Salt Water Taffy Recipe: Tips for Making Salt Water Taffy

Salt water taffy is an American confection, first popularized along New Jersey’s Atlantic City boardwalk in the late nineteenth century. Known for its soft, chewy texture, rainbow hues, and wide-ranging assortment of flavors, salt water taffy remains a seaside classic. Though its name has lent itself to many origin stories surrounding seawater, salt water taffy does not contain ocean water—only a combination of sugar, light corn syrup, cornstarch, butter (or marshmallow cream), salt, and water.

You can find salt water taffy at candy stores, the bite-sized pieces individually wrapped in wax paper.

The endless possibilities and uniquely satisfying final texture are worth the effort of making homemade salt water taffy. Here’s what to know before getting started:

1. 1. Experiment with food coloring and extracts. The best part of any batch of homemade taffy is the flavorings. You can find high-quality extracts for different flavors online; try classics like green apple, blue raspberry, watermelon, black licorice, peppermint, cinnamon, or peanut butter. For best results, use gel food coloring, which lends vibrant color without offsetting the liquid content of the taffy. For a striped effect, divide the base taffy mixture into two halves and add two drops of color to each batch. Knead the two halves to incorporate, then combine and stretch as usual.
2. 2. Expect a long kneading process. Warm, translucent taffy will stiffen as it cools and take on a familiar opaque look. Team up with a friend to offset the effort, or listen to a podcast to pass the time—it should only take about 15 minutes total.
   
3. 3. Store in an airtight container. Individually wrapped salt water taffy will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. To extend its shelf life, store salt water taffy in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.

While a candy company relies on heavy machinery to pull taffy, you can achieve a similar effect at home with a bit of extra elbow grease. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 1. Bench scraper: A bench scraper makes for clean cuts. For easier portioning, lightly grease the metal end of the scraper with a bit of cooking spray.
2. 2. Candy thermometer: A thermometer is an invaluable tool in candy making, especially if it's your first time. Attaching a candy thermometer to the side of the pot will allow you to control the final consistency of the taffy. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the sugar mixture by dropping a bit into cold water and forming it into a ball. If it holds its shape but remains slightly soft, it’s ready.
3. 3. Gloves: A thin pair of food-safe gloves—sprayed with a bit of cooking oil—prevents sticking and protects your hands during the stretching process.