Iowa State Fair's top new foods: The good, the bad and the ugly
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Lobster corn dog, chips and dip balls and a fried Uncrustable. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios
The Iowa State Fair released 11 of its best new foods in 2024 on Tuesday, which will take visitors on a culinary journey — from a bacon cheeseburger eggroll to a creative spin on AE Dairy chips and dip.
The big picture: I got to try the new foods as a member of the local judging panel at the fairgrounds Tuesday.
- In total, there are 84 new foods at the 2024 fair, but judges narrowed the finalists to three: the Bacon cheeseburger eggroll, lobster corn dog and Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll.
- The ultimate winner will be determined by fairgoers in August.
State of play: I judged each dish on its "fair factor" — does it have a fun twist and make you say, "only at the Iowa State Fair?" — as well as taste.
- Here are my (very subjective) thoughts on some of the new foods, in alphabetical order:
Bacon cheeseburger eggroll — Winn and Sara's Kitchen
What it is: Take the ingredients of a cheeseburger and fry it in an eggroll There's ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, pickles, smoked bacon and Winn's "burger sauce" ($12).
What I liked: It was savory and crispy. Eating a cheeseburger while wandering the fair is hard, but the eggroll delivery method lets me walk and chomp.
What could improve: I'm used to paying less for an eggroll, but I'm not bent on this since a cheeseburger can cost $12.
Fair factor: 4/5 — it's a creative twist.
Where to find it: Near the Iowa Craft Beer Tent.
Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco — Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association
What it is: Cinnamon-sugar-coated tortillas with vanilla ice cream and apples ($6.50).
What I liked: This would be a delicious, sweet cool down on a hot fair day.
What could improve: It's hard to eat as an actual taco. You'll want to eat the ice cream with a spoon and then bite into the shell.
Fair factor: 4/5 — very creative! Try to make that, Taco Bell!
Where to find it: Inside the Agriculture Building.
Dough-cho — Dough Crazy
What it is: Cookie dough nachos! Waffle cone chips, chocolate chip cookie dough, brownie bites, vanilla cream, chocolate drizzle and whipped cream ($11).
What I liked: It's pretty hard not to like any of those ingredients.
What could improve: You definitely have to be a cookie dough fan to like this (obviously.)
Fair factor: 4/5 — This doesn't win my heart over like the creativity of cookie dough spaghetti, but it definitely tries.
Where to find it: The Livestock Pavilion.
Funnel Cake Burger — Jada's Concessions
What it is: Replace burger buns with funnel cake and take a bite! There's also bacon and nacho cheese ($20).
What I liked: The warm, melty cheese. If you don't like sweet and savory, don't worry — the funnel cake wasn't sugary.
What could improve: $20 is pricey.
Fair factor: 5/5 — This is a quintessential "only at the fair" food.
Where to find it: Near Susan Knapp Amphitheater.
Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll — Whatcha' Smokin'
What it is: It's the most Iowan sushi roll without the seafood. You get a pork tenderloin roll stuffed with rice, jalapeno cream corn, queso and barbecue sauce. The roll is topped with poblano ranch, barbecue sauce, sesame seeds and green onions ($14).
What I liked: The presentation was fantastic and looked like it belonged in a sushi restaurant. It was easy to eat and filling.
What could improve: I didn't taste much of the sauce.
Fair factor: A big time 5/5. I thought it was the most creative dish I tried.
Where to find it: Near the Iowa Craft Beer Tent.
Lemonade Donut Drops — Snack Box
What it is: Lemon-flavored donut holes ($6).
What I liked: I'm a mini donuts kinda gal and these fill that spot with a light, citrus twist that gives some elegance to the grease.
What could improve: It's not a wacky, creative food, but it's solid.
Fair factor: 2/5 — Pretty normal!
Where to find it: Inside Pioneer Hall.
Lobster Corn Dog — Destination Grille
What it is: A 6 oz. full North Atlantic lobster tail that's hand battered and lightly fried. Topped with lemon aioli, fresh parmesan, chives and paprika.
What I liked: This was my favorite new food. There was a full, meaty lobster tail with a light, crisp tempura touch. The aioli gave me the slight citrus taste I crave with seafood. This was an elevated, adult fair food.
What could improve: The lobster was slightly more cooked than I prefer.
Fair factor: 4/5
Where to find it: Near the Iowa Craft Beer Tent.
Deep-fried Uncrustable PB&J — The Bird's Nest
What it is: Grape or strawberry Smucker's Uncrustables, topped with powdered sugar and a honey drizzle ($9.
What I liked: If you're vegetarian and craving something fried, this is for you.
What could improve: Veggie Table serves something similar, but on a stick and with less breading, which I prefer.
Fair factor: 2/5
Where to find it: Near MidAmerican Stage.
Party Ball — JR's Southpork Ranch
What it is: Frozen AE Dairy party dip that is wrapped and fried with hashbrowns, cheddar, bacon and breaded with potato flakes and chips (three for $10).
What I liked: You really can't get more Iowan than A&E, plus it's just a fun dish to eat! The cheesy hashbrowns inside reminded me of a cozy potato casserole.
What could improve: Since the dish is fried, it would be great to have a tiny side of party dip to dunk it in and give it some tang.
Fair factor: 5/5 — It takes chips and dip to a different level.
Where to find it: Across from the Livestock Pavilion.
Piggy in a Donut — Biscuit Bar
What it is: A sausage link, dipped in doughnut batter, fried and rolled in sugar. Served with a side of syrup or a slightly spicy "secrete sauce" ($8).
What I liked: It's easy to eat if you want breakfast on the go.
What could improve: It's a simple, classic breakfast food. That's good or bad depending on what you're wanting.
Fair factor: 2/5
Where to find it: North of Varied Industries.
Tipsy Peach — Bubbly Bar and Bistro
What it is: A sugar waffle with sangria-soaked peaches, lemon Mascarpone cream and a sprig of thyme ($13).
What I liked: It's an elevated, adult dessert. MasterChef winner Grant Gillon also helped make it, which is a fun fact to tell your friends.
What could improve: More Mascarpone!
Fair factor: 3/5 — it's nothing too wild.
Where to find it: Near Grandfather's Barn at the top of the hill.