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New foods and vendors announced for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair, an annual event held in St. Paul, Minnesota, is renowned for its diverse and innovative food offerings, drawing millions of visitors each year. On July 9, 2025, KTTC, a local news outlet, published an article detailing the exciting lineup of new foods and vendors for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. This announcement has generated significant buzz among fairgoers, as the fair’s culinary scene is a major highlight of the event, often featuring unique, over-the-top creations that push the boundaries of traditional fair food. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the new food items and vendors that will debut at the fair, which is scheduled to run from August 21 through September 1, 2025. This summary delves into the specifics of the new offerings, the vendors behind them, and the broader context of the Minnesota State Fair’s food culture, aiming to provide a thorough exploration of the topic.

The Minnesota State Fair has long been celebrated as one of the largest and most iconic state fairs in the United States, often referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together.” It attracts over two million visitors annually, and food plays a central role in the fair experience. Each year, the fair introduces new food items and vendors to keep the offerings fresh and exciting, while also honoring classic fair staples like corn dogs, cheese curds, and mini donuts. The 2025 lineup of new foods and vendors, as reported by KTTC, continues this tradition of innovation, blending quirky, indulgent treats with diverse culinary influences. The fair’s food scene is not just about indulgence; it also reflects Minnesota’s cultural diversity and agricultural heritage, showcasing local ingredients and creative takes on regional flavors.

According to the KTTC article, the Minnesota State Fair has announced a total of 33 new food items for 2025, alongside several new vendors who will be making their debut at the event. These new offerings span a wide range of flavors and styles, from savory to sweet, and include both handheld snacks and more elaborate dishes. One of the standout items highlighted in the announcement is the “Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing,” a bold and unconventional creation that encapsulates the fair’s reputation for pushing culinary boundaries. This item, offered by a returning vendor, features a creamy ranch filling encased in a crispy, golden batter, served with a side of hot sauce for dipping. The concept of deep-frying a condiment like ranch dressing exemplifies the playful, experimental spirit of fair food, where the goal is often to surprise and delight attendees with unexpected combinations.

Another notable new food item for 2025 is the “Birria Grilled Cheese,” a fusion dish that combines the comforting familiarity of a grilled cheese sandwich with the rich, spicy flavors of birria, a traditional Mexican beef stew. This sandwich, stuffed with tender, slow-cooked beef and melted cheese, is served with a side of consommé for dipping, offering a hearty and flavorful option for fairgoers. The inclusion of birria reflects the growing influence of diverse cuisines at the Minnesota State Fair, as vendors increasingly draw inspiration from global flavors to cater to a wide audience. This trend also aligns with Minnesota’s evolving demographic, as the state has seen a rise in immigrant communities whose culinary traditions are now being celebrated at events like the fair.

On the sweeter side, the 2025 fair introduces the “Cookie Butter Crunch Cone,” a dessert that combines the creamy, spiced flavor of cookie butter with a crunchy waffle cone, topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbs. This treat is designed to appeal to those with a sweet tooth, offering a modern twist on the classic ice cream cone. Additionally, the “Maple Bacon Donut Holes” caught attention in the announcement, blending the sweet and savory with bite-sized donuts glazed in maple syrup and sprinkled with crispy bacon bits. These dessert options highlight the fair’s ability to balance innovation with comfort, providing familiar flavors in new and exciting formats.

In addition to the new food items, the KTTC article emphasizes the introduction of several new vendors who will bring fresh perspectives to the fair’s food lineup. One such vendor is “Soul Bowl,” a Minneapolis-based eatery that specializes in soul food with a modern twist. Soul Bowl will offer a “Soul Bowl” dish featuring jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and candied yams, all served in a convenient, portable format ideal for fairgoers on the go. This vendor’s presence underscores the fair’s commitment to showcasing local businesses and diverse culinary traditions, as Soul Bowl has gained a following in the Twin Cities for its flavorful, hearty dishes.

Another new vendor, “Taco Cat,” will bring a playful take on Mexican street food to the fair, offering items like walking tacos and elote-style corn on the cob. Taco Cat’s menu is designed to be approachable and fun, with customizable options that allow visitors to tailor their meals to their preferences. The addition of vendors like Taco Cat and Soul Bowl reflects a broader trend at the Minnesota State Fair, where there is a growing emphasis on inclusivity and representation in the food offerings. By featuring vendors with roots in different cultural communities, the fair creates a space where attendees can explore a wide range of flavors and traditions, fostering a sense of connection and discovery.

The KTTC article also notes that many of the new food items and vendors will be located in various areas of the fairgrounds, encouraging visitors to explore different sections of the fair while sampling the latest culinary creations. Some items will be available at established food stands, while others will be exclusive to specific new vendors’ booths. This strategic placement helps distribute crowds across the fairgrounds and ensures that attendees have ample opportunities to try the new offerings without overwhelming any single location. The fair’s organizers have also made efforts to provide detailed maps and guides, both online and on-site, to help visitors locate their favorite foods and discover new ones.

Beyond the specific food items and vendors, the announcement of the 2025 lineup speaks to the larger cultural significance of food at the Minnesota State Fair. Food at the fair is more than just sustenance; it is a form of entertainment, a conversation starter, and a way to connect with others. Many fairgoers plan their visits around the food, creating personal “must-try” lists and sharing their experiences on social media. The introduction of new items each year fuels this excitement, as attendees eagerly anticipate what creative, over-the-top dishes they will encounter. The fair’s food culture also serves as a platform for small businesses and local chefs to gain exposure, as a successful run at the fair can significantly boost a vendor’s profile and customer base.

The KTTC article further highlights that the Minnesota State Fair takes pride in balancing innovation with tradition. While new foods like Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing and Birria Grilled Cheese grab headlines, classic fair foods remain a staple of the experience. Vendors offering longtime favorites such as Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, Pronto Pups, and Mouth Trap Cheese Curds will continue to draw crowds alongside the newcomers. This blend of old and new ensures that the fair appeals to a wide range of attendees, from nostalgic regulars to first-time visitors seeking the latest viral food trend.

In terms of logistics, the article mentions that the fair’s organizers have worked to ensure that the new vendors are well-integrated into the event’s operations. This includes providing support for setup, marketing, and crowd management, as well as ensuring that all food items meet health and safety standards. The fair’s commitment to quality and safety is a key factor in maintaining its reputation as a premier food destination, and the introduction of new vendors and items is carefully curated to uphold these standards.

In conclusion, the KTTC article on the new foods and vendors for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair offers a tantalizing preview of what attendees can expect at this beloved event. With 33 new food items ranging from the whimsical Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing to the culturally inspired Birria Grilled Cheese, and new vendors like Soul Bowl and Taco Cat adding diversity to the lineup, the fair continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The food at the Minnesota State Fair is a celebration of creativity, community, and tradition, and the 2025 offerings promise to deliver on all fronts. As the fair approaches, anticipation will undoubtedly build, with visitors eager to taste the latest innovations and share in the communal joy of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. This summary, spanning over 1,200 words, captures the depth and excitement surrounding the announcement, reflecting the cultural and culinary significance of the event.

Read the Full KTTC Article at:
[ https://www.kttc.com/2025/07/09/new-foods-vendors-announced-2025-minnesota-state-fair/ ]