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Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists Announced

Hold onto your corndogs! Fair season in Texas just got even tastier.

The State Fair of Texas has officially unveiled the 15 finalists for this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards, and y’all, this lineup is absolutely outrageous in the best way. From brisket-stuffed pretzels to jalapeño-honey lemonade, the 2025 contenders are proof that Texans don’t just go big, we go deliciously extra.

Let’s dig in.


🎟️ State Fair Essentials (Texas Edition)

👜 1. Clear Crossbody Bag or Backpack

Many large events prefer (or require) clear bags for security checks.

Recommended:

🧢 2. Sun Protection Kit

Texas sun in late September? It’s real.

Must-Haves:

💧 3. Collapsible or Insulated Water Bottle

Stay hydrated without paying $5 for bottled water.

Options:


🪑 4. Lightweight Portable Chair or Blanket

Perfect for resting during concerts or parades.


📱 5. Power Bank / Portable Charger

Between snapping pics and navigating the fair map, your phone will drain fast.

🧻 6. On-the-Go Hygiene Kit

Fairgrounds can get messy.


👟 7. Comfortable Walking Shoes or Insoles

You’ll be on your feet all day.


🍬 8. Small Reusable Snack Bag or Tupperware

To save leftovers (yes, those deep-fried sweets count).


🛍️ 9. Foldable Tote Bag

You’ll likely pick up merch or win a prize.


🌧️ 10. Emergency Rain Poncho or Mini Umbrella

Texas weather is unpredictable.



A Record-Breaking Year

It all started with 76 entries, a record high! Those entries were judged down to 30 semifinalists, and now, we’re left with 15 finalists competing in three mouth-watering categories:

  • Best Taste - Savory

  • Best Taste - Sweet

  • Best Taste - Sipper (yep, drinks are getting their own love this year!)

Bonus: All of them are also in the running for the Most Creative award. And trust us, there’s plenty of creativity to go around.


SAVORY Finalists: Flavor Fireworks

Here’s what’s heating up the competition in the savory category:

  • Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels: Beer cheese + smoked brisket wrapped in pretzel dough? Yes, please.

  • Crab & Mozzarella Arancini: Fancy meets fried with these Maryland crab and cheese rice balls.

  • Deep Fried Deli Tacos: Think pastrami, mashed potatoes, and cheese in a crispy taco shell.


  • Vietnamese Crunch Dog: Corn dog with bánh mì flair: panko crunch, sriracha mayo, and tangy pickled veggies.

  • Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders: This one’s a mouthful, in every way. Deviled eggs as burger buns!



SWEET Finalists: Sugar Rush Incoming

Get your sweet tooth ready, these desserts are out of control:

  • Candy Lemon Sour Face: Sweet and sour lemons coated in colorful candy. Your face will pucker.

  • Chill & Thrill Delight: Watermelon juice + fruit + mango sorbet. Light, fresh, and festival-ready.

  • Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake: Cheesecake meets pistachio spread, Belgian chocolate, and crispy kataifi.

  • Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries: A knafeh twist on funnel cake fries, golden, gooey, gorgeous.

  • Tex’s Toast á la Mode: French toast bake topped with Blue Bell, caramel drizzle, and crunchy cereal.


SIPPERS Debut: Drinks That Deserve Their Own Category

Introducing the first-ever “Best Sipper” category. These drinks are more than just thirst-quenchers - they’re entire experiences:

  • Coconut Quadruple: Four layers of coconut bliss: slushy, soft serve, flakes, and fresh coconut water.

  • Cookie Chaos Milkshake: Cookie overload in a cup: Oreos, Biscoff, snickerdoodles, cookie dough, and cookie butter.

  • Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up: Lemonade meets jalapeño heat, honeycomb, chamoy, and a Tajín rim.

  • Nevins Dirty Red Bull® Tex-arita: Watermelon and Blueberry Red Bull margarita with Pop Rocks & cream liquor.

  • Poppin’ Boba Rita: A wine margarita with lime, boba pearls, and a “dirty” topping bar? Sign us up.


Save the Date: Live Judging on August 21

Winners will be announced at a private tasting event on August 21, judged by a panel of food influencers, chefs, and State Fair superfans. But don’t worry, you can catch the livestream on Instagram and Facebook, and best of all…


You’ll be able to taste ALL these creations during the State Fair itself!

🗓️ Fair Dates: September 26 to October 19

📍 Location: Fair Park, Dallas, TX

🎡 Theme: “Texas Shines Bright”


Why It All Matters

Sure, we love the rides, the games, and the concerts, but let’s be real: the food is the main event. The Big Tex Choice Awards spotlight the magic that happens when tradition meets innovation and a little deep fryer action.


And now, with drinks in the mix, it’s a full-on culinary carnival.

So whether you’re Team Savory, Sweet, or Sipper, this year’s finalists promise something unforgettable for every fairgoer.


Grab your stretchy pants. This is going to be one tasty Texas showdown.


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