Hey candy lovers! Today we’re diving into the stretchy, chewy, oh-so-sweet world of taffy!  If you’ve ever wandered the candy aisle or hit up a boardwalk shop, you’ve probably seen both taffy and salt water taffy staring back at you. But what’s the deal? Are they the same? Different? And why do we love them so much? Grab a piece of your favorite flavor, and let’s unravel the sticky history of these treats while spotlighting some epic taffy options we’ve got right here at Blair Candy!

Taffy: The OG Chewy Candy

Let’s start with taffy, the granddaddy of chewy candies. Taffy is a soft, stretchy treat made by boiling sugar, butter, vegetable oil, flavorings, and colorings into a sticky mass. Then comes the fun part: it’s pulled and stretched (imagine a candy workout!) until it’s light, fluffy, and perfectly chewy. This aeration process traps tiny air bubbles, giving taffy that melt-in-your-mouth vibe. The word “taffy” popped up in the U.S. around 1817, and by the 1840s, taffy pulls were the social event—think buttery hands, molasses candy, and lots of laughs. It’s been a staple ever since, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to fruity bursts like grape and cherry.

Taffy comes in all shapes and sizes, from bite-sized pieces to bars you can crack or chew. It’s versatile, nostalgic, and just plain fun. But then, along came a beachy twist…

Salt Water Taffy: The Boardwalk Star

Now, let’s talk salt water taffy, the candy that screams summer. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the 1880s, this treat got its quirky name from a happy accident. Legend has it that a candy shop owned by David Bradley got flooded by a storm in 1883, soaking his taffy in salty ocean water. When a young girl asked for taffy, Bradley jokingly called it “salt water taffy,” and the name stuck! Spoiler alert: modern salt water taffy doesn’t actually contain seawater—just sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, glycerine, water, butter, salt, and flavorings.

What makes salt water taffy special? It’s all about that signature look and texture. It’s softer and more aerated than regular taffy, often cut into small, colorful pieces and wrapped in wax paper with a twist at both ends. Joseph Fralinger made it a boardwalk sensation by boxing it up as a souvenir, and soon, it was a must-have at beach towns like Ocean City and Cape Cod. 

So, is salt water taffy just taffy with a fancy name? Kinda! It’s a type of taffy, but its softer texture, vibrant colors, and beachy branding set it apart. Think of it as taffy’s cooler, coastal cousin.

Blair Candy’s Taffy Treasure Trove

At Blair Candy, we’re all about satisfying your taffy cravings, whether you’re Team Taffy or Team Salt Water Taffy. Let’s shine a spotlight on the two types we’ve got in stock, starting with a massive selection of salt water taffy from Sweet’s Candy Company and then some classic taffy faves that pack a punch.

If you’re a salt water taffy fan, Sweet’s is your jam. These folks have been whipping up gourmet taffy since 1910, and their version is whipped, not pulled, for a softer, less sticky chew that’s basically candy perfection. With over 30 flavors, Sweet’s has something for everyone, and we’re stocking some seriously drool-worthy options in small personal size bags up to 3-pound bulk packs.

Classic Taffy: Bold and Nostalgic

If you’re craving something a little different, our classic taffy options deliver big on flavor and fun. These treats lean into the traditional taffy vibe with unique textures and iconic brands. 

These taffies are less about the boardwalk and more about bold, in-your-face flavors and textures. Whether you’re cracking a Bonomo Turkish Taffy bar or unwrapping a Laffy Taffy for a laugh, they’re guaranteed to bring back childhood memories.

So, what’s your taffy style? Are you grabbing a 3-pound bag of Sweet’s Key Lime for a tropical escape, or are you cracking open a Bonomo Chocolate bar for some retro fun? Maybe you’re all about that Laffy Taffy Grape life!