The Iowa State Fair reveals 53 new foods for 2022. Three compete for people's choice for best new food

If the new dishes revealed for the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday had one thing in common, then it had to be nary a stick in sight. The skewer that serves as a staple of State Fair foods that range from fried butter to a shish kebob of veggies didn’t find a home among 10 of the 53 new dishes showcased ahead of the fair.

Instead, the 10 new dishes that vied for a spot among three competing for the people’s choice for best new fair food all came in a cup, wrapped in a tortilla or bao bun, swaddled in a brioche bun or tucked into an aluminum tray.

“Surveys show that food is the No. 1 reason people come to the fair,” said Gary Slater, CEO and manager of the Iowa State Fair. That observation introduced a panel of judges — local television and news personalities along with radio station DJs, Iowa State Fair board members and volunteers, and even Iowa State Fair Queen McKenna Henrich — who had the difficult task of tasting 10 new foods and judging them based on appearance, taste and presentation on Tuesday. Three would go on to compete for best new fair food in August.

More: Which new Iowa State Fair foods will compete for the title of best new food?

Scott Siepker, aka Iowa Nice Guy, emceed this event, livestreamed by the Iowa State Fair for the fifth year in a row.

Yes, the fair offers lemonade, giant turkey legs, corndogs and mini doughnuts, but any true Fairgoer has to try some of the new novelty dishes.

The competition was stiff. Three desserts — a Minty Moo parfait with Thin Mint cookies, a Puff Sundae with all of the elements of s’mores, and a Blue Ribbon Cobbler — went up against more traditional fair foods. A riff on a Reuben brought a deli sandwich to the competition. A pork tenderloin came wrapped in a tortilla shell. Even a breakfast sandwich, the Egg-O-Fuego Eggs, upped the novelty factor. But the competition came down to reimagined versions of pork and chicken dishes.

More: Wanted: 445 Iowans to break a Guinness World Record at the Iowa State Fair

Here, the top three best new foods for 2022.

OMG Chicken Sandwich from Chicken City, one of dishes featured in the 2022 New Foods at the Iowa State Fair, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

OMG Chicken Sandwich: Chicken City

This chicken sandwich comes with a battered chicken breast that’s then covered in sugar-coated cornflakes, fried and then served on a Krispy Kreme doughnut. A bit of bacon and maple syrup add to the sweetness of the dish. It goes for $12.

Pork Picnic in a Cup from lowa Pork, one of dishes featured in the 2022 New Foods at the Iowa State Fair, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Pork Picnic in a Cup: Iowa Pork Tent

The Pork Picnic in a Cup for $10 features layers of barbecue pulled pork, baked beans, creamy coleslaw and a drizzle of barbecue sauce, garnished with brown sugar pork belly.

The Finisher from the Rib Shack, one of dishes featured in the 2022 New Foods at the Iowa State Fair, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

The Finisher: The Rib Shack

This giant dish for $10 comes with a baked potato stacked with chopped brisket, smoked pulled pork and The Rib Shack’s famous bacon brisket mac and cheese, topped with barbecue sour cream and garlic rub butter.

The top three new fair foods compete for the People’s Choice Best New Food. Fairgoers can sample the top three finalists and cast their vote starting Aug. 11-15 at midnight. The winner will be announced on Aug. 17 during the State Fair.