3 finalists chosen for Best New Food at Iowa State Fair contest

DES MOINES, IOWA (WHO) — We’re 23 days away from the start of the 2024 Iowa State Fair and one of the biggest competitions on the fairgrounds is already underway: the Best New Food Contest. On Tuesday, a group of judges – including WHO 13’s Calyn Thompson, Megan Reuther, Megan Salois, Teodora Mitov and Gabe Prough – helped narrow the list of 11 nominees down to a final three that will compete in a fan vote during the 11-day fair.

The 2024 finalists are:

• Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll (an Iowa take on sushi) – Whatcha Smokin? BBQ
• Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll – Winn & Sara’s Kitchen
• Lobster Corn Dog – Destination Grille

Eight more entries were on the ballot, but fell just short. Thankfully, they’ll still be for sale on the fairgrounds as well. That list includes:

• Party Balls – JR’s SouthPork Ranch
• Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB&J – The Bird’s Nest
• Funnel Cake Burger – Jada’s Concessions
• Piggy in a Donut – Biscuit Bar
• Dough-Chos – Dough Crazy
• Tipsy Peach – Bubbly Bar & Bistro
• Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco – Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association
• Lemonade Donut Drops – The Snack Box

In total, 84 new foods will be found for sale in 2024. You can find the full list on the Iowa State Fair’s website. The 2024 Iowa State runs from August 8th through the 18th.

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