The Minnesota State Fair is a beloved annual event that attracts visitors from near and far, eager to indulge in the delicious and unique fair foods that are on offer. For those with dietary restrictions, navigating the plethora of food options can be a bit daunting. However, fear not, as the fair has made it easier for guests to find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
One of the first things to note is that most food vendors at the Minnesota State Fair post allergy warnings, particularly those related to nut issues. While this is helpful, the fair recommends that guests inquire about specific allergies with each vendor to ensure a safe dining experience. To make things even easier, the Fair Finder section of the fair’s website allows guests to search for food options by keywords such as „vegetarian,“ „vegan,“ or „gluten-free.“
For those looking for gluten-free options, El Burrito Mercado offers quesabirria taquitos, esquites, and agua de sandia loca. Arepa Bar serves gluten-free arepas, while French Meadow Bakery and Cafe has a ginger-apricot scone. Auntie M’s funnel cakes also offer gluten-free classics like cheese curds and funnel cakes.
When it comes to vegetarian fare, Baba’s offers a Ba’bacon sour cream + onion dish, while Nautical Bowls provides fruit-blended treats that are also gluten-free and plant-based. For a sweet treat, try the fried bee-nana pie at Sabino’s Pizza Pies.
Vegans will be delighted to find options like vegetable koshari from Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine, blazing Greek bites from Dino’s Gyros, and nqaij with lemongrass turmeric tofu from Union Hmong Kitchen. Dessert options include Tasti Whip’s chile mango whip and Minneapple Pie’s apple and blueberry pie.
For those looking for dairy-free options, Paella Depot serves dairy-free paella, while the Dairy Bar offers oat milk soft serve. And for those following paleo or keto diets, The Hangar has turkey legs and bacon-wrapped pork belly, while Carousel BBQ offers pork chops on a stick and turkey legs.
It’s important to note that the Minnesota State Fair allows guests to bring in outside food and drinks if they do not find suitable options at the fair. Coolers are permitted but will be searched upon arrival. With so many delicious and accommodating options available, there’s no reason for anyone to go hungry at the Minnesota State Fair. So come hungry, explore the diverse food offerings, and enjoy a culinary adventure at this year’s fair, running from August 22 to September 2.