Healthy Food Choices

Not always on your mind when you come to the Fair, the Iowa State Fair does have a healthy dose of good for you foods. In conjunction with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative, The Des Moines Register and Iowa State University, we have created a list of healthy Fair food options. This list is based on the USDA guidelines for healthy meals with school lunches:

  • Entrées less than 600 Calories.
  • Side dishes less than 300 Calories.
  • Less than 35 percent of Calories from total fat.
  • Less than 10 percent of Calories from saturated fat.
  • Less than 35 percent of Calories from sugar.
  • Less than 1000 mg of sodium
Salod-on-a-stick at the Iowa State Fair

ACAI BOWLS

At Big Acai Bowl (Cultural Center Courtyard)

CAPRESE SALAD ON-A-STICK

A mouthwatering skewer of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinaigrette at The Salad Bowl (Agriculture Building)

CARAMEL APPLE SLICES

At Applishus (locations: east canopy of the Varied Industries Building; north side of Walnut Square; south side of walk on Triangle; and Cultural Center Courtyard), Westmoreland's Specialty Drinks (north side of Grand Avenue near Susan Knapp Amphitheater)

CARROTS

At The Salad Bowl (Cultural Center and west balcony of the Agriculture Building)

COLD MEAT HOAGIES

Hagar's Hoagies (south of Jacobson Lawn)

CORN-ON-THE-COB

Hotchkiss's Steak and Shake Ups (east of Varied Industries Building by Farm Bureau Park)

FRESH FRUIT, MELON AND BERRY CUPS AND SHISHKABOBS

At various locations: Beattie's Melon Patch (east of the Giant Slide), Stockman's Inn (southwest corner of the Cattle Barn), Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (west side of the Agriculture Building)

FRUIT ON-A-STICK

With a yogurt dipping sauce at The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building)

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES

At Campbell’s Concessions (Elwell), Stockman’s Inn (Outside South West Corner of Cattle Barn), B&S Concessions (west side of Riley Stage), Crazy Taters (west side of Riley Stage)

GRILLED TURKEY SANDWICHES

At Turkey Time Concessions (south side of walk on Triangle), Iowa Turkey Federation (west side of Riley Stage)

MARGHERITA PIZZA

At Parlo Pizza's (on the hill by Grandfather's Barn)

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY ON A STICK

A tasty skewered version of this childhood favorite with grapes in between the sandwich pieces. The Salad Bowl located in the upper balcony of John Deere Agriculture Building.

PORK CHOPS ON-A-STICK

At the Iowa Pork Producers Association (main location: east end of Grand Avenue; satellite locations: east of the main stand and on Rock Island Avenue west of the Livestock Pavilion)

RIB SHACK COWBOY

A mix of cowboy beans, brisket or pork, coleslaw, a signature chip and barbecue sauce in a spice-flavored waffle cone, at the Rib Shack (south of the Riley Stage)

SALAD ON-A-STICK

At The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building) – an iceberg lettuce wedge with carrots and tomato served kabob-style, served with dressing.

SALADS

At various locations: Cattlemen's Beef Quarters (south side of Walnut Square), Campbell's (Elwell Family Food Center, 4-H Building, south of North Annex to Cattle Barn), The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building), Patinella's Gyros (north of the Varied Industries Building and southeast of the Administration Building), and Steer and Stein (east of the Grandstand)

SANDWICH WRAPS

At The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building)

SHRIMP CORNDOG

Three fresh shrimp dipped in corndog batter, fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet jalapeno glaze, at the Po Boy Stand (Rock Island Avenue)

TURKEY TENDERLOIN

At the Iowa Turkey Federation Stand (west of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage)

VEGGIE CORN DOGS

At Veggie Table (north of the Varied Industries Building)