One of the best things about going to the State Fair of Texas is sampling the many types of delicious food. And yes, much of it is deep-fried.

However, food vendors have realized that not everyone can cope with the high fat, high carbs, and high calories of traditional fair food. Moreover, fairgoers who avoid gluten have expressed increasing concern about finding gluten-free options at the fair. Consequently, there is now a growing list of healthy gluten-free foods throughout the Texas State Fair.

What Is Gluten?

Some individuals avoid gluten completely due to celiac disease, a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder that triggers an immune response damaging the intestines when gluten is consumed. Others opt to avoid gluten because they feel better without it. Still, some people mistakenly believe that avoiding gluten will aid in weight loss. Regardless of their reasons, for these individuals, gluten represents a danger zone.

So, what is gluten? Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat, barley, and rye. Furthermore, gluten provides elasticity in dough, helping it to rise and keep its shape, and it often contributes to a chewy texture in baked goods.

Food at the Texas State Fair

• Smoked Turkey Legs: These can be found throughout the fairgrounds, but it’s important to check whether the vendor uses any seasonings or glaze containing gluten.
• Sausage on a Stick: Available from Newport Concessions, with 10 locations around the fairgrounds.
• Roasted Corn: Located at concession #M-27 on the main Midway and #C-3 in the Gate Way area.
• Jack’s French Fries: Found in four locations in Cotton Bowl Plaza, ensuring there’s no cross-contamination.
• Tornado Taters: Available at one location on Nimitz Drive and another on Fun Way Street on the Midway.
• Pokey’Os Cookies & Cream: Gluten-Free Blue Bell ice cream in several flavors.
• Ranchero Fajitas: Also includes a fruit cup.
• Lermas Gorditas: Offers a fruit cup available at Cotton Bowl Plaza.
• Homestyle Foods: Fresh-squeezed lemonade available at the front gate and in the Food Court.
• Family Fun Foods: Fresh-squeezed lemonade found at multiple locations.
• Katie’s Café: Fresh-squeezed lemonade available on Fun Way Street on the Midway.
• Cotton Candy: Sold by Jim B. Conatser at several locations.
• Popcorn: Available through various vendors.
• Frozen Bananas and Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas: Near Big Tex.
• Homemade Rootbeer: Found in two locations: One on Fun Way Street and another on International Boulevard.
• Cassie’s Frozen Yogurt: Located on Fun Way Street on the Midway.
• Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
• Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
• Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet
• Koolade Pickles
• Iced-Tea Pickles
• Shaved Ice

Food Stands Inside the Coca-Cola Food Court

• Hast Texas Nachos: Tasty nachos available.
• Pedro’s Tamales: Tamales that are gluten-free.
• It’s All Greek to Me: Offers Greek salads; be sure to check the dressing content.
• A Taste of New Orleans: Enjoy red beans, rice, and dirty rice.
• Oak Farms Dairy: Sells milk and various beverages.
• Twisted Tators: A fun potato dish to try.

Food Trucks

Food trucks made their debut at the State Fair of Texas in 2012 as part of a Mega Truck initiative. Good Karma Kitchen and SlushWorks (serving frozen drinks) typically set up inside the Food & Fiber Pavilion, providing fairgoers with additional delicious options.