City Editors Nicole and Shea's top picks from the 2024 Indiana State Fair new foods list

One of the most anticipated drops of the year is finally here: The list of new foods coming to the 2024 Indiana State Fair .

Before the fair kicks off on Friday, Aug. 2, City Editors Nicole and Shea browsed through the 43 new food + drink items and pulled out the ones they’re most excited to try.

Nicole’s picks

• As a boba devotee (she’s even created a guide to a few of her favorite spots), Nicole is stoked for the Boba Lemonade Shake-Up from Indiana Ribeye, which sounds like the perfect way to cool off on a sweltering day.
• What pairs well with boba? Korean corn dogs from Meatball Factory LLC, fried and topped with ketchup, mustard, sweet chili sauce and sriracha.
• Another way to beat the heat: HI & Mighty’s Peach Shake Up, which was announced in April as this year’s new flavor.

Photo courtesy of SW Concessions/Indiana State Fair

• Why order curly fries, pulled pork, and bacon separately when you can have them all together with SW Concessions’ The Everything Fry? Top this concoction with cheese, ranch, and barbecue sauce and you’ve got Nicole’s dream dinner.
• Of course, dessert after dinner is mandatory — so Nicole will be picking up a classic strawberry shortcake from Twisted Drinks And Food, adorned with gummy butterflies.

Shea’s picks

• Shea’s love language is mac ‘n cheese, so it’s no surprise that she’s most excited about the Grilled Cheese Slammer from Freund Family Food, which is filled with barbecue pork, mac ‘n cheese, and fried pickles.
• Speaking of pickles , they’re having a huge moment at the fair — and as a Dr. Pepper lover, Shea’s ready to roll the dice on R & W Concessions’ Dill Pickle Dr. Pepper.

Photo courtesy of Urick Concessions/Indiana State Fair

• Hot honey is also popular this year, with the Aloha Hot Honey Chicken Nachos from Urick Concessions standing out thanks to the promise of crispy tortilla chips, taco-seasoned chicken, queso, pineapple chunks, a drizzle of hot honey, and mango salsa.
• As a relatively new mom, The Triple C Float from Hook’s Drug Store Museum and Soda Fountain is calling Shea’s name. The three Cs are coffee, caramel, and chocolate — enough said .
• If she’s saved room for dessert, Shea will cap off her fair food tour with a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Funnel Cake from R & W Concessions, the perfect nostalgic dessert.