Can You Name These State Fair Foods?

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Name These State Fair Foods?
Image: By Rainer Driesen from Wikimedia Commons

About This Quiz

Food fairs are a type of festival which are held to highlight and celebrate different kinds of food. Usually held every year in towns, cities and states all around the world, hundreds, if not thousands of people show up to show off their new creations and many more show up to taste it.  

If you have been to a few food fairs, you would notice that every year, the creativity of the recipes increases and some of the classics that we know and love have almost become unrecognizable. 

From classics like ice cream and cotton candy which have been infused with flavors like corn and apple, to grilled cheese sandwiches and Coca-cola which have been deep fried to the bizarre like Kool-aid infused pickles, frog legs, cookie fries and cheesecake on a stick. 

Will you be able to recognize some of the classic food fair foods if you were given an image of them? Would you also be able to identify some of the newer food which seem to be popping up all over the country? The only way to test your knowledge of some of the most popular foods served at food fairs is to take this quiz!

Cotton Candy
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Cotton candy
Cotton candy, sometimes called fairy floss, is a type of spun sugar which food coloring has been added to. The treasured treat is made by heating the sugar causing it to liquefy only to resolidify as small strand which are then spun onto a stick.
Kool-Aid pickles
Fried jalapeños
Beignets

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Funnel cake
Crouton Crackerjacks via Youtube
What is this food?
Cheese bites
Funnel cake
Funnel cake is a type of food which is served at carnivals, fairs, sporting events and in theme parks. It is made by pouring a type of batter into hot oil through a funnel giving it its unique name and texture.
Turkey legs
Nachos

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Corndogs
CookingaRound via Youtube
What is this food?
Chocolate chip cookies
Poutine
Corn dogs
Corn dogs are a type of sausage which has been placed on a stick then coated with a thick cornmeal batter and is then deep fried. There have been many variants, some of which have different batters and others which use different types of hotdogs.
Sloppy Joes

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Cheddar popcorn
Stephanie Manley via Youtube
What is this food?
Cream puffs
Baby back ribs
Lemonade
Cheddar popcorn
Popcorn is a type of corn kernel which puff up once heated. Cheddar popcorn is one of the many variants and is made by using different types of powered cheeses to coat the puffed seeds.

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Onion rings
Youtube
What is this food?
Onion rings
Onion rings are typically served as a side dish or appetizer and are made all over the world. They are made by cutting onions in a cross-sectional shape then dipping them into a batter and then deep-frying them.
Caramel apples
Ice cream
Hot dogs

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Shaved Ice
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Fried okra
Fried chicken
Rhubarb pie
Shaved ice
Shaved ice is an ice-based dessert which is made by shaving blocks of ice then adding some type of flavoring, sauce and fruit. It is often mistaken for a snow cone which is made from crushed and not shaved ice.

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Beignets
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Fried Mac and cheese
Beignets
Beignets are a French pastry made from deep frying choux pastry. Some people make them from other types of pastries and they are then covered in confectionary sugar and accompanied by some type of sauce or filling.
Pizza on a stick
Elephant ears

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Pizza
WikiCommons by Maksym Kozlenko
What is this food?
Fried oreos
Hush puppies
Pizza
Pizza is a traditional Italian dish made from a type of yeasted flatbread and is usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables or meat and then baked in an oven. In more recent years, there have been gluten free and cheese-less pizzas being made and sold.
Blackberry lemonade

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Pull Pork Sandwiches
n/a
What is this food?
Pulled pork sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a type of sandwich which is made using pork that has been cooked very slowly, at low temperatures, for hours. The meat becomes so tender that is can be easily “pulled” apart into smaller pieces.
Chocolate covered bacon
Frozen marshmallows
Corn fritters

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Toffee apples
Scoff via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep fried cereal
Pineapple bowls
Dill pickles
Caramel apples
Toffee apples, also referred to as candy apples, are a type of candy which is made from whole apples which have been dipped in a layer of sugar or toffee. Commonly served during fall and at different festivals, they are also available at supermarkets and stores around the country.

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Churro
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Churros
Churros are a Spanish and Portuguese treat which is made from frying choux pastry. The dough is piped into thin long strips and after it is fried, it is dipped in a cinnamon mixture. It is usually eaten for breakfast and can be dipped in coffee and hot chocolate.
Bratwurst
Fried pickles
Deep fried pizza

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Slush
FunFoods via Youtube
What is this food?
Cherry pie
Slush
Slush, sometimes called a slushy, is a beverage made from frozen juice. Typically seen inside of food shops, gas stations and carnivals, this drink can be made in every flavor imaginable and even from carbonated beverages.
Fried mashed potato balls
Ice cream sandwiches

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Nachos
Youtube
What is this food?
Falafel
Loaded nachos
Nachos are a Mexican dish which consists of tortilla chips that have been covered with a cheese-based sauce; it is usually eaten as a snack. Loaded nachos, on the other hand, consist of an abundance of toppings, large enough to be considered a meal.
Kettle corn
Cheese fries

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Mexican Cuisine
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Cotton candy
Tacos
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish which is made using a corn or wheat tortilla which has been partially filled with meat, vegetables, cheese and some type of salsa and/or chili.
Onion rings
Western sausage

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Bratwurst
BarbecueTricks via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep-fried avocados
Bratwurst
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage which is made from different types of meat, some of which include beef, pork or veal. There are over 40 variants of the sausage, many of which are eaten at carnivals and different festivals.
Caramel popcorn
Fried carrot sticks

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Kebabs
The Domestic Geek via Youtube
What is this food?
Cheese on a stick
Dip n' Dots
Kebabs
Kebabs are a Middle Eastern dish which is made from skewering different kinds of meat and grilling them on an open flame. In some variations, people add vegetables and fruits with the meat or they can be served on their own.
Mexican corn

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Fried twinkies
Steve's Kitchen via Youtube
What is this food?
Fried Twinkies
Carnivals and fair vendors are known for thinking out of the box, but one of their most unique offerings is the deep fried twinkie. Already an American favorite, the treat is coated with a batter then fried. It can also be found in the freezer aisle in certain stores.
Pizza
Snow cones
Roast beef

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Chicken and waffles
CookingWithCarolyn via Youtube
What is this food?
Brownies
Clam chowder
Chicken and waffles
Chicken and waffles is an American dish which describes exactly what it is, chicken and waffles. Typically classified as soul food, it can topped with some kind of syrup or sauce once cooked.
Waffle fries

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Frozen bananas on a stick
WhatsUpMoms via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep fried chicken skins
Deep fried pineapple
Deep fried coca-cola
Frozen bananas on a stick
Frozen bananas are a treat made by inserting a popsicle stick into a cut banana and is later frozen after it has been dipped into some kind of mixture. These mixtures vary from chocolate and nuts to yogurt and sprinkles.

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Turkey legs
Chef Tips via Youtube
What is this food?
Jalapeno puppies
Cupcakes
Turkey legs
Turkey legs are roughly the size of a human’s forearm and are almost impossible to eat on one’s own, but they are one of the most popular foods sold at fairs. They can be roasted, barbequed, deep fried and stewed.
Smoothies

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Apple Pie
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Churros
Lemonade
Tacos
Apple pie
Apple pie is a type of pie crust which has been filled with a mixture of sugar, apples, cinnamon and covered by a pastry lattice. The apple pie is usually served with whipped cream and a side of ice cream.

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Ice Cream
WikiCommons by Raz Amiga
What is this food?
Fried brick
Ice cream cones
An ice cream cone is a cone-shaped casing made from a wafer and allows the eater to hold ice cream without using a spoon. Ice cream cones are now being made from many things, some of which include Rice Krispie treats, chocolate and even cookies.
Caramel corn
Cinnamon rolls

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Elephant ears
Allrecipes via Youtube
What is this food?
Elephant ears
Elephant ears, better known as palmier, is a French pastry which is shaped like a palm leaf (or butterfly when two are placed together). They are made from puff pastry which has been laminated, similar to that of a croissant.
Bacon dogs
Garlic fries
Chicken and waffles

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Deep fried macaroni
Yummies4Dummies Cooking Channel via Youtube
What is this food?
Caramel apples
Fried jalapeños
Beignets
Deep fried macaroni and cheese
One of the many foods that is fried at food fairs is macaroni and cheese. This treat is very popular among kids; the macaroni is fried into bite sized balls or squares, making it very easy to eat.

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Lemonade
Big Butler Fair via Youtube
What is this food?
Bacon bombs
Chocolate covered pork rinds
Lemonade
Lemonade is a type of sweet beverage which is made using water, lemons and some type of sweetener. The drink is very popular around the world and is available in carbonate beverage form and bottled juice.
Popcorn

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Fried grilled cheese sandwiches
yellowsaffron via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep fried s'mores
Chocolate covered strawberries
Fried grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are an American classic which consists of a buttered bread and cheese sandwich which is placed in a hot pan until the cheese has melted. At some fairs, the sandwich has been deep-fried, which adds to its crunchiness and caloric value.
Cinnamon rolls

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Sloppy joe dogs
One Kitchen - A Thousand Ideas via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep fried pecan pie
Sloppy Joe dogs
Sloppy Joe Dogs are a variation of the classic hotdog, because it is combined iwith a sloppy joe recipe. The dog is topped with the sloppy joe mix which is then topped by a cheese sauce and other condiments.
Candy apples
Caliente curly fries

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Doughnuts
Shutterstock
What is this food?
Doughnuts
Doughnuts are a type of fried dough treat which is very popular around the world. Many of them are topped with some kind of sugar, chocolate or icing, and there are others which have been filled with some type of jam or jelly. There is also a doughnut covered in gold foil and is worth an estimated $100.
Buffalo wings
Frosted Flakes chicken fingers
Pop rocks

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Bacon wrapped corn
The Backyard BBQ Show - BBQFOOD4U via Youtube
What is this food?
Bacon wrapped corn
Many people love eating roasted corn at fairs, but one of the new twists which seems to be popping up all over the country is bacon wrapped corn. The corn is wrapped with the strip of bacon and the two are roasted together.
Apple rings
Deep fried Kool-aid
Loaded nachos

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Fried jalapenos
Crouton Crackerjacks via Youtube
What is this food?
BBQ ribs
Corn Dogs
Doughnuts
Fried jalapeños
The jalapeno peppers can be cut or served whole and are dipped into a batter of flour, eggs, pepper, salt, garlic and beer and are then deep fried. This food is not for everyone as things can heat up very quickly.

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Frozen cheesecake on a stick
FOOD INSIDER via Youtube
What is this food?
Bacon wrapped corn
Apple pie
Frozen cheesecake on a stick
At food fairs, you can find almost any type of food on a stick and one of those is frozen cheesecake. The already popular dessert is frozen onto a popsicle stick and can then be dipped in chocolate and covered in a variety of toppings.
Chicken and waffles

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Cream puffs
In The Kitchen With Matt via Youtube
What is this food?
Deep fried cheese
Cream puffs
A cream puff, also known as a profiterole, is a choux pastry ball which has been filled with cream, custard or ice cream. It is usually decorated with chocolate or caramel sauce or can be left plain.
Turkey legs
Funnel cake

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Fried guacamole
WannaBite via Youtube
What is this food?
Fried guacamole
This food is made by creating your favorite guacamole recipe, then rolling it into small balls, after which it is dipped into crushed chips then fried. When you are done, you get your favorite guacamole and chips in one bite-sized treat.
Nachos
Baby back ribs
Lemonade

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Poutine
KBDProductionsTV via Youtube
What is this food?
Cheesy chili fries
Italian sausage hoagies
Dessert waffles
Poutine
Poutine is a Canadian (specifically from Quebec) dish which consists of French fries which have been topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. The dish has been adopted in many regions and there are also several variations of the dish.

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Fried coke
SimpleCookingChannel via Youtube
What is this food?
Jumbo hot dogs
Tater tots
Caviar Twinkies
Fried coke
Fried coke is a frozen batter which has been flavored with Coca-Cola, deep fried and later topped with whipped cream, cherries, a Coca-Cola syrup and cinnamon sugar. First seen in 2006 at a state fair, the treat is now sold worldwide.

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Deep fried birthday cake
WrecklessEating via Youtube
What is this food?
Corndogs
Doughnuts
Deep fried birthday cake
Deep fried birthday cake is a food fair treat whose recipe requires an extra cup of flour in order to thicken the batter and to give it some shape. Others prefer to fry the pre-baked food which gives it more contrasting textures.
Apple pie

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Maple chocolate bacon skewers
Howcast via Youtube
What is this food?
Ice cream
Nachos
Deep fried Mac and cheese
Maple chocolate bacon skewers
This food fair snack is made by grilling bacon on a skewer then covering it with a thick layer of chocolate sauce. It is advised that maple glazed bacon should be eaten by those with a more complex flavor palate.

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Kool-Aid pickles
Shared Food via Youtube
What is this food?
Elephant ears
Kool-Aid pickles
One of the strangest foods to come out of state fairs is the Kool-Aid pickle. Now a people’s favorite, the snack is made from soaking pickles in a strong mixture of Kool-Aid for at least one week.
Fried okra
Fried chicken

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Beef Patties
Chef Ricardo Cooking via Youtube
What is this food?
Beef patties
Beef patties are a type of pastry which has been filled with ground beef and spices and baked until the crust is flaky. There are other varieties which can be filled with anything from other types of meat to vegetables and fruit.
Strawberry pie
Hush puppies
Poutine

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BBQ frog legs
BarbecueTricks via Youtube
What is this food?
Kebabs
BBQ frog legs
One of the many types of meat on display at food fairs is frog legs. While most of them are fried, some people prefer to have them barbecued and eaten off a skewer. The meat, which many people are scared to try, is said to taste like chicken.
Deep fried spam
Frozen daiquiri

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You Got:
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By Rainer Driesen from Wikimedia Commons