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Welcome to our special series this week, where we give you our honest fair food thoughts and let you know if it's "fair" for your money.

First up: The deep fried queso burger (pictured above) has beef chips mixed into what appears to be Cheese Whiz that is batter-dipped and fried.

Jason's thought bubble: It tasted like Hamburger Helper wrapped in corn dog batter.

🧈 Butter ranking: one stick = ick; five = don’t miss it

Try it: Waffle Bombs, southwest of the administration building.

One of the most talked about new foods is the $15 BLT Roll at JR's SouthPork Ranch — home of the famous $30 lobster roll.

Linh's thought bubble: It tasted good, but left more to be desired at its price point.

Fried olives on a stick describes itself accurately.

Jason's thought bubble: Skip this schtick.

Try it: Waffle Bombs, southwest of the administration building.

What could be better than a corn dog made of alligator meat?

State of play: Get one of each in a two for $14 deal at Pioneer Wagon.

Jason's thought bubble: Surprisingly good.

Try it: Located near the front of the Grandstand

"The Finisher" is a russet potato covered in chopped brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese, barbecue sauce, sour cream and garlic butter, all for $10.

Jason's thought bubble: Delicious but also a carb carnival.

🏆 Of note: This big dish won the 2022 Iowa State Fair People's Choice award for best new food.

Try it: The Rib Shack, south of Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

The Spam deluxe cheeseburger ($10) is a thick cut of fried canned pork with an optional topper of egg and cheese.

Jason's thought bubble: It was flavorful and far different than the spongy lunchmeat I recall from my childhood.

Go get it: At the Spam stand, east of the Administration Building.

The Wild Alaskan salmon sandwich is listed as a gourmet selection at Smokey’s Grill.

Jason's thought bubble: It was a nice reprieve from deep-fried food.

Try it: Smokey's is southwest of the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion.

The Minty Moo parfait and The Puff sundae were finalists in the fair’s best new food contest this year.

Details: Both have a vanilla ice cream base and a cookie goodness mix.

💬 Jason’s thought bubble: Both are worthy.

💬 Linh’s thought bubble: I enjoyed both, but the Puff was a creamier, richer ice cream.

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