16 blue-ribbon ways to eat vegan at the Minnesota State Fair

Plant-based eating doesn’t have to be a challenge at the State Fair, even if the place is teeming with bacon-wrapped everything. There are several stands that specialize in whole foods, many of them classics in our fair-eating repertoire. Also, a number of vendors have introduced newer foods that can satisfy multiple dietary restrictions, whether vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. Other vendors will happily accommodate requests to hold the butter or change the protein.

Corn, peaches, grapes, strawberries — you’ll find the best of summer at the fairgrounds, for vegans or anyone who wants to take a break from cheesy, meaty fare.

Corn Roast, Dan Patch Av. at Nelson St.

The default for these peak-summer roasted corn cobs is a slathering of butter. But ask any of the workers at the corn roast to withhold the dairy and they will oblige. The corn is just as sweet.

Strawberries ‘N Creme, Underwood St. at Randall Av.

Coconut-based nondairy whipped topping in a cup with huge, juicy strawberries is a cooling alternative to fried foods. The Blue Ribbon Bargain Book coupon for $3 off a large makes this a nice price, too.

Daryl’s Dog House, Carnes Av. between Nelson and Underwood Sts.

The Produce Exchange, Carnes Av. and Underwood St.

We love all the fresh offerings at this corner stand (seriously, try anything you see). But this being peach season, we can’t get enough of the juicy fruit.

Sara’s Tipsy Pies, Food Building

It’s buttery, it’s caramel-y, but this warm hand pie with a filling of apples, sugar, spices and Dubliner Irish whiskey is vegan-friendly — and as comforting as mom’s.

Bayou Bob’s Gator Shack, Dan Patch Av. and Nelson St.

Spinning Wylde, Family Fair at Baldwin Park

Almost everything at this whimsical cotton candy vendor is vegan (just avoid the edible straws). We love the watermelon juice for an ultra-hydrating sipper that tastes like summer.

Minnesota Apples, Agriculture Horticulture Building, south side

One of the hidden gems of the Ag-Hort Building is this chill blast of apple cider in a tube.

French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, Carnes Av. between Nelson and Underwood Sts.

Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine, under the grandstand ramp

A newer vendor (in 2024) introduced the filling Egyptian dish koshari to the State Fair, and offers it both with and without meat. Get the veg version for a plant-based bowl of chickpeas, lentils, rice and pasta, and a garlicky sauce on the side.

Tasti Whip, Dan Patch Av. and Underwood St.

A mangonada-inspired frozen dessert features nondairy mango soft serve, drizzled with chamoy and tangy Tajin. It’s a cool stop on a hot day. And 2025’s new addition to the Tasti Whip menu is also vegan (and gluten-free): it’s called the Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float.

Tot Boss, Underwood St. between Wright and Dan Patch Avs.

Quench’d, Dan Patch Av. between Nelson and Underwood Sts.

In Italy, the sorbet course is the intermezzo. At the State Fair, it should be a mandatory intermission to all the salty-sweet-fried fare. The smooth lemonade sorbet at Quench’d got an upgrade when the vendor turned it into float form. Stir that puckery scoop into the lemonade for an ice-cold sipper that’ll ready your palate for even more great fair foods.

There are some rock-solid choices among the official new foods too:

Afro Deli • Food Building • $8

A crispy little master class in building great flavor and texture with a vegan dish. Deftly seasoned with a mix of creamy and chunky beans, the filling and crust are only enhanced by the cilantro and jalapeño basbaas sauce or the red chili-spiked mayo (that was a little less spicy). We loved every bit about this, including the adorable packaging in which they’re served, and rated it 4 stars in our round-up rating new fair foods.

This was a winner. The sweet-glazed tofu comes out like crunchy croutons with a creamy center, and they’re set atop a thrillingly well-dressed cold and crunchy slaw-like salad we’d be happy to eat any day, fair or not. And at that price? Exceptional. 4 stars.

Herbivorous Butcher, Food Building

Herbie’s huge fried faux chicken fingers are served alongside thinner strips of battered and fried plant-based bacon. These are crusty and hearty finger foods that are good for dunking in sauces, whether or not you’re vegan. 2½ stars