Thanks for your question.

Unfortunately I cannot make a precise identification of the ant in the picture. Typically such identification requires microscopic examination of them. If I had to make a guess, and that’s all it would be, this might be a carpenter ant. These ants are slightly less than ½ inch in length, which is consistent with your measurement. Carpenter ants prefer moist areas and have a particular fondness for sweets. This is also consistent with your observations.

Here is some background information on ants, including carpenter ants, that can be found in Minnesota dwellings. Also described at these sites are remedial actions that you might take:

https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants

https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants

https://kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-ants-kitchen/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwi_exBhA8EiwA_kU1Mr1Q1BPUN32eSsHNvDI7dGmfqbfVbhwhtdhsOP7CbQfNoZgqMmYwoBoCRv4QAvD_BwE

https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-in-the-kitchen/

Good luck. Please get back to us with any additional questions.