With 84 new food items, the fair introduces unique flavors and nostalgic favorites this year
Category: Food
The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, running from August 6 to 16, is delighting attendees with a staggering 84 new food options, ranging from inventive snacks to nostalgic treats. Among the highlights are the Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff, celebrating 175 years of tradition, and the Sporkies-winning Birria Flamin’ Bombs, which have already made waves with their unique flavor combinations.
As the fair opens its gates, visitors flock to West Allis to indulge in a mix of classic and novel culinary experiences. This year, food enthusiasts will find eight intriguing Sporkies finalists and four Drinkies contenders, each vying for attention in a crowded food scene. The competition is fierce, and food reviewers have been busy ranking their favorites.
Among the new offerings, the Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff stands out, priced at $7. This cherry-flavored treat joins the original cream puff, priced at $5, and a chocolate variant at $6, each drawing rave reviews from attendees. Charles Keehn, who sampled the cherry cream puff, described it as "amazing" and highly recommended it. Other fair-goers echoed his sentiments, with many noting that the original remains a beloved staple.
The fair’s culinary offerings also include the much-anticipated Birria Flamin’ Bombs, which won the Sporkies title this year. Priced at $12, these breaded orbs are filled with beef or chicken birria, mozzarella cheese, cilantro, and onion. Though the dish is inventive, some reviewers noted that the beef lacked seasoning and the red exterior didn’t deliver the expected flavor punch. Nevertheless, the bombs have captured attention and generated long lines at the Fiesta Grill & Cantina.
Another notable entry is the Cream City Cone from WürstBar, which secured second place in the Sporkies competition. This pretzel cone filled with bratwurst, sautéed onions, and mushrooms, topped with mustard, is priced at $13. Reviewers found it enjoyable but noted that it lacked a distinct flavor profile.
Deep-Fried Horchata Balls, priced at $11, have also entered the fray this year, transforming the popular Mexican beverage into a crunchy treat. Reviewers remarked on the unique texture of these balls, though opinions were mixed on their flavor, which some found overly sweet.
Meanwhile, the Al Pastor Pizza from Charlie’s Pizza, priced at $11, is making waves with its combination of marinated pork, pineapple, and a zesty sauce. Reviewers praised its balance of flavors and its satisfying crust, making it a standout choice for pizza lovers at the fair.
One of the most intriguing dishes is the Porky Puff from Bud Pavilion, which features pulled pork, peach filling, and garlic herb cheese, finished with hot honey and mustard seeds, all for $13. This dish has been well-received, with many appreciating its blend of sweet and savory elements.
In addition to these new offerings, the fair continues to celebrate its long-standing traditions. The original cream puff, a staple since the fair's inception, remains a favorite among visitors. The Polaske family, who sampled both the original and the new cherry flavor, expressed their loyalty to the classic, though they acknowledged the cherry puff's appeal.
The Sporkies and Drinkies competitions play a key role in highlighting the creativity of vendors at the Wisconsin State Fair. This year’s finalists showcase a mix of flavors and concepts, with each vendor striving to stand out in a crowded field. The Bayou Crunch Cup from Exotic Meat Grill, priced at $20, features a mix of fried crawfish and alligator nuggets but received lukewarm reviews for its lack of distinct flavor.
Another drink contender, the Tilt-a-Spritz, combines grapefruit and lime juices with ginger beer, earning praise for its refreshing taste. Priced at $12, the drink can be enhanced with alcohol for an additional cost, making it a popular choice among fair-goers looking for something unique.
As the fair continues, food enthusiasts are encouraged to explore these new culinary creations alongside the traditional favorites that have defined the Wisconsin State Fair for generations. With a total of 84 new foods to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With the fair running until August 16, attendees still have plenty of time to sample the various offerings. As lines grow longer for popular items like the Birria Flamin’ Bombs and the Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff, many vendors are prepared for the demand, ensuring that fair-goers can enjoy the best of what the fair has to offer.
As the event progresses, it’s likely that more reviews and rankings will emerge, offering insights into which dishes truly stand out among the crowd. The fair's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, and the excitement surrounding the new foods is only expected to grow.
For those planning to attend, it’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in unique flavors and support local vendors. The Wisconsin State Fair remains a cherished tradition, where food, fun, and community come together in a celebration of all things Wisconsin.