Half of the fun of going to the state fair is trying new and eclectic delicacies or just plain old not-so-healthy food choices. Deep-fried Twinkies or Buffalo Cheese Curds anyone? But for people with dietary restrictions – such as those who must be gluten-free because of having celiac disease – finding safe gluten-free fair food can be tricky. Fortunately, state fairs have become more inclusive in recent years, offering a variety of gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Please check back often as we’ll be updating this article as more information becomes available.
Top 10 gluten-free fair food options at the State Fair
Though the specific options can change from year to year based on the vendors, below are some examples of gluten-free foods that you can typically find at the state fair. As always, we can’t stress enough the importance of checking with the vendor for specific ingredients.
1. Grilled Meats
Various vendors offer grilled meats such as chicken, steak, and pork that are naturally gluten-free when served without buns or bread.
2. Roasted Corn
Freshly roasted corn on the cob, often served with butter, is a popular gluten-free option.
3. French Fries
Some vendors serve gluten-free French fries cooked in dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contamination. When possible, opt for stands that offer French Fries as their one and only item to ensure no cross-contamination.
4. Kettle Corn
For the most part, kettle corn is gluten-free. You could get into trouble, however, when vendors offer a variety of seasonings on their kettle corn or popcorn. Always check labels or ask the vendor directly about any ingredients you’re unsure of.
5. Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Soft serve ice cream, shaved ice, and certain frozen treats can be gluten-free. These are always a refreshing option on a hot summer day. Be careful though because soft serve and ice cream are often served on cones. This can introduce a cross-contamination issue.
6. Nachos
Many nachos made with corn tortilla chips and cheese sauce or other toppings, like scallions, jalapenos, etc., are typically gluten-free.
7. Fresh Fruit and Smoothies
Some stands offer fresh fruit cups and fruit smoothies, which are naturally gluten-free.
8. Salads
Various salad options are available, often with gluten-free dressings. However, watch out for croutons or other gluten-containing toppings.
9. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes with various toppings like butter, cheese, and sour cream are a naturally gluten-free choice.
10. Turkey Legs
Giant turkey legs, which are typically seasoned and grilled, are usually gluten-free.
State Fairs known for providing gluten-free fair food
While offerings can change annually and may vary between different vendors, below are some state fairs known for providing gluten-free food options.
Staying close to home, our list kicks off with the Ohio State Fair, which is the event most familiar to us. Other state fairs are then listed in alphabetical order.
Please check back often as we’ll be updating this article with additional state fairs as more information becomes available.
Ohio State Fair, July 24 – Aug 4, 2024
The Ohio State Fair typically includes gluten-free options among its food offerings. Vendors may offer gluten-free versions of traditional fair foods, such as burgers without buns and gluten-free fries.
Food allergy options and additional information can be found here. Among the Gluten Free choices available are:
- Eaton Concessions, LLC: Milk, cold brew coffee, frozen hot chocolate
- Kona Ice: All products
- Maggie’s Concessions: Chocolate-covered frozen bananas, ice cream in a bowl, fresh squeezed lemonade
- Mai Li Chinese Food: Stir-fried chicken or vegetables
- Martins Fine Foods: Dole whip
- North American Food Service Inc.: Soft serve
- Ohio Dots: Rainbow ice, cotton candy, strawberry, vanilla
- Ohio Pork Council: Pork loin sandwich (no bun), pork burger (no bun), BBQ pork sandwich (no bun), applesauce, coleslaw, potato chips
- Prowant Specialty: Fresh cut fries
- C. Concessions: Veggie bowl
- Schmidt’s of German Village: Bratwurst (no bun), Bahama Mama (no bun), hot dog (no bun), chicken breast, turkey, German potato salad, sauerkraut
- Staci’s Sales: Cotton candy
- The Nut Shack: All varieties of roasted nuts, peanut patties, peanut brittle, fudge
- Wild Bill’s Curly Fries: Curly fries
Curious about my choices? I enjoy a fresh squeezed lemonade, French Fries from a fry-only stand with a dedicated fryer, and kettle corn. And you can’t go wrong with a butter-dipped corn-on-the-cob! I also enjoy ice cream or a shake from the Dairy Building, home of the famous butter cow.
Iowa State Fair, Aug 8 – 18, 2024
The Iowa State Fair often includes gluten-free options among its diverse food offerings. Vendors typically label gluten-free items, making it easier for attendees to find suitable choices.
- The Salad Bowl offers fresh options with a fair twist. You’ll find caprese salad on a stick, fruit on a stick, and salad on a stick.
- Campbell’s Corn Dogs is adding a gluten-free corn dog this year. Yes folks, you read that correctly.
- The Veggie Table is certain to have suitable choices for those on a gluten-free diet.
- Destination Grille‘s entire trailer at the Iowa State Fair is gluten-free, where you’ll be able to nosh on gluten-free candied bacon gnocchi and breaded chicken strips on a stick. New in 2024 is a Lobster Corn Dog, made with North American lobster tails pulled through gluten-free batter. It is seasoned with cayenne pepper and salt, put on a skewer and deep-fried. Finally, it’s topped off with lemon aioli, paprika, herbs and Parmigiano Reggiano. Click here for more information about Destination Grille’s gluten-free offers.
Click here for a full list of vendors that offer gluten-free food options at the Iowa State Fair (scroll to the bottom).
Minnesota State Fair, Aug 22 – Sep 2, 2024
Known for its extensive food options, the Minnesota State Fair typically offers a variety of gluten-free choices. Although not a requirement, most of the food vendors will post allergy warnings, but guests are encouraged to inquire about their specific concerns with each vendor.
Minnesota State Fair is one of the most gluten-friendly events we found. The fair provides a special list of gluten-free foods available at different vendors, which is produced by Twin Cities R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids). At present, only the 2023 list is available; the link will update to the 2024 list when available.
Additionally, the fair offers a State Fair Finder app (link goes live in August) for guests to check out the complete menus of its 300+ food vendors. Using keywords such as “gluten” or “dairy,” you can filter results to learn about what options are available to meet special dietary needs.
Among the new gluten-friendly or gluten-free fair food options for 2024 are:
- 3 Piggy Pals On-A-Stick at Sausage Sister & Me is described as smoked sausage slices wrapped in bacon, filled with a cream cheese mix, and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Topped with a jalapeño slice and served on-a-stick. (Gluten-Friendly)
- Ba’bacon Sour Cream + Onion at Baba’s. Baba’s describes the dish as sour cream and onion hummus topped with beef bacon, sumac tater tots, caramelized onions, scallions, French onion creme fraiche, black cumin seeds and chive oil. Served with pita puffs dusted with sour cream + onion powder. (Make it gluten-free without the pita puffs.)
- Blazing Greek Bites at Dino’s Gyros. Dino’s Gyros describes it as deep-fried bites made from a blend of chickpeas, tomato, roasted red pepper, scallions and cayenne pepper. Served with a side of roasted red pepper hummus. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Crab Boil Wings at Soul Bowl. Soul Bowls describes the dish as chicken wings marinated in hot sauce, grilled and then fried with corn, chicken apple sausage and potatoes. Tossed in a “crab boil” butter and finished with a lemon wedge and parsley. (Gluten-Free)
- Ham and Pickle Roll Up on a Potato Skin at Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken. Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken describes the Ham and Pickle Roll Up on a Potato Skin as three fried potato skins filled with a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, chopped pickles, and ham, all topped with potato chip crumbles. (Gluten-Friendly)
Below are some additional resources about the new foods at the Minnesota State Fair this year.
- Minnesota State Fair’s new foods for 2024 (Source: Fox 9)
- Minnesota State Fair unveils 6 new food vendors for 2024 (Source: Fox 9)
- Vegan, gluten free guide to the Minnesota State Fair (Source: KARE 11)
Wisconsin State Fair, Aug 1 – 11, 2024
The Wisconsin State Fair offers diverse food options, including gluten-free choices. The fair often highlights vendors that offer gluten-free foods, making it easier for attendees to find suitable options.
Auntie M’s Gluten Free is one of the Wisconsin State Fair’s top gluten-free vendors. Celiac owned and operated, Auntie M’s is considered the first and only GFFS certified food truck in the country! For more information about Auntie M’s, click here.
As the name suggests, Auntie M’s Gluten Free serves only gluten-free fair food at the Wisconsin State Fair. Among the gluten-free fair food specialties you’ll find:
- Gluten-free funnel cakes
- Gluten-free deep-fried corn dogs
- Gluten-free deep-fried cheese curds
Tips for a fun-filled, gluten-free day at the State Fair
- To ensure you have the latest and most accurate information, it’s a good idea to visit your State Fair’s official website or contact the fair organizers directly before attending. They can provide detailed information on which vendors will be offering gluten-free options and what specific foods will be available.
- Many fairs provide a list of gluten-free vendors and options on their website or through their customer service channels, so be sure to check them out before you go. Additionally, many fairs now offer food finder apps or guides that include dietary information.
- Importantly, don’t be afraid to ask vendors directly about their gluten-free offerings and preparation methods to help you make informed choices. As always, don’t forget the mantra: When in doubt, leave it out. After all, the last thing you want is to ruin your day at the fair with a tummy ache.
Please check back often as we’ll be updating this article with additional state fairs and other details as more information becomes available.
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