The countdown to the iconic State Fair of Texas is officially underway with the announcement of the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards finalists. This year’s unveiling marks the 21st edition of the awards, which have become a much-anticipated part of the fair’s culinary tradition. Adding to the excitement in 2025 is the introduction of a brand-new category — Best Taste – Sipper — recognizing innovative and delicious beverages for the first time in the award's history.
On Wednesday, fair organizers revealed the finalists across four categories: Best Taste – Savory, Best Taste – Sweet, Best Taste – Sipper, and Most Creative. The total number of entries submitted this year broke records, with 76 mouth-watering culinary creations from across the state narrowing down to just 15 finalists. A panel of celebrity judges will select the winners before the fair officially opens, and every semi-finalist, regardless of final placement, will still be featured at this year's event for fairgoers to sample.
In the savory category, the competition is fiercer than ever. Finalists include Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels, Crab & Mozzarella Arancini, Deep Fried Deli Tacos, Vietnamese Crunch Dog, and Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders. Each entry offers a unique twist on traditional fair food, combining classic Texas flavors with bold new concepts. The Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels stand out for their combination of rich barbecue meat and soft, chewy pretzel bread, while the Deep Fried Deli Tacos promise a crispy and indulgent snack for fans of fusion cuisine.
On the sweeter side of the awards, five finalists are competing for the Best Taste – Sweet crown. Entries include Candy Lemon Sour Face, Chill & Thrill Delight, Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake, Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries, and Tex’s Toast á la Mode. These desserts aim to deliver both nostalgia and creativity, combining over-the-top presentation with innovative ingredients. Tex’s Toast á la Mode brings a classic comfort food into fair territory by serving up a warm, sugary toast topped with cool ice cream. Meanwhile, Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake and Funnel Cake Fries introduce a Middle Eastern flair into the fair's culinary lineup.
The new Best Taste – Sipper category has stirred curiosity among attendees and food enthusiasts alike. Although specific finalists in this beverage category were not listed at the time of the announcement, the addition reflects the growing trend of creative drink offerings at large food events. This category is expected to showcase unique cold brews, fizzy concoctions, exotic flavors, and perhaps even boozy or non-alcoholic innovations designed to pair well with the fair’s famously indulgent foods.
The Most Creative category continues to honor innovation and boldness in presentation and concept. Though not limited to taste alone, this category celebrates visual appeal, originality, and how far the limits of fair cuisine can be pushed. Dishes that blur the lines between traditional and outlandish will be among those considered for this title, adding another layer of excitement to the judging process.
The Big Tex Choice Awards are more than just a food competition; they are a showcase of Texas culinary culture, offering vendors an opportunity to debut new creations to massive crowds. Each finalist earns not just a coveted place in the fair’s spotlight but also gains significant exposure to thousands of food-loving fairgoers, bloggers, and influencers who attend the event each year. The competition serves as both a celebration of local talent and an economic boost for vendors, many of whom spend months developing their submissions.
As excitement builds for the upcoming State Fair, the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards serve as the perfect appetizer. With the introduction of the beverage category and a broader range of creative entries, this year’s awards promise to offer a flavorful experience that captures the essence of the fair — bold, fun, and unapologetically Texan. Whether attendees prefer savory, sweet, or sippable delights, this year’s finalists offer something for every palate and plenty of reasons to line up for a taste of Texas tradition.
With less than two months until the fairgrounds open, anticipation is high, and fans of the State Fair are already making plans to sample these culinary creations. The Big Tex Choice Awards remain one of the most talked-about events leading up to the fair, and 2025 looks to continue the tradition of delivering inventive, satisfying, and unforgettable bites in the heart of Dallas.
