Iowa Opens Nominations for Best Pork Tenderloin
The Iowa Pork Producers Association's 21st annual contest accepts online nominations through June 5, with winners announced in October.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Comfort Food
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The Iowa Pork Producers Association opened nominations for its 21st annual Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. Online nominations are accepted through June 5, and nominations are limited to one per person.
Why it matters
The contest spotlights hand-breaded tenderloins served by year-round Iowa restaurants and gives winning establishments statewide publicity. Restaurants that earn the recognition are expected to draw more customers from across the Midwest and beyond.
The winning restaurant receives $500 and a plaque, while the runner-up receives $250 and a plaque from the association. Undercover judges rank finalists on pork quality, taste, physical characteristics and eating experience, and the contest has run for 21 years.
The players
Iowa Pork Producers Association
The Iowa Pork Producers Association is the state trade group that runs the contest and represents Iowa's pork producers.
The details
A traditional tenderloin is a pounded-out slice of pork loin dredged in flour, eggs, milk and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, then fried until golden and served on a bun. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries and catering businesses are ineligible, and the top five contenders are visited and ranked by undercover judges.
Timeline
June 5: Online nominations close.
October: Top five picks are revealed during National Pork Month, and winning restaurants are announced.
Culture Shift
The contest's 21-year run reflects how regional dishes like the Iowa breaded pork tenderloin become recognized statewide through community-driven nominations rather than national rankings. Its format of public nominations followed by undercover judging keeps the competition tied to local establishments.
Diners can nominate their favorite hand-breaded tenderloin through June 5, with one nomination per person. Restaurants with year-round hours and a daily tenderloin on the menu are the ones eligible to be judged.
The takeaway
Iowans who want to support a favorite local spot can submit a nomination before June 5, and anyone who nominates the winning restaurant is entered to win $100.
What happens next
Online nominations close June 5, and the top five picks and winning restaurants will be revealed in October during National Pork Month.
Further reading
Explore more Comfort Food stories from across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Hog Farmer.
Live Poll
Do you think Iowa's local restaurants deserve more public recognition for their signature dishes?
