Healthy Eats at the State Fair
Let's be honest, the real star of the show at the State Fair of Texas is the food, and that's not going to change from Sept. 25 through Oct. 18, 2026. But between plates of fried everything, there's plenty of room to balance things out.
How to Eat (Somewhat) Healthy at the Fair
This year's theme, Stars, Stripes, and Howdies, marks the fair's 140th year, and whether you're trying to save room for a corny dog or just want a little more balance in your day at Fair Park, here are some lighter picks and simple strategies worth knowing before you go.
A Fruit Cup Worth Seeking Out
Tony's Taco Shop's Chill & Thrill Delight took home a Big Tex Choice Award last year for its fruit-forward take on fair dessert, and it's a good one to know about if you're craving something sweet without going all in on fried. Watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and peaches float in watermelon juice, topped with mango sorbet and a scoop of boba. Find it in the Tower Building and Centennial Building.
Mango on a Stick
Fruteria Cano keeps it simple and fresh with mango sliced into a flower shape on a stick, plus smoothies and fruit cups if you'd rather sip your fruit. Find them on the Midway, Lonestar Blvd., and in the Tower Building. New for 2026, keep an eye out for their Tropical Coco Fresca, a pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with a Tajín rim and a scoop of icy coconut, one of this year's Big Tex Choice Award sipper finalists.
Texas Water
Skip the funnel cake for a minute and grab a spring or sparkling water infused with natural fruit flavors at the Embarcadero. It's a low-sugar way to cool off between rides, and a nice change of pace from everything else on the Midway.
Turkey Sandwich
If you prefer traditional fare over the newest and buzziest fairgrounds offerings, head over to Highland Park Soda Fountain. In addition to a simple turkey sandwich, this spot serves other approachable options like ham and cheese sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches, and more.
Pickle Lemonade
If there’s one staple concession at the fair, it’s fresh-squeezed lemonade. At Milton’s, this beloved beverage gets a healthy upgrade. It’s mixed with pickles and pickle juice, not only creating the perfect mix of sweet and salty, but also adding electrolytes that help you stay hydrated as you enjoy the fun.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Fresh off the grill, Texas Steak Out’s grilled chicken kebabs with vegetables offer a lean-meat meal packed with flavor, not dipped in batter. The menu also includes grilled sirloin steak kebabs if you’re craving red meat that’s not smothered in calories and cholesterol.
Hot Corn
Okay, so technically this dish is called Hot Buttered Corn. However,if you order it without butter, it becomes a healthy treat that’s still plenty festive and scrumptious.
Sauerkraut
It’s rare to uncover a fair food that’s loaded with nutrients and probiotics, but we found it for you! Often overshadowed by menu favorites like turkey legs and sausages on sticks, Hans Mueller’s sauerkraut side dish is a choice that you and your body can feel good about.
Ube Rice-Cream Crunch
Not every treat at the fair needs to be virtuous, and Barrera's Ube Rice-Cream Crunch on Funway is proof. Purple ube ice cream gets rolled in puffed rice and finished with Cool Whip and a cherry on top. Consider it your reward for all that walking.
A Few Ways to Balance It Out
You don't need a plan to enjoy the fair, but a few small habits go a long way. Scope out the grounds before you commit to anything, then pick two or three things you actually want instead of grazing on everything in sight. Split the big stuff. A quarter of a fried Oreo or a turkey leg between friends still tastes just as good, and it leaves more room for the next thing that catches your eye.
Bring Your Own, If You Want
If you have dietary needs or just prefer to pack your own snacks, the fair allows it. A soft-sided cooler that fits the clear bag policy is welcome through the gates, just skip the loose ice and bring a reusable ice pack instead. Bottled water is also sold for a dollar at stands throughout the grounds, so staying hydrated on a hot Texas afternoon doesn't have to cost much.
Let the Fairgrounds Do Some of the Work
Fair Park covers 277 acres, and by the time you've made a loop of the Midway, you've already put in some real steps. Build a walk into your day beyond the rides. Texas Discovery Gardens is a quiet detour with a butterfly house that releases new butterflies each day around midday, and the Children's Aquarium is right around the corner if you want another break from the crowds. The GO TEXAN Pavilion is worth a stop too, with Texas-grown products on display throughout the building.
