chix) ($12)
• Massive Mix (Huli Chicken, Teri Beef, Bbq Pork, & Kalua Pork): Served with rice and macaroni salad. (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Mozza-Tini: Four hand-breaded gluten-free mozzarella sticks served with warm vodka sauce, jalapeno ranch drizzle and fresh parsley. (DG – Destination Grille) ($10)
• Northshore Poke Bowl (Kalua Pork, Huli Chicken, & Shoyu Poke): Ahi tuna and served on a bed of rice with furikake seasoned (dried seaweed flakes). (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Oreo Overload Nachos: A dessert made for cookie lovers! Crispy waffle chips piled high around vanilla ice cream, warm hot fudge topped with crushed Oreo cookies for dipping and fluffy whipped cream! Every scoop delivers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, chocolately goodness with plenty of waffle chips for dipping! It’s a sweet, shareable treat that’s impossible to resist! (Dairy Zone LLC) ($10)
• Pastrami Burger: Grilled beef patty with smoked sliced pastrami, white American cheese with a sweet mustard/BBQ sauce. (Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters) ($11.50)
• Patriotic Molten Lava Celebration: We warm an 8 oz Chocolate Lava Cake and garnish this on a bed of raspberry topping. We’ll add 2 scoops of vanilla ice Cream, decorate with stacks of whipped cream and patriotically decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles. (Bauder’s Ice Cream) ($12)
• Patriotic Nachos: Celebrate America’s birthday with the sweetest kind of freedom! Crispy waffle chips surround a generous serving of creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with vibrant cherry and blue raspberry dips, topped with fluffy whipped cream and festive red, white, and blue star sprinkles. Served with an extra side of cherry dip for dunking every crunchy bite, this patriotic dessert is bursting with summer flavor and all-American fun! It’s the perfect treat for the Fair, fireworks and making sweet memories! (Dairy Zone LLC) ($10)
• PB & J Corndog: A Fair classic with a twist! Our famous hand-dipped corndogs get a boost of peanut butter baked right into our batter, topped with sweet strawberry or grape jelly, a dressing of peanut butter and topped with powdered sugar. We will also offer a special dipping sauce for this corndog. (Double Bacon) ($10)
• Pecan Caramel Apple Crumble Cinnamon Roll: Pecan Cinnamon roll topped with cinnamon apples, caramel, crumble and icing. (Buni’s Cinnamon Rolls) ($15)
• Pete’s Southwest Salad: Pete’s Southwest Salad is served with a choice of pork, chicken or beef along with corn, black beans, pico, cheddar/jack cheese, avocado, tortilla strips, balsamic and chipotle ranch! (Jalapeno Pete’s) ($14)
• Porky Parm Gnocchi: 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 (DG – Destination Grille) ($14)
• Porky Pileup: Fries layered with pulled BBQ Pork, mac n’ cheese, cowboy beans and topped with bacon bits. (Stockman’s Inn) ($15)
• Saigon Birria Pupusa: Inspired by the Iowa State Fair’s 2026 “Fair Spirit” theme, this dish celebrates the traditions, cultures and communities that have shaped America over the past 250 years. A golden handmade pupusa filled with pho-braised brisket and melted cheese is served with a rich hoisin birria consommé for dipping. Just as Iowa’s heritage has been built by generations of people bringing their own stories and traditions to the table, the Saigon Birria Pupusa brings Salvadoran, Vietnamese and Mexican flavors together in one dish. It is a tribute to the Fair Spirit—a celebration of unity, heritage, and the American tradition of creating something greater together. (Saigonais Cuisine) ($10)
• Scotch Egg: Hard-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned sausage, deep fried and served on a stick! (Pioneer Wagon) ($12)
• Shoyu Poke Bowl: Ahi tuna and served on a bed of rice with furikake seasoned (dried seaweed flakes). (Kama’aina Grill) ($18)
• Spam Musubi: Made of a slice of grilled, glazed Spam on a block of rice, wrapped together with a strip of nori (seaweed). (Kama’aina Grill) ($5)
• Spicy Italian Sausage Dog: Sausage link marinated in our special red sauce topped with hot giardiniera peppers and parmesan cheese on an Italian roll. (Carl’s Gizmo) ($9)
• Star Spangled Swine: Prime grade pork belly with apple chipotle rub, signature big red soda glaze; rolled in blue and white honey crystals. (Whatcha’ Smokin BBQ) ($15)
• Star-Spangled: Freshly made frybread drizzled with a sweet glaze, topped with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. (Its Dough Time) ($12)
• Strawberry Bliss: Strawberry Bliss is a strawberry lover’s dream wrapped in chocolate. It starts with a buttery shortbread cookie topped with a plump, juicy strawberry, then gets enveloped in a cloud of fluffy meringue. The entire creation is covered in creamy milk chocolate, drizzled with white chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of fresh-cut strawberries. Every bite delivers layers of crisp, creamy, fruity, and chocolatey goodness—bringing together some of the best flavors of summer in one unforgettable treat. Sweet. Decadent. Pure Berry Bliss. (Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association) ($8)
• Stuffed Tater Kegs: All the best parts of a loaded baked potato packed into the perfect handheld bite. Choose from our breakfast skillet tater keg, filled with eggs, sausage and cheddar cheese, or our vegetarian Cheese Bomb Tater Keg, loaded with creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream. Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, tater Kegs are comfort food you can enjoy any time of day. (Tater Tod and Hot Doug’s) ($10)
• Sweet Americana: Inspired by 250 years of American dessert traditions, this patriotic trio features Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Bar and Blueberry Crisp ice creams, each topped with a signature garnish: a shortcake cookie, a lemon bar square and chocolate-covered blueberries. (Over the Top) ($13)
• Tanghulu: Candied fruit on a stick (Bao Bao’s Tanghulu) ($12)
• The 1776 Liberty Bowl: A freshly baked sourdough bread bowl loaded with crispy cheese curds and French fries, then piled high with tender slow-roasted shredded beef, smothered in a rich, savory spiced gravy and topped with hand-breaded onion rings. Served with a side of sour cream for the perfect finishing touch. (Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery) ($15)
• This Little Piggy Tornado: Celebrate 250 years of America with a sweet taste of Iowa! Inspired by the classic American hot fudge sundae, This Little Piggy is a tribute to America’s heartland and the farmers who help make it great. We start with creamy vanilla ice cream, loaded with rich fudge brownie chunks, crunchy cocoa rice cereal and ribbons of hot fudge. It’s topped with chocolate whipped cream and finished with a peppermint candy pig for a playful nod to Iowa’s farming roots. Rich, nostalgic and full of Midwest charm, this muddy masterpiece blends State Fair fun with hometown pride. A celebration of American flavor, family traditions and farm-country heritage, This Little Piggy is sure to have you saying, “This little piggy went straight to the Iowa State Fair” (Dairy Zone LLC) ($12)
• Ultimate Bacon-Brisket Mac & Cheese Donut: Have you ever tried a bacon brisket mac & cheese cake donut? Our signature mac & cheese loaded with bacon and brisket, is breaded in a cake-style coating and finished with a sweet BBQ glaze. It’s topped with chopped brisket and garnished with a slice of fresh jalapeno, the perfect sweet and spicy bite. 1 for $7, or 6 for $30 (The Rib Shack) ($7)
• Ultimate Minneapple Pie: Deep fried apple pie served with vanilla and cinnamon ice cream drizzled with homemade apple syrup. (Minneapple Pie) ($14)
• Waimea Poke Bowl (Spicy Poke, Shrimp Tempura, & Shoyu Poke): Ahi tuna and served on a bed of rice with furikake seasoned (dried seaweed flakes). (Kama’aina Grill) ($23)
• Walkin’ Oreo Sundae: Bag of Oreo cookies loaded with soft serve vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Grab a spoon and enjoy this handheld treat straight from the bag. (Wonder Bars) ($9)
• Zower Sour Tanghulu: We take fresh, juicy fruit skewers and coat them in a bubbling melted sugar glaze before plunging them into an ice bath, instantly creating a glass-like candy shell around every piece. The result? A satisfying CRACK with every bite, followed by a juicy burst of sweet fruit inside. To add even MORE flavor after the signature candy shell is created, we dip the fruit stick into a tangy sour powder and roll it in colorful Nerds candy for an electrifying combo of sweet, sour, crunchy, and fruity goodness. Every bite is wildly addictive and delivers a ZAP of flavor! Making this the ULTIMATE Fair day treat that’s going to make you want more! (Bao Bao’s Tanghulu) ($14)

Past winners of Best New Fair Food