Salt Water Taffy Unwrapped: A Fun, Chewy Guide & Seaside Treat
Saltwater Taffy: A Sticky-Sweet Guide to This Chewy Classic
Few candies scream "nostalgia" quite like saltwater taffy. Whether you first tasted it on a summer boardwalk, pulled it outof a vacation gift bag, or unwrapped it curiously as a kid, salt water taffy has a way of sticking around—in both your memory and your teeth.
But what is this mysterious, stretchy treat? Was itreally made with ocean water? And why does it come in so many colors and flavors? Let’s dive into the chewy world of salt water taffy and unwrap the sweet truth.
What Is Salt Water Taffy, Anyway?
Salt water taffy is a soft, chewy candy made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, and other delightful ingredients that give it its signature stretch and bite. It's typically flavored and colored, then wrapped in a twist of wax paper for that charming, old-fashioned appeal.
Despite the name, there’s no actual salt water in salt water taffy—but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Where Was Salt Water Taffy Invented?
Like most good legends, the origin story of salt water taffy comes with a little sugar coated mystery.
Salt water taffy is said to have been born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, sometime in the late 19th century. The most popular (and probably apocryphal) tale involves a candy shop that got flooded during a storm. The owner jokingly referred to his soaked stash as “salt water taffy,” and the name stuck—literally and figuratively.
Whether or not the story is true, what is true is that Atlantic City helped popularize the candy. Taffy stands became a staple on the boardwalk, pulling in curious tourists and sweet-toothed locals alike.
How Is Salt Water Taffy Made?
Making salt water taffy is equal parts candy-making and arm workout.
First, sugar, corn syrup, and butter are cooked to just thre right temperature (somewhere between "golden delicious" and"don’t touch that!"). Then, the mixture is cooled and transferred to a taffy-pulling machine—or pulled by hand, if you're going old-school.
Why all the pulling? That’s how air gets incorporated into the candy, giving taffy its signature light and chewy texture. The more it's pulled, the softer it becomes. Once the taffy is properly aerated and pliable, it’s flavored, colored, stretched into long ropes, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and lovingly wrapped in wax paper twists.
At River Street Sweets, we take our taffy seriously (but not too seriously—this is candy, after all!). Our taffy is made using time-honored techniques, high-quality ingredients, and a heaping spoonful of Southern charm, made from scratch, hand-pulled and stretched on a 100-year-old taffy machine.
Is Salt Water Taffy Made from Salt Water?
Here’s the twist: Nope!
Despite the catchy name, salt water taffy does not contain seawater. The basic ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and sometimes a pinch of salt—but not the salty waves crashing on the shore.
So why the name? Likely because of its seaside origins and a little marketing magic. “Salt water taffy” simply sounded more fun and vacation-y than “taffy that’s kind of sticky.”
What Flavors Does Salt Water Taffy Come In?
Short answer: All of them.
Long answer: Salt water taffy is a flavor chameleon. You’ve got your classics—vanilla, chocolate, banana, strawberry. But you’ll also find more playful takes like cotton candy, root beer float, key lime pie, and even buttered popcorn (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it).
At River Street Sweets, we offer a rainbow of salt water taffy flavors, each more delicious than the last. Whether you like fruity, creamy, tangy, or surprising, there’s a flavor (or five) for you.
Bonus Questions That Might Be Sticking in Your Mind
Is salt water taffy the same as regular taffy?
Pretty much! “Salt water” is more of a stylistic name than an ingredient list. What sets salt water taffy apart is its chewy, pullable texture and often its association with coastal candy shops.
Is taffy gluten-free?
Many taffies are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. At RiverStreet Sweets, we’re happy to help with ingredient questions!
Does salt water taffy melt?
It can soften if left in the sun or heat too long (like all candy). Keep it in a cool, dry place so you don’t end up with a taffy blob that requires a chisel.
How long does salt water taffy last?
If stored properly, it can last several months. But let's be honest—it's probably going to get eaten long before that.
Wrapping It Up—Literally
Salt water taffy is one of those treats that feels like summer, no matter the season. It’s playful, colorful, and delightfully chewy, with a backstory that’s just as fun as the candy itself. Whether you’re picking up a bag to relive a beach vacation or sharing it with someone for the first
time, taffy is a sweet tradition that never goes out of style.
Ready to taste the best? Explore our mouthwatering saltwater taffy collection right here and stock up on your favorite flavors—or try something totally new!