Student Taste Culinary Contest

A student version of our professional Taste competition! Every March, the Iowa Pork Producers Association challenges culinary students from Iowa colleges and universities to create an entrée using a select cut of pork. Judges critique each dish's taste, appearance, complementing sides, and design.

2025 Rules & Guidelines

Read about 2024 winners

 

Check out the top dishes in 2025!

First Place: Pork Carbonara

A 4 oz citrus braised pork shoulder on a bed of spicy fettuccine, made with habanero bacon, drizzled with a grapefruit reduction and served with homemade French Boule bread.

Made by a student team from the Iowa Culinary Institute

Second Place: Puerco Rico

Marinated ribeye porkchop with mango salsa, served with cilantro lime risotto, and honey glazed carrots.

Made by a student team from Iowa Western Community College.

Third Place: Pig en Croute

A pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto, duxelles, mustard, and a pastry dough. Served with smashed Yukon potatoes and brussels sprouts loaded with parmesan cheese and pork belly bits with a hot honey drizzle.

Made by a student team from Iowa Western Community College.