National Taffy Day

A group of diverse friends laughing and enjoying colorful taffy on a sunny beach, wearing casual summer outfits, surrounded by palm trees.. — National taffy day illustration

Welcome to the sweet and chewy world of National Taffy Day! Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth as we delve into the sticky history of this delightful treat. Whether you prefer your taffy fruity or vanilla-flavored, we've got all the fun facts and interesting tidbits to make this day even sweeter.

When is Taffy Day?

It's national taffy day on the 23rd May.

The Origins of National Taffy Day

Taffy has been a beloved treat for generations, with its origins rooted in old-fashioned candy-making techniques. Dating back to the late 19th century, according to Internet lore, taffy was first created by an enterprising candy maker who accidentally dropped a batch of caramelized sugar from his hook. As the story goes, he found the resulting candy to be delightfully chewy and decided to market it as taffy.

Over time, taffy gained popularity and evolved into a favorite treat at seaside boardwalks, where vendors would often stretch the candy to create the signature texture we all know and love. Today, taffy is enjoyed across the globe, with various flavors and forms available to please every palate.

Celebrating National Taffy Day

Now that you know a little more about the history of taffy, it's time to celebrate National Taffy Day in style. Here are a few ways you can partake in the sweet festivities:

Visit your local candy store or confectionery and treat yourself to a selection of delectable taffy flavors.
Gather some loved ones and have a friendly taffy tasting party, comparing different flavors and seeing which ones tickle your taste buds the most.
If you're feeling creative, try your hand at making homemade taffy. Just be prepared for some sticky situations as you pull and stretch the candy to perfection.

However you choose to celebrate, National Taffy Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a sugary, chewy delight. So grab a handful of taffy and enjoy!

History behind the term 'Taffy'

1817

Origin of Saltwater Taffy

Saltwater taffy has its roots in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The exact origins of the term 'taffy' are unclear, but it is believed to have been derived from the English word 'toffee,' which refers to a type of sticky, sweet candy. In 1817, the term 'saltwater taffy' was first used to describe a type of taffy that was made with saltwater from the ocean.

1883

The Atlantic City Connection

During the late 19th century, Atlantic City became a popular seaside resort destination. Boardwalk vendors started selling saltwater taffy to tourists as a sweet souvenir of their visit. It quickly gained popularity and became strongly associated with the city's vibrant boardwalk culture.

1889

The Taffy Pulling Machine

Joseph Fralinger, one of the prominent candy makers in Atlantic City, invented the taffy pulling machine in 1889. This machine revolutionized the taffy-making process, making it faster and more efficient. It also enabled the incorporation of various flavors and colors into the candy, further enhancing its appeal.

1923

The Taffy Box Incident

In 1923, a major storm caused floodwaters to rush into a candy store in Atlantic City. The floodwater soaked the taffy boxes, making the candy inside extremely sticky and soft. In an effort to save their merchandise, the store owners sold the 'saltwater taffy' as 'wet taffy.' Surprisingly, customers loved the softer texture, and the term 'wet taffy' gained popularity for a short time.

1925

The Royal Calling

In 1925, saltwater taffy earned the royal seal of approval when it was included in the wedding of Prince George to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. As a gesture of goodwill to the groom's American heritage, boxes of saltwater taffy were distributed to guests at the royal wedding, leading to increased international recognition of the candy.

1959

Saltwater Taffy Trademark

In 1959, the term 'Salt Water Taffy' was officially trademarked by Shriver's, a renowned saltwater taffy company in Ocean City, New Jersey. This trademark further solidified the association between the candy and the coastal towns of New Jersey.

2003

National Saltwater Taffy Day

On May 23, 2003, National Saltwater Taffy Day was established in the United States to celebrate this beloved coastal treat. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of saltwater taffy in Atlantic City and other coastal communities.

Did you know?

Did you know that taffy pulling was originally a social activity? Back in the day, friends and family would gather to stretch taffy together, turning it into a fun and interactive affair. It was like a delicious bonding experience!