Jason’s Beloved State Fair Taste Test Returns with Must-Try Picks for 2026

A 15-Year Tradition of Sampling the Great Minnesota Get-Together

For more than a decade and a half, fairgoers have turned to one trusted voice to separate the deep-fried gimmicks from the genuine culinary gems at the Minnesota State Fair. Jason, the longtime food reviewer for Minnesota Monthly, has made it his mission to taste every new food item each summer, and his annual roundup has become essential reading for anyone heading to the fairgrounds in St. Paul. Now, with the 2026 fair just around the corner, Jason’s latest picks are out—and hungry Minnesotans are already planning their routes around his recommendations.

The article, published this week, arrives at a moment when the fair’s new-food program has evolved into a cultural phenomenon of its own. Each year, dozens of inventive dishes—ranging from outlandish combinations to elevated comfort food—compete for attention, and the announcement of the official lineup alone generates buzz across the Midwest. Jason’s review cuts through the noise, spotlighting the items that truly deliver on flavor, creativity, and that special fair magic, while steering people away from dishes that fail to live up to the hype.

A Delicious Dilemma in 2026

This year, Jason confessed to a particular challenge that resonated with many fans: the sheer volume and ambition of the 2026 newcomers left him facing a delicious dilemma. In his introduction—familiar to those who have followed his journey for years—he admitted that the quality and creativity on display were so high that narrowing down the best new foods was harder than ever. While he didn’t spoil all the details in his opening lines, the piece makes clear that the immense variety only reinforced why the fair’s food tradition remains unmatched.

The Minnesota State Fair’s new-food lineup is a highly anticipated part of what makes the annual event one of the largest and most beloved state fairs in the country. Official vendor submissions go through a curation process, and once the list is public, the race to sample them begins. But for those who can’t possibly eat everything, Jason’s picks serve as a strategic guide—a curated shortlist built on nearly two decades of tasting experience.

What Makes Jason’s Review a Must-Read

Unlike a typical news item, Jason’s piece is both a culinary review and a consumer guide, deeply rooted in the local food landscape. It reflects the fair’s role as a platform for culinary experimentation, where longtime concessionaires and newcomers alike push boundaries. From savory hybrids to sweet masterpieces, the dishes he highlights typically capture the playful spirit that defines the fair. While the full details of his top choices are reserved for Minnesota Monthly readers, early reaction on social media hints at a mix of comfort-food reinventions and global-inspired bites that showcase Minnesota’s evolving palate.

Fairgoers who want to see the complete list of new foods before they arrive can always consult the official Minnesota State Fair new foods page, which details every item, vendor, and location. But Jason’s review adds the human element—the honest, first-person verdict that only comes from someone who has literally eaten his way through the fair for more than 15 years.

The Enduring Appeal of Fair Food

The Minnesota State Fair draws around 1.8 million visitors each year, and food has always been the anchor of the experience. The new-food program, in particular, has turned the fair into a destination for food media and enthusiasts far beyond the state’s borders. As vendors compete to outdo each other, the fair itself has leaned into the hype, teasing announcements and even offering preview events. Jason’s annual review fits naturally into this ecosystem, functioning as a trusted filter and a celebration of the people and ideas behind the counter.

His long-running role also speaks to the deeper relationship between Minnesota Monthly and the local community. The publication has covered the fair from every angle—from concert lineups to agricultural competitions—but it’s the food coverage that reliably captures the widest attention.

Readers who want to dive into Jason’s full tasting notes and see which two or three items he crowned as the ultimate must-eats of 2026 can find the complete article over at Minnesota Monthly. The piece marks another chapter in what has become one of the state’s most delightful summer rituals—one forkful at a time.