Cooking Contests: Overview

Cooking contests are an American pastime, annually attracting thousands of participants. The culinary equivalent of sporting events, they fall into three categories: those held as part of fairs and festivals; those sponsored by food manufacturers as promotional events, such as the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest; and those that celebrate distinctive, all-American foods. Many cooking contests feature monetary prizes, while others benefit charity. The most famous American cook-offs include several state fair and food festival cooking competitions and major league events like the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest and barbecue and chili competitions.