State Fair of Texas Reveals 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards Semifinalists

The State Fair of Texas may not be until this fall, but fair officials are already hard at work selecting the best dishes for the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards. A total of 30 semifinalists were announced Wednesday.

"We’re thrilled to announce that State Fair of Texas concessionaires are off to the races with an exciting new lineup of edible innovations debuting this fall," the fair's press release says. "This year’s contenders are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth, savory craving, and everything in between. Get ready for another unforgettable year of bold flavors, creative combinations, and over-the-top Fair food fun!"

The fair received a record-breaking 76 entries from 50 concessionaires — the highest number in the 21-year history of the Big Tex Choice Awards.

How are the Big Tex Choice Awards competitors selected?

To be eligible to participate in the Big Tex Choice Awards, commissionaires must operate at the State Fair for a minimum of one fair cycle. The food items must also be new to both the concession stand and the fair.

The items must also be served at the State Fair in the exact way as when submitted for the competition, and they cannot be changed throughout the fair's duration. While uniqueness isn't a requirement, it is highly recommended.

"Concessionaires are strongly encouraged to create and produce an original item not seen at other fairs or events nationwide," the official rules and regulations state.

After entries are submitted, an internal panel of judges conducts a blind taste and scores items. The judges are not provided with the concessionaires' identities. Semifinalists then move on to the Big Tex Choice Awards ceremony, where they compete for three awards: "Best Taste - Savory," "Best Taste - Sweet" and "Most Creative."

LIST: State Fair of Texas 2025 semifinalists

Here are this year's semifinalists, as announced Wednesday:

• Bacon Jam Cannoli
• Brisket and Brew Stuffed Pretzels
• Candy Lemon Sour Face
• Chill & Thrill Delight
• Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper
• Coconut Quadruple
• Colada Limonada
• Cookie Chaos Milkshake
• Crab & Mozzarella Arancini
• Decadent Dubai Chocolate Cream
• Deep Fried Deli Tacos
• Dirty Red Bull® Tex-arita
• Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake
• Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries
• El Cono Loco
• Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up
• Meat Lovers Crunchy Calzone
• Pop-elotes
• Poppin' Boba Rita
• Pop Rocks® Margarita
• Russell's Key Lime Pie Bombs
• Texa-misu
• Texas Smoked Brisket Crepe
• Texas Water
• Tex's Toast á la mode
• Ube Rice-Cream Crunch
• Vietnamese Crunch Dog
• Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders
• What on Earth is This?
• Yabba Dabba Doo™

When is the 2025 State Fair of Texas?

This year, the State Fair will run September 26 through October 19.