Saltwater taffy brings up visions of boardwalks, beach vacations, and warm ocean breezes. But what exactly is this special taffy, where did it come from, and how is it made today? Let’s dive into its sweet history, learn how it’s made, and discover who’s perfecting the recipe for this chewy delight.
The Origins of Saltwater Taffy
Saltwater taffy has roots in American seaside culture. It started in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the late 19th century. According to legend, around 1883, a storm flooded David Bradley’s candy store, soaking his taffy supply. When a young girl asked for taffy, Bradley jokingly offered her “saltwater taffy.” The name stuck, and soon other confectioners began marketing their chewy treats with this catchy name. Despite the name, saltwater taffy doesn’t contain seawater. The association with the beach and nostalgia for summer vacations kept the name alive for over a century.
How Saltwater Taffy Is Made
The taffy is made by heating, pulling, and stretching the ingredients. The main ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, salt, flavorings, and coloring. Heat the mixture to a high temperature until it becomes pliable. Next, pull the taffy to incorporate air bubbles, giving it a light, chewy texture. Traditionally, people pulled taffy by hand, but now mechanized pullers handle the job. After pulling, shape the taffy into long ropes, cut it into pieces, and wrap it up—ready to enjoy.
Make Your Own Saltwater Treat at Home
Making saltwater taffy at home can be a fun project. Start by combining sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it reaches about 250°F (hard-ball stage). Remove from heat, add flavorings and coloring, and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, pull the taffy until it becomes glossy and light. Shape into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and wrap in wax paper. Enjoy your homemade beachside treat!
Who Makes the Best Saltwater Taffy Today?
The taffy remains a beloved treat, especially along coastal areas. Many candy shops make excellent taffy, but a few stand out. Fralinger’s in Atlantic City is often seen as the gold standard, carrying on the tradition since the early 1900s. Shriver’s, also in Atlantic City, is a favorite for many, offering a variety of flavors. On the West Coast, Candy Baron in California is well known for its soft, flavorful taffy that captures beachside fun. For those who can’t make it to the beach, companies like Taffy Shop offer online options, delivering the nostalgic flavor of summer to your doorstep.
Saltwater taffy may have humble beginnings, but it’s now an iconic part of the beachside culture—a chewy, sweet reminder of vacations by the sea. Whether you enjoy classic vanilla or new flavors like watermelon or chocolate, each piece of taffy is a taste of history and a lot of fun.
Photo Credits
“Colourful saltwater taffy 2011 (6022962222)” by Steven Depolo from Grand Rapids, MI, USA
“Atlantic City Boardwalk 1923” by Ian Sutton is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“080705 boothbay-4” by Dan4th is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Saltwater Taffy” by sflovestory is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
