Indiana State Fair Food Showdown: 12 Wild Dishes Ranked from Dud to Delicious

The Indiana State Fair is more than rides, concerts, and prize-winning livestock—it’s a playground for adventurous eaters. Each summer, food vendors compete to create the most outrageous and mouthwatering bites, and 2025 is no exception. From deep-fried experiments to creative twists on Midwestern comfort food, the fair’s culinary lineup pushes the boundaries of taste. We sampled a dozen of this year’s most talked-about dishes and ranked them from disappointing duds to unforgettable favorites.

12. Pickle Cotton Candy

The fair’s attempt to merge the tangy bite of pickles with the fluffy sweetness of cotton candy turned out to be a mismatch. The first bite brought curiosity, but the combination of sugary spun sugar with dill pickle essence left most taste testers grimacing. While creative, this treat felt more like a gimmick than a dessert you’d finish. Adventurous eaters might snap a photo for social media, but few will go back for seconds.

11. Spicy Mac and Cheese Eggrolls

Fusing comfort food with a carnival twist, these eggrolls promised creamy mac and cheese with a fiery kick. Unfortunately, the result was inconsistent. Some bites were dry, and the heat overwhelmed the cheesy flavor. A dipping sauce could have saved this snack, but as it stands, it lands low on the list for being more novelty than indulgence.

10. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers

On paper, bacon and pineapple seem like a perfect sweet-and-salty pairing. In reality, the bacon was either undercooked or too crisp, and the pineapple’s juices often left the skewer soggy. Fans of tropical flavors might still enjoy it, but next to the fair’s other heavy-hitters, it struggled to impress.

9. Deep-Fried Root Beer Floats

This inventive treat generated plenty of buzz, but its execution was uneven. A root beer-flavored batter encased a dollop of ice cream, creating a crunchy shell with a creamy center. While visually fun, the taste leaned artificial, and the dessert quickly melted in the summer heat. It’s worth trying once but not a must-have.

8. Cheeseburger-Stuffed Donut

Savory-sweet experiments can be polarizing, and this creation proved it. A glazed donut served as the “bun” for a mini cheeseburger, offering a mix of salty beef, melted cheese, and sugar glaze. While some bites achieved the desired balance, others felt cloying. It’s a snack best shared among friends rather than devoured solo.

7. Flamin’ Hot Corn on the Cob

The fair took roasted corn to new levels by slathering it with spicy Flamin’ Hot seasoning, cheese, and a drizzle of mayo. The result was messy but addictive. The spice built with each bite, and the crunch of the corn held up well. It lands in the middle of the rankings—tasty and vibrant, but not groundbreaking.

6. Buffalo Chicken Funnel Cake

A daring twist on the classic funnel cake, this dish replaced powdered sugar with tangy buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and a drizzle of ranch. It scored points for creativity and savory flavor, though some felt the fried batter became soggy too quickly. Still, it’s a memorable crossover dish that shows the fair’s willingness to take risks.

5. S’mores Nachos

S’mores lovers rejoice—this dessert took graham cracker chips and loaded them with melted chocolate, marshmallow drizzle, and mini chocolate pieces. Unlike some of the fair’s riskier sweets, this one played to nostalgia and comfort. Every bite was indulgent and shareable, making it a perfect fairground snack for groups.

4. Pulled Pork Parfait

This dish proves presentation matters. Served in a clear cup, layers of pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and barbecue sauce created a savory parfait that tasted far better than it looked. The smoky pork balanced beautifully with the creamy potatoes, and the portion size was fair-friendly without being overwhelming.

3. Dill Pickle Lemonade

At first glance, pickle lemonade sounds like a dare. But this refreshing drink surprised almost everyone with its sweet-tart balance and subtle briny kick. On a hot Indiana day, it worked as both a thirst-quencher and a conversation starter. It’s proof that sometimes the strangest ideas are the most successful.

No Indiana State Fair ranking is complete without paying tribute to the iconic breaded pork tenderloin. This year’s giant version delivered on tradition with its perfectly crispy crust, tender meat, and pillowy bun barely large enough to contain it. Simple, hearty, and emblematic of Indiana comfort food, this sandwich is nearly unbeatable.

The ultimate fair food champion combined familiarity with flawless execution. Golden, crispy bites encased warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar sealed the deal. These little pies were portable, satisfying, and downright addictive—earning the top spot as the fair’s must-try dish.

The Indiana State Fair continues to be a proving ground for playful, over-the-top food creations. While some items are better suited for Instagram than actual eating, others strike a perfect balance of innovation and flavor. Whether you’re hunting for deep-fried nostalgia, bold flavor experiments, or just a cold drink with a twist, this year’s fair menu offers something for every palate.