Let’s be honest, the moment the Minnesota State Fair announces its new foods, calendars are marked, and group chats ignite. It’s a feeling woven from nostalgia, community, and the promise of pure, unadulterated indulgence. It’s the singular magic of the Minnesota State Fair, and it sparks more debates than the Vikings-Packers game. The rides may thrill and the concerts echo for miles, but for many of us the heart of the fair beats in the sizzling oil of a deep fryer and the creative minds in a food stall. This isn’t just a menu; it’s a 12-day challenge, an adventure of glorious gluttony. It’s a checklist we pour over and then pour over a few more times, a battle plan we strategize, all in the name of flavor.
For 2025, the culinary imagination is running wild with a whopping 33 new foods and eight new vendors making their debut. From brilliant global fusions served in a paper boat to comforting, cheesy classics piled high on a stick, it’s a testament to the vibrant, diverse, and endlessly inventive spirit of Minnesota. There’s a new and exciting adventure waiting for every palate, and we’re about to go over every single stop along the way. So, grab your comfiest walking shoes, loosen your belt and ready your appetite. Your ultimate guide to the new food debuting at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair starts now.
The Official New Foods of the 2025 Minnesota State Fair (A-Z)
Afro Bean Pops at Afro Deli
A delightful taste of East African cuisine comes to the fair with these savory, deep-fried bites. Made from a flavorful blend of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and various seasonings, these pops are a perfect snack. They are served with a zesty red chili sauce over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing crunch.
Athena’s Whipped Feta at Dino’s Gyros
Get ready for a taste of the Mediterranean! This dish features creamy whipped feta cheese topped with schug, a vibrant Middle Eastern green sauce crafted from jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and fresh herbs. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with crunchy toasted wild rice, it’s served with perfectly seasoned, deep-fried pita bread for dipping.
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick at Kora & Mila’s Cookie Dough
For those with a sweet tooth, this is a dream come true. Imagine cake batter-flavored cookie dough, made from scratch, then dipped in a crunchy cake confetti shell. Topped with a cascade of rainbow sprinkles and served on a stick, it’s a portable party and a sweet treat all in one.
Bison Meatball Sub at Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop
A hearty and truly Minnesotan creation, this sub is packed with flavor. It features bison and bacon meatballs from local Minnesota farms – Eichten’s Bison and Hidden Stream Farm – smothered in a rich bison gravy. The sub is then topped with quick-pickled cucumbers, crispy fried onions, and a dollop of sour cream, all served on a toasted wild rice hoagie. If you’re seeking a somewhat lighter, non-deep-fried meal, this is looking like a great option!
Cannoli Gelato Nachos at Mancini’s al Fresco
This dessert is an Italian-inspired masterpiece that would make Michelangelo jealous. Crispy, sweet cannoli chips are generously topped with a scoop of creamy cannoli-flavored gelato. Finished with a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce, a shower of rainbow sprinkles, and a classic cherry on top, it’s a delightful and shareable treat.
Caprese Curds at LuLu’s Public House
A brilliant fusion of two beloved classics, these are fresh mozzarella cheese curds, breaded with Italian seasonings and deep-fried to golden perfection. They are served over a bright, fresh bruschetta mix of tomatoes and basil, drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze, and come with a side of crostini for ultimate scooping. Ciao bella!
Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float at Tasti Whip
Cool down with this vibrantly colored and refreshing float. It starts with tart limeade juice and is topped with a generous swirl of sweet cherry Dole Soft Serve. Garnished with a fresh lime slice and a cherry, it’s the perfect way to beat the late-summer heat that you’re sure to encounter at the fair.
Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries at Soul Bowl
Yes, you read that right. Hearty beef bacon strips are double breaded in a light tempura flour and fried until perfectly crisp. These “fries” are then garnished with fresh parsley and served in a convenient cup with your choice of two dipping sauces: the sweet and spicy Cashville Hot or the savory MN-ice ranch.
Cinna-sugar Crust Tidbits at Sara’s Tipsy Pies
A simple yet addictive treat, these tidbits are made from freshly baked, flaky pie crust strips that are generously coated in cinnamon and sugar. They are served warm with a side of decadent, whiskey-flavored caramel dipping sauce, making for a perfectly comforting and sweet snack that brings you right back to Grandma’s kitchen.
Croffle Cloud at Spinning Wylde
Experience the pastry that’s taking the world by storm! A buttery croissant is pressed in a waffle iron to create the perfect “croffle.” It’s then topped with fresh whipped sweet cream, a drizzle of fruit puree, and crowned with a whimsical cloud of cotton candy. After all, what’s a visit to the fair without some cotton candy?
Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites at Rooted & Wild (Snack House)
A game-changer for vegans and tofu-skeptics alike! These bites of breaded tofu are deep-fried until golden and then tossed in a tantalizingly tangy and spicy “tofuego” sauce. Served on a bed of pineapple and napa cabbage slaw and topped with sesame seeds and scallions, this dish looks to be a complex and exciting flavor bomb.
Dill Pickle Iced Tea at Loon Lake Iced Tea
For the pickle lovers, a new champion has arrived. Freshly brewed black tea is infused with a bold dill pickle flavor, served with a crunchy dill pickle spear. The glass is garnished with a tantalizing rim of chamoy (a deliciously sweet, sour, spicy and salty Mexican sauce made from pickled fruit, chiles, and lime), Tajín, salt, and dill for a savory, tangy, and unforgettable beverage experience that you may find yourself going back for refills of.
Fawaffle at BABA’S
This innovative creation takes a traditional Middle Eastern falafel—a fritter of chickpeas and herbs—and presses it in a waffle iron. The resulting “fawaffle” is then topped with a unique tahini butter, cherry tomatoes, traditional hummus, and a spicy green shatta (traditional Middle Eastern hot sauce made from fresh chili peppers, salt and olive oil, and typically includes garlic, vinegar and herbs) sauce.
Flauta Dippers at El Burrito Mercado
A fun and convenient way to enjoy a Mexican classic. Seasoned shredded chicken is stuffed into corn tortillas, which are then rolled and fried until crispy. These flautas are served upright in a cup filled with a mild tomatillo salsa, cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of salty cotija cheese for easy dipping. Perfect for walking around and snacking.
Freaky Fryday at The Herbivorous Butcher
Just in time for Lindsay Lohan’s newest movie, the masters of plant-based meats are back with a mind-bendingly delicious offering. This dish features chicken-fried vegan bacon served alongside bacon-infused vegan fried chicken strips. You can get it plain or with a variety of fun toppings, including a sweet maple donut crumble or a savory pickle ranch seasoning.
Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog at West End Creamery
A truly heartwarming dessert, this treat takes a generous slice of Grandma Doreen’s classic Coffee Cake and sandwiches it around creamy vanilla ice cream from the Minnesota Dairy Lab. Served conveniently on-a-stick, it’s a nostalgic and delicious bite that feels like a hug from grandma.
Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream at Granny’s Apples + Lemonade
Get ready for a pucker-up, sweet-and-sour sensation! This dessert features a vibrant, tart green apple ice cream swirled with rich caramel, perfectly capturing the flavor of a classic caramel apple sucker. Served in a cup, it’s a refreshing and tangy treat for a hot fair day.
Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut at Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts
A perfect marriage of sweet, savory, and spicy! This daring creation starts with a fluffy, yeast-raised donut that’s frosted with a creamy jalapeño cream cheese. It’s then topped with crispy bacon, tangy pickled jalapeños, and finished with a generous drizzle of trendy hot honey.
Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz at Green Mill
Green Mill has done it again with this irresistible creation. They take their signature pizza dough and stuff it with gooey cheese curds, savory pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese. After being brushed with garlic butter, these “Ballzz” are topped with more pepperoni and a drizzle of hot honey for a delectable bite.
Greater Tater at a new vendor, Greater Tater
This new vendor is all about the potato! Their signature item, “Tater Kegs,” are giant tater tots stuffed with savory fillings. There are five flavors available: Bacon Cheddar, Bacon Jalapeño, Breakfast Skillet, Cheese Bomb, and Reuben. All Tater Kegs are also gluten free, making Greater Tater a must-visit for any potato enthusiast.
Hula Kalua Pork at RC’s BBQ
Say aloha to your new favorite pork dish. Slow-smoked pork collar is caramelized with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian barbecue sauce, taking inspiration from traditional Kalua pork. It’s served atop a charred banana leaf with banana chips and Japanese quick-pickled cucumbers on the side, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Hawaiian leis not included.
Land of 10,000 Cakes at Bridgeman’s Ice Cream
Why have one cake when you can have three? This magnificent sundae features Bridgeman’s Butter Brittle Ice Cream layered with a trio of mini cupcakes from the celebrated Nadia Cakes: the decadent Crème brûlée, the unique Loaded Pistachio, and the rich Chocolate Bliss. It’s all crowned with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream.
Patisserie Sweets in Two Varieties at Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop
Elevating fair food to an art form, Patisserie 46 brings two exquisite pastries. First, an Apple Glaze pull-apart donut made with local Honeycrisp apples, a brown sugar pecan streusel, and a delicate orange blossom maple glaze. Prepare for a second, equally delightful, sweet from this esteemed bakery.
Pimento Cheese Puffs at Shanghai Henri’s
A Southern classic gets a state fair twist. A creamy blend of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers is wrapped in flaky puff pastry and deep-fried until golden brown. These savory puffs are served with a side of sweet and spicy pepper jelly for the perfect flavor combination. I’ll take several, please.
Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos at Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos
It’s the mashup you never knew you needed. A crispy, crunchy flour taco shell is filled with all the classic pizza flavors: pepperoni, sausage, and special pizza-flavored fried cheese curds. It’s all topped off with a splash of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Backup, this could get messy.
Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings at O’Gara’s at the Fair
These dumplings are a true treasure. They feature a savory filling of cheesy garlic mashed potatoes folded into flaky dumpling dough and then deep-fried. They’re served with a side of original chive and onion dip, making for a rich and comforting snack. No haggling with leprechauns required for these Pots of Gold.
Sambusas at Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa
A new vendor is bringing this iconic Somali street food to the fair. Sambusas are savory pastries with a flaky, thin crust and a delicious filling. Expect traditional options like seasoned beef or lentil, perfect for a flavorful, hand-held snack as you wander the fairgrounds.
Shrimp & Pork Toast On-A-Stick at Union Hmong Kitchen
Chef Yia Vang brings yet another Hmong-inspired delicacy to the fair. This dish features a savory mixture of ground pork and shrimp blended with aromatics like lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and Thai chilis. The mixture is spread on Texas toast, deep-fried, and served on a stick with a side of apricot jelly hot sauce. This is sure to be a fan favorite.
Smashadilla at The Gass Station Grill
Two favorites, the quesadilla and the smash burger, collide in this brilliant new item. A flour tortilla is loaded with seasoned ground beef and melty Gouda cheese, then grilled flat. It’s folded and dressed just like a classic burger with caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, and a secret special sauce.
Somali Street Fries at Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa
A vibrant and flavor-packed dish available for a limited time! These crispy fries are generously topped with spiced beef suqaar, a medley of fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs. The dish is finished with a duo of sauces—a creamy white garlic sauce and a spicy green jalapeño hot sauce. (Available Aug. 21-26 only)
Sweet Squeakers at The Blue Barn
The iconic cheese curd gets a sweet and fluffy makeover. Fresh white cheddar cheese curds are enveloped in a sweet funnel cake batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then topped with a dollop of bright lemon whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet berry sauce.
Tandoori Chicken Quesaratha at Holy Land
A fantastic fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors! Tender chicken seasoned with tandoori spices, onions, and peppers is wrapped in a paratha flatbread, then grilled. It’s served with a cooling avocado cilantro lime sauce on the side, creating a uniquely delicious and satisfying meal.
Timber Twists at Giggles’ Campfire Grill
A true campfire feast! This savory creation features a rich filling of Italian sausage, mozzarella, and cream cheese, all seasoned with a special barbecue rub. The mixture is piped into three large manicotti shells, which are then wrapped in bacon and slow-cooked in a wood-fired smoker for ultimate flavor.
Triple Chocolate Mini Donuts at Solem’s Cheese Curds & Mini Donuts
For the ultimate chocolate lover! This dessert takes the classic mini donut and dials the chocolate up to eleven. Freshly made chocolate mini donuts are dusted with powdered sugar and then lavishly topped with chocolate icing, chocolate sprinkles, and mini milk chocolate chips.
Uncrustaburger at Coasters
Get ready for a wild ride of sweet and savory. This unforgettable creation takes a juicy hamburger patty and tops it with cheese, pickles, and a special sauce. It’s then sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter and grape jelly Uncrustables® for a truly unique and talk-about-it-all-day burger experience. Just make sure to grab plenty of napkins, as this looks to be quite the eating endeavor.
Meet the New Vendors for 2025
Beans & Beignets
Making their debut at the fair, this vendor will be your go-to spot for classic, pillowy beignets, dusted generously with powdered sugar. They will also serve a variety of hot and iced beverages to pair perfectly with your sweet treat.
Chocolate Strawberry Cup
A simple concept, executed to perfection. This new stand offers cups of fresh, juicy strawberries that you can customize with a variety of delicious toppings, including their must-try specialty, the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup.
Greater Tater (mentioned above)
A new destination for potato lovers, Greater Tater is dedicated to the art of the tot. This vendor specializes in “Tater Kegs”—jumbo tater tots that are deep-fried to a perfect golden brown and come stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings.
Lumpia City
Get ready to experience the beloved Filipino spring roll, the lumpia, like never before. Lumpia City is serving up traditional style lumpia alongside creative and fun fusion flavors, like the intriguing Pizza Lumpia.
Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes
Prepare to be mesmerized by this traditional Hungarian pastry. Chimney cakes are rotisserie-baked, giving them a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. At Magdalena’s, you can get them filled with ice cream and a variety of toppings.
Midtown Global Market’s Irie Jamaican
Bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to the fair for a limited time, Irie Jamaican will be serving up authentic dishes full of soul. Look for rich and tender oxtail, sweet plantains, and delicious coconut shrimp skewers. (Available Aug. 27-Sept. 1 only)
Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa (Somali Street Fries and Sambusas mentioned above)
This new booth brings two beloved Midtown Global Market vendors together to showcase the vibrant flavors of Somalia. For a limited time, they will be serving up traditional, crispy sambusas with savory fillings, as well as the brand new, must-try Somali Street Fries. (Available Aug. 21-26 only)
Urban Glow by Urban Growler
From the creative minds at St. Paul’s Urban Growler Brewing Company comes Urban Glow, a new vendor dedicated exclusively to craft non-alcoholic beverages. Expect a rotating menu of inventive and refreshing mocktails made with the same care and quality ingredients as their beloved beers.
What I’m Most Excited For
As someone that typically skips the sweets, my eyes naturally find themselves focusing on the savory side of the menu, and this year’s list is looking particularly exciting to me. As a born and raised Midwesterner, anything cheese will always win over my heart, and potatoes, especially when you add things like garlic, chive and sour cream, will always find their way onto my fork. But, beyond the traditional favorites I’m finding myself genuinely excited for some surprising dishes – dishes like the Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites (I’ve long detested tofu, but a recent restaurant dish may have flipped that opinion on its head; read about that here).
Try as I may to keep it concise, my must-try list is already looking long (to no one’s surprise). So, in no particular order, here’s what I’ll be making a beeline for this year:
Athena’s Whipped Feta at Dino’s Gyros (though I do wish the pitas were soft instead of fried!), and the Caprese Curds at LuLu’s Public House. The Bison Meatball Sub at the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop is looking like a healthier lunchtime meal, and I’ll also be seeking out the Freaky Fryday from The Herbivorous Butcher. The Pimento Cheese Puffs from Shanghai Henri’s (shocker!), and the Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings at O’Gara’s (another twist everyone saw coming). The Shrimp & Pork Toast On-A-Stick from Union Hmong Kitchen is sure to be incredible just like everything else they make, and the Tandoori Chicken Quesaratha at Holy Land sounds like it needs to be on my plate ASAP. The new Tater Kegs from Greater Tater are making me reach for my stretchy pants, and the Sambusas at Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa sound like a delightful vacation for my palate. As mentioned previously, the Deep-fried Tofuego Bites are looking quite exciting (words I still can’t believe I’m uttering), and lastly the Hula Kalua Pork at RC’s BBQ has me grabbing a hula hoop already.
On the beverage front, I’m the Dill Pickle Iced Tea at Loon Lake Iced Tea may be making several appearances in my cup over my visits this year, and having enjoyed their creations many, many times before, I know the mocktails at Urban Glow by Urban Growler will be some of the tastiest and most refreshing drinks at the fair, alcoholic or not.
As it fast approaches us, I’d like to raise a glass of some dill pickle iced tea and wish a resounding “Cheers!” to another delicious year at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! I look forward to seeing you all out there in a couple of weeks’ time.
The Minnesota State Fair is held from August 21, 2025 – September 1, 2025 at the MN State Fairgrounds.
