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Why Is It Called Salt Water Taffy?
Ah, salt water taffy. Chewy, soft, delightful salt water taffy. It's the candy that we can all agree is irresistibly delicious. Taffy lovers, generation after generation, are proof of its long-standing yumminess.
While we’ve been enjoying taffy for years, many people still seem to ask the question: "Why is it called salt water taffy?"
Did some daring candy connoisseur mix actual salt water into the recipe? Or is it just another interesting name that somehow stuck? We think it's about time to unwrap the sugary mystery of this beloved sweet treat.
Key Takeaways
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The name "Salt Water Taffy" is Rooted in a Fun Legend – A popular story credits David Bradley’s sea-water-soaked candy shop in Atlantic City for the name “salt water taffy.” The true origins are still debated, though.
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It Doesn’t Actually Contain Salt Water – Don't be misled by its name. Traditional salt water taffy isn’t made with salt (but ours is!).
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Atlantic City is the Birthplace of Salt Water Taffy – America's beloved candy originated on the Atlantic City boardwalk.
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Whipping vs. Pulling Changes the Texture – Traditional taffy is pulled, but Taffy Shop’s whipped process makes it softer (and yummier).
- Salt Water Taffy is Still a Nationwide Favorite – While originally sold in boardwalk shops, you can now find gourmet flavors in upscale stores and online candy shops.
The Sweet and Salty History of Salt Water Taffy
The Origins of Salt Water Taffy: The Legend of the Flooded Candy Shop
Let's set the scene: The story begins in Atlantic City during the early 1880s with a guy named David Bradley. He runs a charming postcard shop on a busy boardwalk. One day, an ocean wave crashes the party — literally — flooding his shop.
The story gets even more interesting - a young girl visits the store to get herself a little treat. With a chuckle, the candy store owner says, “Why, that’s saltwater taffy!”
The little girl purchased the taffy and shared it with her friends. Back at the store, Bradley's mother overheard the name and loved it, and just like that, the name “salt water taffy” stuck. The end (but not really.)
While some people ran with the story of Bradley and the young girl, some people disagreed. Instead, others believed that John Ross Edmiston simply saw a future in the fun name.
Edmiston sold taffy in his boardwalk shop in a neighborhood with a couple of other candy stores. Between Edmiston and Bradley, many still wonder who truly named it. One thing is clear: Atlantic City became the birthplace of salt water taffy as we know it today.
Started From Atlantic City, Now We're Here
First came the name, then came the glory. Joseph Fralinger was the first to sell taffy in bite-sized pieces as souvenirs. By making it more accessible, the candy became super popular, going from a local boardwalk favorite to a beloved treat across the Jersey Shore.
Another candy maker, Enoch James, perfected the taffy pull, which helped soft taffy become even smoother. Today, the American-made candy continues to capture hearts and tastebuds all over.
Salt water taffy may have originated in Atlantic City, but now, it’s enjoyed nationwide. While boardwalk shops remain classic spots to sell taffy alongside caramel and chocolate candies, you can now find it in upscale hotels, gift stores, and online candy stores.
What’s Inside Salt Water Taffy?
Now, let's clear up this myth. A traditional piece of salt water taffy candy is not actually made with salt water. At Taffy Shop, we do add a dash of salt inside to make the flavors pop! So, what are the ingredients of a classic taffy? Here's what many favorite recipes include:
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Sugar
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Corn syrup
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Butter
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Evaporated milk
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Cornstarch
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Flavorings
- Wax paper for wrapping
Taffy Shop: Your Go-To for Salt Water Taffy
Speaking of delicious taffy, at Taffy Shop, we're keeping the tradition alive. We’ve been in the business of spreading smiles and cheer online since 1998. We make our sweet taffy in small batches, so you get the ultimate freshness in each piece. Our dedication to the yummiest taffy doesn't end there.
The thing about us is that we're a family-owned brand, and that comes with an unwavering commitment to putting a smile on your face. All the taffy we make uses high-quality ingredients like real egg whites, real salt, and pure organic coconut oil.
We have 75+ gourmet salt water taffy flavors, including some of the classics you know and love, like peanut butter taffy and banana taffy. If you have dietary restrictions, we even offer sugar-free taffy so you can enjoy a delicious treat without the sugar.
Why Our Salt Water Taffy is the Best
Instead of pulling our taffy the old-school way, at Taffy Shop, we whip our taffy. You might be wondering what the big difference is. Well, pulling the candy results in a denser, harder, shinier taffy.
Unlike traditional taffy, our production process, which includes a whipping technique, ensures a chewy and soft candy. No seriously. The texture of our candy is so smooth and airy it melts on your tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salt Water Taffy
What Ingredients Are Used in Your Original Salt Water Taffy?
Taffy Shop's Salt Water Taffy is made with corn syrup, sugar, coconut oil, sea salt, egg whites, evaporated milk, cocoa, malic acid, citric acid, sunflower lecithin, titanium dioxide, natural and artificial flavor, artificial color (including FD&C blue 1, red 2, red 3, red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6).
How is salt water taffy different from regular taffy?
Salt water taffy is softer and lighter due to its unique process of adding more air into the mixture. The aeration process captures tiny bubbles in the candy, transforming it into a lighter textured candy.
What are the most popular flavors?
Everyone likes what they like, but some of the most popular salt water taffy flavors that have stood the test of time are:
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banana
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peanut butter
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caramel
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chocolate
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vanilla
- grape
Final Thoughts: A Taffy By Any Other Name…
The history behind salt water taffy and how it got its name may vary. Whether it was John Ross Edmiston's marketing prowess, or an ocean swell flood that gave salt water taffy its name, one thing’s for sure— taffy is here to stay, and we have Atlantic City to thank for the beginning of it all.
Candy shops with taffy continue to spread across the country, and the internet is bringing sugary goodness to taste buds everywhere. Like Taffy Shop, which delivers delightful salt water taffy countywide
Next time you unwrap a piece, remember the history of salt water taffy—and be glad your taffy didn’t get soaked in a high tide!