What's New - Food and Drinks

A flavorful batch of the newest Fair foods and drinks is set to debut at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.

2025 New Food Brochure

New Food Voting

Fairgoers can vote for the top 2025 top new food or try all of the new foods at the Iowa State Fair. What's your pick?

The top 3 new Fair foods will compete for the coveted 2025 Iowa State Fair People's Choice top new food.

Fairgoers can sample the top three finalists along with all the rest of the new foods and cast their vote starting Thursday, August 7 through Wednesday, August 13 at midnight. The winner will be announced Friday, August 15, during the Fair.

Vote for your favorite 2025 Fair Food!

The Scotcheroo Shake - Over The Top

Three Little Pigs - Whatcha Smokin? BBQ

Bacon Chicken Ranch Egg Roll - Winn & Sara's Kitchen

Top 3 New Food Finalists

Read below to see which top three new foods Fairgoers can vote on during Fair Sweet Fair, August 7-17. It’s the best way to start planning your Fair food adventure! Vote among the Top 3 New Food Finalists between August 7 and August 13 during the Fair, on the Official Iowa State Fair App and website.

The Scotcheroo Shake - Over The Top

Meet your new Fair favorite – a rich, creamy shake made with our handmade scotcheroo ice cream – peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream swirled with gooey scotcheroo fudge and packed with chewy chunks of the classic Midwest treat. It’s crowned with fluffy whipped cream, generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel and a full slice of scotcheroo on top. A nostalgic dessert reimagined as the ultimate Fair shake. ($12)

*Also voted Fair's Sweetest Food

Three Little Pigs – Whatcha Smokin? BBQ

Oak-kissed smoked ham balls served as a trio flight of nostalgic flavors. First is a savory and sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham ball topped with cornbread crumbles, reminiscent of a tried and true corn dog. Next is a tangy cherry soda glaze with Maraschino cherries to give it the old-timey feel. The third ham ball has a buttery vanilla glaze dusted with powdered sugar, bringing a sweet contrast that plays on the classic Fair treat. ($13)

Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll – Winn & Sara’s Kitchen

Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll: Experience the savory delight of Winn and Sara’s handmade Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll, made fresh just for the Iowa State Fair. Each eggroll is lovingly wrapped by hand, filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon and rich white cheddar cheese. A perfectly golden, crunchy exterior drizzled with Winn and Sara’s famous homemade ranch dressing. Every bite is a delightful combination of cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a crispy, flaky shell. ($15)

Best New Food Event Semi-finalists

Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket on a Stick

Blast off, buttercup! JR's SouthPork Ranch is launching something bold, juicy and downright craveable at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Say hello to the Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket on a Stick, a flavor-packed missile aimed straight at your mouth and your tastebuds.

Thick-cut sweet, dill and garlic pickle slices are stacked up with tender, smoky grilled chicken, all drizzled in a zesty ranch butter glaze and skewered like it's headed to the stars. It's chargrilled, chompable and bursting with that chicken pickle ranch combo. ($9)

Potato Half & Half Korean Corn Dog – GoldenKDog

The potato half & half has a distinct uniqueness because of the crinkle fry potatoes that are fried into the outside of our homemade dough. The inside of this kdog is half mozzarella cheese and half all beef hot dog. The kdog is then coated with a homemade batter, covered with cut french fries and panko and fried until perfectly golden. This kdog is also best eaten with one of four sauces (ketchup, mustard, sweet chili or spicy mayo). The sweet chili or spicy mayo is highly recommended, but if you are a traditionalist, ketchup and mustard are also great options! ($18)

The Butter Cow Tornado – Dairy Zone

The Butter Cow Tornado is a swirling twist of gooey butter cake drenched in butterscotch, crowned with a white-chocolate Butter Cow candy. Every bite is a mini homage to the Iowa State Fair’s beloved butter sculpture. ($10)

Sweet Granny's Apple Delight Sundae – Applishus

Granny Smith-flavored ice cream in a waffle cone bowl topped with apple filling, caramel and whipped cream. Apple cookie included. ($10)

Hawaiian Hog – Iowa Pork Producers - Iowa Pork Tent

The Hawaiian Hog is a delicious sandwich layered with shaved pork loin, creamy coleslaw, brown sugar pineapple ring and served on a bun with a side of sweet chili sauce. This fits in with Iowa Pork Producer’s current menu as pork is the star of the show! ($10)

HoQ Lamb Wrap – HoQ

Tender Iowa lamb tossed in HoQ tomato cream sauce made from Iowa tomatoes, served with Basmati rice, turmeric crème fraiche and local kale on homemade naan bread. ($18)

Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N' Cheese Pizza Slice – Wiseguys Woodfired Pizza

A white meat chicken breast with a sweet and spicy Nashville hot rub is smoked for four hours, then shredded into a mac and cheese sauce base and topped with mozzarella cheese. It’s cooked in a hickory and apple wood-fired pizza oven at 700 degrees for two minutes, until the thin crust is crispy and the cheese is golden brown. The pizza is then cut into four slices and finally topped with a secret Nashville hot sauce and a locally sourced hot honey drizzle. ($8)

Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese – What's Your Cheez

It starts with a freshly made maple bread, then topped with a maple bourbon cream cheese. Add a gourmet maple bourbon cheddar cheese and wait. A bourbon maple candied bacon is added between all the goodness, and then it’s grilled to a golden brown and served with a maple bourbon raspberry dipping sauce. ($12)

2025 New Food List

Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll: A crispy, golden eggroll packed with tender chicken, bacon, white cheddar and drizzled with their famous ranch. (Winn & Sara’s Kitchen) ($15)
Bacon Popcorn: Smoky bacon bits with crunchy, buttery popcorn. (Zag’s Popcorn) ($8)
Beignets - 2 Ct.: Fluffy, deep-fried pastries generously dusted with powdered sugar. (Beans & Beignets, LLC) ($6)
Big Acai Sorbet Flight: A sorbet flight featuring different sorbet flavors topped with a variety of different toppings, including granola, banana, strawberry, pineapple, blueberry, peanut butter, cacao drizzle and vanilla chia pudding. (Big Acai Bowl) ($15)
Brisket Tenderloin: Breaded beef tenderloin made from fresh beef; deep fried and topped with a special sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Served on a golden sesame seed bun. (The Rib Shack) ($12)
Butter Beer Cone: Creamy butterscotch-flavored soft serve swirled into a waffle cone. (Coney Corner) ($5)
Cafe Colada Funnel Cake: Traditional funnel cake topped with powdered sugar, a rich colada icing (made with Cuban coffee!) and a streusel sprinkle. (McGrath’s Funnel Cakes) ($13)
Cannoli (Hagar's Hoagies) ($4; 2 for $7)
Capn Crunch Berry Funnel Cakes: Golden funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar and topped with crunchy, colorful Capn Crunch Berry cereal. (Jada’s Funnel Cake) ($12)
Caramel Apple Delight: Caramel apple candy melted inside a sweet Belgian waffle, topped with cinnamon sugar and caramel sauce. Served on a stick. (Waffle Chix) ($8)
Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich: Crispy fried chicken and a fried egg between waffles, drizzled with maple syrup. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($11)
Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket On A Stick: Thick-cut sweet, dill, and garlic pickles stacked with smoky grilled chicken, drizzled in a zesty ranch butter glaze and skewered. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($9)
Chicken Spiedini On A Stick: Tender, marinated chicken breast rolled in Italian breadcrumbs and smoked. Served with a flavorful Amogio sauce, on a stick. (The Bud Tent) ($12)
Choc-O-Taters: Chocolate-dipped treat with a surprise center: a silky blend of mashed potatoes, shredded coconut and powdered sugar. All handmade, chilled and dunked in smooth dark chocolate, and topped with a raspberry and lemon drizzle. (Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association) ($7)
Chocolate Chip Storm Tornado: Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with rich chocolate chips. (Dairy Zone) ($10)
Classic Korean Corn Dog: Skewered sausage and cheese stick coated in a sweet and savory batter, topped with ketchup and mustard. (GoldenKDog) ($16)
Cookies N Cream Ice Cream Bar: Creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with crunchy chocolate cookie pieces. (Dough Crazy) ($7)
Craft Link On A Stick: Sausage links served on a stick. (Whatcha Smokin? BBQ) ($8)
Deep Fried Banana S’mores: Warm bananas and melted chocolate wrapped in a crispy, golden batter. (Taylor Concessions) ($7)
Deep Fried PBJ with Nutella: Peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut fried in a homemade batter. Topped with powdered sugar and Nutella drizzle. (The Bird's Nest) ($10)
Double Bacon Cheese Burger Balls: Ground beef, pickle, ketchup and mustard meatballs stuffed with cheddar cheese, wrapped in bacon, rotisserie smoked and served with a secret burger sauce. (Bacon Box) ($8)
Fairgrounds Fiesta Wonton: Egg salad, fresh jalapenos, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar and zesty seasoning folded into a giant wonton shell. Fried ‘til golden brown, drizzled with hot honey and finished with a pico de gallo. (Cluckin’ Coop) ($10)
Flamin' Hot Pickle Pizza: A twist to the Garlic Ranch Pickle Pizza, topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust. (Leimon’s Pizzeria) ($9)
Flaming Hot Cheetos Fries: Fries coated with spicy, tangy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos seasoning. (Taylor Concessions) ($10)
Footlong Hot Cheetos Corn Dog: A footlong corn dog dipped in nacho cheese and rolled in Hot Cheeto crumbles. (Smith's) ($12)
Freeze Dried Fruit Mix: Light, crispy blend of assorted freeze-dried fruits. (Jack Frost Freeze Dried Treats) ($8)
Fried Banana Cream Pie: A banana dipped in batter and fried, topped with powdered sugar and chocolate. (Taylor Concessions) ($7)
Full Mozzarella Korean Corn Dog: Skewered cheese stick coated in a sweet and savory batter, topped with ketchup and mustard. (GoldenKDog) ($16)
Golden Fried Corn On The Cob Strips (Battered, Seasoned): Battered, crispy, golden corn on the cob strips offering a light, hickory-smoked flavor. (The Veggie-Table) ($10)
Green Apple Cream Slush: Frosty green apple slush topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. (Wonder Bars) ($9)
Hawaiian Hog: Layers of shaved pork loin, creamy coleslaw and a brown sugar pineapple ring on a bun, served with sweet chili sauce. (Iowa Pork Producers – Iowa Pork Tent) ($10)
High Roller Roll: Lobster Roll topped with caviar and edible gold leaf. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($100)
High Roller Roll Combo: Two Lobster Rolls topped with caviar, adorned with edible gold leaf and served with Dom Perignon champagne. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($600)
Holy Doughly: Two jumbo-sized chocolate and cream-filled cookies, stuffed with a scoop of cookies and cream cookie dough. (Dough Crazy) ($9)
HoQ Wrap (Chicken, Lamb Or Tofu): The HoQ Lamb Wrap features tender Iowa lamb, chicken or tofu in a tomato cream sauce with Basmati rice, turmeric crème fraîche and local kale, all wrapped in HoQ’s homemade naan. (HoQ) (Lamb: $18; Chicken: $16; Tofu: $15)
Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Corn Dogs (Arnold’s Concessions Brat Haus) ($9)
Italian Grinder (Hagar's Hoagies) ($12)
Jalapeno Popper Egg Salad: Blend of eggs, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños (Cluckin’ Coop) ($4)
JR's Bacon Wrangler BLT: A BLT stacked with a half-pound of bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($13)
Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream Single Scoop (Over The Top) ($6)
Loaded Cowboy Fries: Thick-cut fries perfect for dipping in melted cheese and crispy bacon bits. (Pioneer Wagon) ($13)
Lobster Biscuits & Gravy: Cheesy biscuit smothered in rich, buttery lobster gravy. (JR’s SouthPork Ranch) ($12)
Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese: Maple bread layered with maple bourbon cream cheese, gourmet maple bourbon cheddar and maple bourbon candied bacon, then grilled. Served with a maple bourbon raspberry dipping sauce. (What’s Your Cheez?) ($12)
Maple Bacon Flavored Cheese Curds: Fresh white cheddar cheese curds marinated in maple bacon flavor, hand battered, deep fried, and served hot and fresh. (Brad and Harry's Cheese Curds) ($9)
Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N' Cheese Pizza Slice: Smoky, shredded chicken with a sweet and spicy rub, mac n' cheese sauce base, melted mozzarella and a crispy thin crust, with secret hot sauce and local hot honey drizzle. (Wiseguys Woodfired Pizza) ($8)
Oatmeal Cream Pie: Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiching a sweet, creamy vanilla filling. (Whatcha Smokin? BBQ) ($8)
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake: Rich cheesecake infused with smooth peanut butter and swirled with chocolate peanut butter cups. (Dough Crazy) ($8)
Philly Cheese Steak Twisters: Potato twisters fried, then loaded with thin sliced steak, grilled onions and Monterey Jack cheese. (Grater Taters) ($12)
Potato Half & Half Korean Corn Dog: Crispy crinkle fries fried into golden batter, wrapped around half mozzarella and half all-beef hot dog with four dipping sauces (including sweet chili and spicy mayo). (GoldenKDog) ($18)
Praline Crunch Caramel Sundae: A sundae layered with chocolate granola crunch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel topping, honey graham granola crunch, vanilla ice cream topped with caramel and pralines, granola crunch and a vanilla chocolate wafer. (Bauder’s Ice Cream) ($10)
Saigon Lobster Bomb: A sliced French baguette coated in a seasoned batter with lobster, then fried. Served with house hoisin sauce and sriracha. (Saigonais) ($18)
Smoked Meatloaf Platter: A blend of brisket, short rib and ground chuck, grilled with a Boursin cheddar blend, then slow smoked and topped with a housemade sweet and savory bourbon glaze. Garnished with thin-cut onion rings and served with cheesy potatoes and country slaw. (Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery) ($16)
S'mores Ice Cream Sandwich: Marshmallow and chocolate ice cream nestled between two graham cracker cookies. (Dough Crazy) ($7)
Soy On A Stick (Fried): Protein-packed soy skewered on a stick. (The Veggie-Table) ($9)
State Fair Sweet Crunch: Fresh butter popcorn loaded with M&Ms, sprinkled and pretzels, covered with a chocolate drizzle. (Yum Yum Shoppe) ($10)
Steak Tips Gnocchi: Gluten free gnocchi tossed in rich, house made cheese blend topped with seared steak tips and finished with shaven Parmesan. (Destination Grille) ($14)
Strawberry Cheesecake Roasted Pecans Small Cone: Pecans with a strawberry flavor (The Nut Farm) ($8)
Strawberry Kettle Korn: Sweet and salty popcorn coated in a strawberry-infused glaze. (Olde Tyme Kettle Korn) ($8)
Surf N Turf: Paired combo of our Lobster Corn Dog with Steak Tip Gnocchi for the ultimate land and sea combo. (Destination Grille) ($30)
Sweet Granny's Apple Delight Sundae: Granny Smith-flavored ice cream in a waffle cone bowl topped with apple filling, caramel and whipped cream. Apple cookie included. (Applishus) ($10)
Sweet Swine Stack Attack: Barksdale’s State Fair Chocolate Chip cookies, cheese curds and bacon loaded between two slices of grilled sourdough bread. (Bubbly Bar) ($15)
The Butcher's Donut: Gluten-free donut made with bacon, ground beef, Graziano sausage and spices, rolled in crispy rice puffs, fried, and topped with BBQ glaze, queso and chives. Served on a bed of crunchy corn tortilla chips. (Destination Grille) ($12)
The Butter Cow Tornado: A swirling twist of gooey butter cake drenched in butterscotch, crowned with a white-chocolate Butter Cow candy. (Dairy Zone) ($10)
The Scotcheroo Shake: A rich, creamy shake made with handmade peanut butter–butterscotch scotcheroo ice cream, swirled with fudge, packed with chewy chunks, and topped with whipped cream, caramel, chocolate and a full slice of scotcheroo. (Over The Top) ($12)
Thelma's Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich: Chewy lemon cookies with a deep purple blueberry ice cream in the middle of the sandwich. (Thelma’s) ($5)
Three Little Pigs: A trio of oak-smoked ham balls: honey mustard with cornbread crumbles, cherry soda with Maraschino cherries, and a vanilla glaze dusted with powdered sugar. (Whatcha Smokin? BBQ) ($13)
Voodoo Fries: Battered salt and pepper fries topped with chili pepper queso, bacon, ranch, black magic seasoning and chives. (Po-Boys) ($12)

2025 New Drinks

Cheers to something new—Fairgoers can sip their way through a lineup of new drinks at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, set for August 7-17. This year’s selection includes both alcohol-free and alcohol options, giving everyone something to toast.

Fairgoers can cast their vote on the Official Iowa State Fair App, Aug. 7-13. The winning alcohol and alcohol-free drink will be announced alongside the People’s Choice Best New Food on Friday, August 15.

New Drinks - Alcohol-free

*Apple Pie Float (Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Assoc.)
*Blue Bird Latte: A sweet flight of flavor! Espresso meets honey and blueberry syrup for a smooth, cheerful sip that’s as bright as a spring morning. (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
*Buckin' Berry Lemonade: The Buckin' Berry Lemonade kicks up the flavor with a bold blend of fresh lemonade, homemade cinnamon hibiscus simple syrup, and a wild mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Sweet, tart, and spiced just right - it's the perfect refreshment to wrangle the heat. (Destination Grille)
*Cotton Candy Frappe: A frozen sweet, decaffeinated drink with blue cotton candy flavoring, available with whipped topping and cotton candy garnish. ($6) (Biscuit Bar)
*Cotton Candy Soda Pop: The sparkling essence of Fair Sweet Fair. It's a fizzy pink delight that shimmers with edible glitter, turning every sip into a moment of pure magic. (The Veggie-Table)
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Lemon Water (Lemonade)
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Lemonade with Stevia (Lemonade)
*Fountain Fizz: A new take on a classic dirty soda, made with spicy cherry soda, coconut flavoring, cream, and a cherry on top. (McConnell's Old Fashion Fountain Service)
Frozen Berry Tilt: Get ready to chill and thrill! This icy blast of Tilt Nitro Energy swirled with bold blue raspberry syrup is frozen to perfection for an electrifying burst of berry-fueled refreshment! (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
Frozen Hot Chocolate: All the cozy vibes, served ice cold! A rich, creamy chocolate treat blended to frosty perfection! (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
Frozen Peach Mango Refresher (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
Frozen Strawberry Acai Refresher: A frosty, fruity blast of strawberry and açaí that’s as cool as it is crave-worthy! (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
Frozen Tilt Nitro Energy: Bold. Icy. Electric. This frozen blast of Tilt Nitro packs a punch that'll keep you cool and unstoppable! (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
*Hawaiian Energy: Hand-crafted sparkling Hawaiian Punch energy drink. A blend of Hawaiian flavors paired with Lotus plant-based energy drink. (The Bird's Nest)
*HoQ Mint Tea: Organic, fair-trade iced mint black tea with a touch of local honey for sweetness (contains caffeine). (HoQ)
*Iowa Sunset Drink: Just like a sunset, this drink layers fresh-squeezed orange juice, a splash of grenadine and Starry soda. (Taylor Concessions)
*Kona Ice Blended: Tropical Breeze: Ride the flavor wave with this 100% real fruit smoothie! Bursting with island vibes, it’s a cool, refreshing blend of tropical goodness in every sip! (Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona)
*Liquid IV® Firework Spot Fizz: 16oz charged bubbly water with Liquid IV firecracker and a berry-scented bubble on top. (Bubbly Bar)
*Mulberry Spritzer Mocktail: Our housemade mulberry simple syrup, a splash of sour, a little starry, squeeze of lime and a lime garnish. (Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery)
*One In A Melon: Ice cold Sprite with watermelon and twisted lime syrups, topped with a refreshing watermelon lime popsicle. (Po-Boys)
*Pickle State Fair Lemonade: Campbell's original State Fair lemonade with a splash of pickle juice and two pickle slices. It's refreshing, sweet and tart. (Campbell's Corn Dogs and Lemonade)
*Pickled Pink: Pickled Pink is a refreshing new take on a traditional summer favorite. We combine deliciously sweet pink lemonade with tangy pickle juice to create a perfectly balanced medley of summertime flavors to please your taste buds and quench you thirst. (Pickle Dawg and Footlongs)
*Pink Dragon: Ice cold Sprite with dragon fruit syrup, topped with Cool Whip and Nerds candy. (Wonder Bars)
*Shaken Iced Tea Sweetened With Apple Juice: Our sun tea with our apple slush, shaken. (Applishus)
*State Fair Stinger: Ice cold brew, whipped espresso honey, a splash of cream and a dash of spice and sweet in the best way! A cool and refreshing kick of caffeine with a hint of heat! (Beans & Beignets, LLC)
*Watermelon Lemonade: A refreshing summer beverage, combining the sweet, juicy taste of watermelon on with a tartness of lemon. (Jada's Funnel Cake)

New Drinks - Alcohol

*Pink Pony Cooler: Barn Town has done it again with their Pink Guava Sour, a gluten-free sour brewed with pink guava and agave, we then mix it with their Cotton Candy Sour, bringing you the Pink Pony Cooler. (JR's SouthPork Ranch)
*Cowgirl Punch: Tons of tropical fruit and a solid punch, best served over ice! (The Bud Tent)
Eastside Punch Seltzer: Fruit punch-flavored seltzer (The Depot)
Funnel Cake Beer: Exile Brewing (The Depot)
*Galaxy Groove: This award-winning Sam Adams APA bursts with tropical aromas and flavors from the Australian Galaxy hop, topped with smoky bubbles. And of course, no space beer is complete without a space rubber ducky sidekick! (Bubbly Bar)
*Hawaiiowan Hype: Take a refreshing sip of our tropical punch GF sour made with pineapple and passionfruit juices, coming together to form the perfect poolside crusher; from Barntown Brewing. (The Bird's Nest)
Mini Donut Beer: Exile Brewing (The Depot)
*Mulberry Mule: Our house-made Mulberry simple syrup, splash of sour little ginger ale, squeeze of fresh lime, and blended with our wine-based gin - then garnished with a lime wedge and a blackberry garnish. (Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery)
*State Fair Nerds Beer: A perfect blend of sweet and sour, this GF sour tastes just like a handful of the colorful little candies. (The Depot)
*The Yellowstone: The Yellowstone is a refreshing blend of tangy grapefruit juice poured over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime. A slice of grapefruit, dipped in tajín, adds a zesty kick, while a drop of golden honey at the bottom creates the signature “yellow stone” effect. (Old West Roadhouse BBQ)

*Denotes drink item entered in New Drink contest, available on the Iowa State Fair app August 7-13, 2025. Winners of the New Drink Contest (Alcohol-free and Alcohol) will be announced Friday, August 15.

Please remember to be responsible when trying the new drinks!

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