Here are the highlights — from new food options to longtime staples — for those with dietary restrictions.
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fair is the place for foodies. From fried foods to sugary treats, there are plenty of options for attendees.
But if you’re gluten-free, vegan or both, your options can shrink — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of things you can enjoy guilt- and pain-free at the State Fair!
If you would like to search for vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian options, the State Fair has a Fair Finder lookup tool on its website. Otherwise, check out KARE 11 for new foods and vegetarian options at this link.
Note: Gluten-friendly products often use a shared fryer or may be otherwise at risk for contamination.
New Foods
Afro Bean Pops – vegan, gluten-free
These deep-fried balls of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños, cilantro and seasonings will come with spicy red chili sauce and mixed greens.
Find it at Afro Deli on the east wall of the Food Building.
Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float – vegan, gluten-free
The fair’s classic cherry Dole Soft Serve with limeade juice.
Find it at Tasti Whip on the northwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites – vegan, gluten-friendly
Deep-fried tofu is served with tangy, spicy sauce, pineapple and napa cabbage slaw.
Find it at Rooted & Wild (Snack House) on the south side of the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum
Dill Pickle Iced Tea – vegan, gluten-free
Was the Pickle Lemonade not enough for you? This black tea is infused with dill pickle flavor and garnished with a pickle spear.
Find it at Loon Lake Iced Tea on the west side of Underwood St. between Wright & Dan Patch avenues
This is the ultimate fried State Fair food for vegan consumers. Chicken-fried vegan bacon is served with vegan fried chicken strips with optional toppings of mini donut cinnamon sugar and maple syrup, pickle seasoning and ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce and dragon dust.
Find it at The Herbivorous Butcher in the west section and south wall of the Food Building
Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream – vegetarian, gluten-free
Green apple ice cream is mixed with caramel.
Find it at Granny’s Apples and Lemonade on the west wall of the Food Building
New Vendor
Greater Tater offers gluten-free tater kegs – giant tater tots stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Find it on the west side of Liggett St. between Carnes & Judson avenues, outside the Horse Barn.
Existing Vendors
Auntie M’s Gluten Free has gluten-free corn dogs, cheese curds and funnel cakes. Get here early if you can, as this truck frequently has a long line!
Find it on the south side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets, just west of Adventure Park.
Fresh French Fries are a classic vegan and gluten-free food option.
Find it on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Liggett & Chambers streets.
Sonny’s Fair Food offers a gluten-free beer-battered brat-on-a-stick and vegetarian spiral-cut fries.
Find it in the northwest section of the Food Building.
Key Lime Pie Bar has a non-dairy gluten gluten-free frozen fruit bar.
Find it on the west side of Cooper St., just north of the Agriculture Horticulture Building.
Mexican Hat offers tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options available upon request.
Find it east of Chambers St., just south of the Grandstand.
French Meadow Bakery & Cafe offers several gluten-free and vegan pastries, lunch items and beverages.
Find it on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets.