# Griddled Food Fairs The 2023 Iowa State Fair's Introduces 64 New Foods By Grace Mahas | Published 2023-08-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-iowa-state-fairs References: [desmoinesregister](https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/iowa-state-fair/2023/07/11/the-iowa-state-fair-announces-64-new-foods-to-try-in-2023-banh-mi-bubble-tea-butterbeer/70392331007/)  The 2023 Iowa State Fair, running from August 10-20, is set to amaze with 64 innovative food offerings. Amid the excitement, grilled creations stand out, promising both smoky flavors and convenience. From [grilled shrimp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pancheros-chile-lime-shrimp) to southern fried corn on the cob, these options redefine fair dining. Grilled shrimp, southern fried corn on the cob, and walleye on a stick offer a delicious twist on traditional fare. These grilled delights promise smoky goodness paired with convenience, making fairgoers' experience both delectable and enjoyable. Additionally, [bacon stars in lobster rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lobsterfest-2026) and mac-n-cheese grilled cheese. On sticks, visitors can enjoy grilled walleye and catfish, showcasing convenience without compromising taste. This diverse food lineup illustrates how fairs have evolved into culinary experiences. For businesses, innovation and variety are key to engaging visitors and creating memorable experiences. By introducing unique and unconventional food combinations, fairs can attract larger crowds and generate increased revenue. In this case, incorporating [grilling techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grill-x) and offering international flavors underscores the importance of staying current with culinary trends. This approach not only appeals to traditional fairgoers but also attracts a broader audience seeking unique gastronomic adventures. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Grilled Creations Redefine Fair Dining:** Grilled shrimp, southern fried corn on the cob, and walleye on a stick offer a delicious twist on traditional fare, promising both smoky flavors and convenience. - **Bacon Takes Center Stage in Fair Food Innovations:** Lobster rolls and mac-n-cheese grilled cheese featuring bacon star in the diverse food lineup, adding a savory twist to fair favorites. - **International Flavors Elevate Fair Experiences:** Incorporating grilling techniques and offering international flavors, the 2023 Iowa State Fair showcases how fairs have evolved into culinary experiences, attracting a broader audience seeking unique gastronomic adventures. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Businesses in the food and beverage industry can innovate by introducing unique and unconventional food combinations to engage visitors and create memorable fair experiences, ultimately attracting larger crowds and generating increased revenue. - **Hospitality and Event Planning:** Incorporating grilled creations and international flavors into fair dining experiences can help businesses in the hospitality and event planning industry create engaging and unforgettable culinary events for fairgoers of all ages. - **Culinary Arts Education:** The 2023 Iowa State Fair's diverse food lineup highlights the importance for culinary arts education programs to stay current with culinary trends, offering opportunities for students to experiment with grilling techniques and international flavors in their creations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Regional Culinary Identity-Inspired Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/regional-culinary-identity.md) - [Pink-Hued Macaroni Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/malibu-mac-and-cheese.md) - [Exciting Culinary Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culinary-competitions.md) - [Pickle-Flavored Candy Floss](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-cotton-candy.md) - [BBQ-Glazed Shrimp Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-bacon-grilled-shrimp.md) - [Spicy-Sweet Soft Serves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cowboy-candy-mango-soft-serve.md) - [Regionally-Inspired Barbecue Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-road-trip.md) - [Grill-Ready DIY Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craftyyaki.md) - [Boldly Flavored Barbecue Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-barbeque-fall-menu.md)