Must-Try 2025 Indiana State Fair Foods: Taste of the Fair & Classics
Let’s be honest—the food is half the reason we go. Whether you’re into sweet, salty, deep-fried, or straight-up ridiculous, the 2025 Indiana State Fair is serving up an iconic lineup of eats you won’t want to miss.
This year’s “Taste of the Fair” features 40 new and wild creations, alongside the old-school fair favorites you’ve loved for decades. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating your way through it.
Craving fried Oreos and pork chop sandwiches yet? Don’t miss your chance to taste it all — get your Indiana State Fair tickets here!
What is “Taste of the Fair”?
Each summer, vendors across the fairgrounds enter their most creative dishes into the Taste of the Fair competition—a fan-voted contest that spotlights innovation, indulgence, and downright fun.
40 new foods are competing this year
You can grab a Taste map from info kiosks or download it on your phone
Vote for your favorite by scanning the QR codes at participating booths
Winners earn cash prizes and bragging rights
New for 2025: Wild, Sweet, and Savory Favorites
Here are some of the most buzzed-about entries this year:
Cinnamon-Sugar Cookie-Butter Pretzel Bites – served warm with cream cheese icing
Key Lime Pie Milkshake – a tart, creamy twist on the classic
Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Fries – loaded waffle fries with a sweet heat kick
Butterfinger Funnel Cake – crunchy, melty, chocolatey chaos
Deep-Fried Pork Chop Sandwich – thick-cut, golden crisp, and Hoosier-approved
You’ll find these scattered across the fairgrounds, so plan your route and bring an appetite.
Get ready for flavor at the 2025 Indiana State Fair: Taste of the Fair lineup
Classic Fair Food You Can’t Skip
Not everything has to be new to be delicious. Here are some tried-and-true legends worth returning for:
Hand-breaded Tenderloins (because Indiana, obviously)
Corn Dogs as big as your head
Elephant Ears dusted with cinnamon sugar
Grilled corn on the cob dipped in butter
Fried pickles, fried Oreos, fried everything
You’ll also find comfort favorites like nachos, pizza, pulled pork, and loaded mac & cheese throughout the Coliseum food court area and main thoroughfares.
Indiana State Fair 2024: Food Favorites
Budget Eats: The $5 Value Menu
On a budget? There’s a $5 Value Menu offered by select vendors throughout the fair—perfect for grazing all day without breaking the bank.
Look for signs or ask vendors directly
Many include mini versions of their popular dishes, sides, or drinks
Ideal for sampling multiple flavors with friends
Pro Tips from Seasoned Fairgoers
Go early (before 1 PM) for the shortest food lines
Split dishes with friends so you can try more
Stay hydrated—especially after salty or fried foods
Bring wet wipes—you’ll need them
Don’t skip dessert—it’s basically illegal at the fair
Quick Q&A
Q: What are the best foods at the 2025 Indiana State Fair?
A: Cookie-butter pretzel bites, Butterfinger funnel cake, deep-fried pork chop sandwich, hot honey chicken fries, and the key lime pie milkshake.
Q: Where can I find the Taste of the Fair map?
A: At info booths throughout the fairgrounds or online at indianastatefair.com.
More from the Fair
Feasting your way through the fair? Don’t stop there.
Check out the top attractions at the 2025 Indiana State Fair
Craving fried Oreos and pork chop sandwiches yet? Don’t miss your chance to taste it all — get your Indiana State Fair tickets here!
Get the full scoop on what to ride, see, and explore between bites.
Grab a Bite & Cast Your Vote
Whether you’re a first-time taster or a funnel cake fanatic, this year’s fair food lineup is one for the record books. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite “Taste of the Fair” contender and share your top picks online.
Tag us in your best bites—we want to see what’s on your plate. Happy eating, Hoosiers!