The tastiest time of the year is here! The culmination of hard work, sweat, and oil in creating the most appetizing Fair foods. The 22nd Annual Big Tex® Choice Awards, presented by Karbach Brewing Company, was one to be remembered. After tasting and evaluating all 15 items, the all-star panel of judges tallied their scores and made their decisions. Without further ado… the winners are: “Best Taste – Savory” goes to the Burger Chop Tater Tacos by Tom Grace, “Best Taste – Sweet” goes to the Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog by Beck Fletcher, “Best Taste –Sipper” goes to Tropical Coco Fresca by Fruteria Cano, and Berry Me in Matcha by Stephen El Gidi, takes home “Most Creative”.
Best Taste – Savory
Burger Chop Tater Tacos, Tom Grace
A fresh burger patty is seared to perfection, chopped, and combined with sautéed onions and jalapeños. Topped with mozzarella and American cheese, the mixture is placed atop a bed of cheddar cheese tater tots formed into a taco shell and finished with buffalo buttermilk ranch coleslaw, garlic parmesan buffalo sauce, and more tots, making for the ultimate Burger Chop Tater Tacos!
Best Taste – Sweet
Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog, Beck Fletcher
The Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog consists of smooth milk chocolate fudge hand dipped in Fletcher’s famous Original Corny Dog batter and is deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a drizzle of yellow vanilla icing and served with raspberry compote for a sweet twist on the iconic Corny Dog. One bite and you’ll taste why this sweet treat is top dog!
Best Taste – Sipper
Tropical Coco Fresca, Fruteria Cano
The Tropical Coco Fresca is a layered pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with chamoy lava Tajin® rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut snow that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat!
Most Creative
Berry Me in Matcha, Stephen El Gidi
Introducing Berry Me in Matcha — a luxurious flavor experience that fuses creamy cheesecake indulgence with bold Japanese-inspired flair. This rich New York-style cheesecake is hand-dipped in silky Belgian white chocolate, rolled in crushed matcha cookies for a delicate earthy crunch, then drizzled with luscious white chocolate and sweet strawberry jam. Finished with a fresh strawberry slice on top, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet matcha bliss.
Every year, the judges of the Big Tex Choice Awards face the tough yet tasty task of selecting the winning Fair foods – the task at hand this year was not easy; the field was especially competitive. Despite not taking home one of the titles today, the other delicious 2026 finalists include: Dickel’s Texas Two Step Tacos by Dickel’s Smokehouse, Flamin’ Crunch Pizza by Tom Grace, Golden Crunch Melt by Tony & Terry Bednar, Nacho Wings by Cody & Lauren Hays, Fernie’s Frozen Espresso-tini Bar by Christi Erpillo & Johnna McKee, Holy Flan! Buñueloco by The Garza Family, Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake Cone by Brad Weiss, Corn Flake Shappé by Milton & Gracie Whitley, Nevins Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float by Tami & Josey Nevins Mayes, Rousso’s Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider by Rousso’s Concessions, and Sunset Soft Serve Rita by Dwania Morris.