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Food and Wine
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Food and Wine
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Iowa State Fair announces winner for 2025 Best New Food contest

Iowa State Fair Crowns 2025 Best New Food Winner: A Sweet and Savory Sensation Takes the Crown

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair, a beloved annual tradition that draws millions to the heartland for its blend of agriculture, entertainment, and indulgent eats, has once again captured the imaginations of food lovers with the announcement of its 2025 Best New Food Contest winner. After weeks of anticipation and public voting, the fair's organizers revealed the top honor on Saturday, August 16, during a lively ceremony at the Grandstand. This year's champion, the "Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Waffle Cone," emerged victorious from a field of innovative and eccentric culinary creations, embodying the fair's spirit of pushing the boundaries of comfort food while celebrating Iowa's agricultural roots.

The winning dish, crafted by longtime fair vendor Sweet Swine Sensations, combines crispy pork belly glazed with locally sourced maple syrup, stuffed into a freshly made waffle cone, and topped with a dollop of cinnamon-infused whipped cream and a sprinkle of candied bacon bits. Priced at $12, it's designed to be a portable treat that fairgoers can enjoy while strolling the grounds. "We wanted something that screams Iowa – hearty, sweet, and a little bit over-the-top," said vendor owner Lisa Hargrove in an interview following the announcement. Hargrove, whose family has been serving fair foods for three generations, explained that the idea stemmed from blending breakfast staples with savory pork elements, a nod to the state's pork production dominance. The dish beat out nine other finalists in a contest that saw over 50 initial submissions from vendors across the Midwest.

The judging process for the Best New Food Contest is a multi-faceted affair, blending expert opinions with public input to ensure the winner resonates with the masses. A panel of celebrity judges, including local chefs, food bloggers, and fair dignitaries, first narrowed down the entries based on criteria like taste, creativity, presentation, and "fair-ability" – how well the food can be prepared and served in the high-volume, outdoor environment of the fair. This year, the judges included renowned Des Moines chef Elena Ramirez, who praised the pork belly cone for its "perfect balance of textures and flavors that evoke a cozy Iowa morning." Public voting then took over, with fair attendees casting ballots via a mobile app or at designated kiosks throughout the 11-day event. Over 150,000 votes were tallied, a record high that underscores the growing popularity of the contest amid social media buzz.

Runners-up in the 2025 contest provided stiff competition and highlighted the diversity of new offerings. Coming in second was the "Deep-Fried Jalapeño Popper Ravioli" from Spicy Bites Shack, a cheesy, spicy twist on Italian pasta that's breaded, fried, and served with a ranch dipping sauce. Third place went to the "Bacon-Wrapped Caramel Apple on a Stick" by Orchard Delights, which encases a tart Granny Smith apple in crispy bacon and drizzles it with homemade caramel, appealing to those seeking a sweet-savory fusion without the mess. Other notable finalists included the "Iowa Corn Quesadilla Tower," stacked layers of grilled corn tortillas filled with pulled pork and fresh veggies; the "Pickle Lemonade Slushie," a tangy, refreshing drink blending dill pickle brine with lemon and ice; and the "Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites on a Skewer," bite-sized indulgences perfect for sharing.

The Iowa State Fair's food scene has long been a highlight, with the Best New Food Contest originating in 2011 to encourage innovation among vendors. Past winners have become fair legends, such as the 2023 Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll – a smoked brisket and bacon concoction wrapped in a flaky pastry – and the 2024 Lobster Corn Dog, which fused seafood with classic fair fare. These creations not only boost vendor sales but also contribute significantly to the fair's economy. Organizers estimate that food sales alone generate over $20 million annually, with new items often accounting for 30% of that revenue as visitors flock to try the latest buzzworthy bites.

Fairgoers' reactions to the 2025 winner were overwhelmingly positive, with many lining up at Sweet Swine Sensations' booth immediately after the announcement. "It's like breakfast in a cone – genius!" exclaimed Sarah Jenkins, a first-time visitor from Cedar Rapids, who waited 20 minutes for her serving. Families appreciated the shareable aspect, while health-conscious attendees noted the option to customize with less glaze for a lighter version. Social media exploded with photos and reviews, using hashtags like #IowaFairEats and #PorkBellyCone, amassing thousands of shares within hours. Critics, however, pointed out the high calorie count – estimated at 800 per cone – sparking lighthearted debates about the fair's role in promoting indulgent, once-a-year treats versus everyday nutrition.

Beyond the contest, the 2025 fair featured an array of new food experiences that complemented the winner. The "Farm-to-Fair" pavilion showcased sustainable eats, including plant-based alternatives like vegan "pork" belly made from jackfruit, appealing to a broader audience. Educational demos on food sourcing highlighted Iowa's role as a top producer of pork, corn, and maple products, tying into the state's agricultural heritage. Vendors reported brisk business, with some selling out of ingredients by midday, underscoring the contest's impact on attendance and excitement.

As the fair continues through August 24, the Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Waffle Cone is poised to become a staple, potentially inspiring copycats at other state fairs nationwide. Fair manager Gary Slater summed it up best: "This contest isn't just about food; it's about creating memories and celebrating what makes Iowa unique." With its blend of tradition and innovation, the 2025 Best New Food winner encapsulates the enduring appeal of the Iowa State Fair, where culinary creativity meets Midwestern hospitality in delicious harmony.

The announcement also sparked discussions on future trends, with experts predicting more fusion foods incorporating global influences, like Asian-inspired twists on classic Iowa ingredients. For instance, one vendor hinted at experimenting with kimchi-topped corn dogs for 2026. Meanwhile, the fair's commitment to inclusivity shone through with gluten-free and allergy-friendly versions of many new items, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun.

In a year marked by economic uncertainties, the fair's food contest provided a welcome escape, reminding attendees of simpler joys. As lines for the pork belly cone stretched long into the evening, it was clear that this year's winner had not only won the contest but also captured the hearts – and appetites – of Iowans and visitors alike. Whether you're a fair veteran or a newcomer, the 2025 offerings prove that the Iowa State Fair remains the ultimate destination for food adventures.

Read the Full ABC Kcrg 9 Article at:
[ https://www.kcrg.com/2025/08/16/iowa-state-fair-announces-winner-2025-best-new-food-contest/ ]