Think about a stroll along a beachside boardwalk and the image of taffy being pulled on a large- armed machine may come to mind. This iconic and nostalgic candy is famous among the tourist destinations in the states and has a huge variety of flavors.
Salt water taffy is gluten-free. It usually contains ingredients such as sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, butter, glycerine, water, salt and natural or artificial colors or flavors. The ingredients which can be questionable are the artificial colors and flavors, which could have gluten-containing ingredients, so be sure to read labels carefully. The best healthier gluten-free alternative is Cocomels Coconut Sugar Caramels.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of salt water taffy, how it is made, some of the more popular brands, and brands which offer gluten-free alternatives for you to enjoy this tasty treat. We’ll also give you a recipe to make your own taffy at home. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What is taffy?
Taffy is a candy, made from boiled sugar, butter or vegetable oil, and different flavorings. It is made by pulling or stretching a mass of the mixture until it becomes soft and pliable enough to form into a candy piece.
Salt water taffy is no different from regular taffy, and in fact, is actually called “salt water” as a marketing ploy to get people to buy it. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1884, John Edmiston, sold taffy from his boardwalk shop. When the tide came up one night and flooded his shop, he found all the taffy covered in saltwater foam. The candy still tasted good, and so in an effort to sell more product, he dubbed his new “creation,” salt water taffy. But, there is absolutely no salt water in any “salt water taffy” products.
Popular brands of salt water taffy
Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Palm Kernel, Coconut and Palm)
- Invert Sugar
- Chocolate Liquor
- Cocoa Powder
- Molasses
- Peanut Butter
- Licorice
- Citric Acid
- Natural & Artificial Flavors
- FD&C Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 3 & 40, Blue 1 & 2)
Nutrition Facts (per 4 piece serving):
- 150 – Calories
- 2.5 g – Total Fat
- 0 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 0 mg – Sodium
- 33 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 20 g – Sugars
- 0 g – Protein
Shriver’s Chocolate Covered Salt Water Taffy
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (palm kernel, coconut and palm)
- Invert Sugar
- Chocolate Liquor
- Cocoa Powder
- Citric Acid
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- FD&C artificial colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 3 & 40, Blue 1 & 2)
Nutrition Facts (per 5 piece serving):
- 140 – Calories
- 5 g – Total Fat
- 0 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 25 mg – Sodium
- 26 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 17 g – Sugars
- <1 g – Protein
Taffy Shop World’s Best Saltwater Taffy
Taffy Shop produces their taffy in a facility which is completely free of any gluten-containing ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Egg Whites
- Evaporated Milk
- Cocoa
- Molasses
- Sea Salt
- Malic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Soy Lecithin
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- FD&C artificial colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 3 & 40, Blue 1 & 2)
Nutrition Facts (per 4 piece serving):
- 110 – Calories
- 2.5 g – Total Fat
- 1 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 170 mg – Sodium
- 21 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 13 g – Sugars
- 0 g – Protein
Better alternatives for salt water taffy
Sweet Candy’s Salt Water Taffy
Since 1910, the Sweet Candy company has been whipping, not pulling, their salt water taffy. This makes for a more flavorful and less sticky piece of taffy. They have many flavors which are certified as Non-GMO, gluten-free, and made with more natural ingredients.
Lemon Taffy
Ingredients:
- Tapioca Syrup
- Cane Sugar
- Coconut Oil
- Citric Acid
- Egg Whites
- Natural Flavor
- Beta Carotene (for color)
- Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 5 piece serving):
- 120 – Calories
- 1.5 g – Total Fat
- 1 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 30 mg – Sodium
- 27 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 16 g – Sugars
- 0 g – Protein
- 1 mg – Calcium
- 7 mg – Potassium
Sweet Pete’s
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Sweet Pete’s is the largest candy store in the southeast. They provide candies which are gluten free and vegan.
Not So Traditional Saltwater Taffy
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Water
- Natural Flavors and Coloring
- Organic Palm Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Citric Acid
Nutritional information is not available.
Zolli Candy
Allergy-free, vegan, keto friendly and 100% natural, the Zollipop company was started by a kid entrepreneur who wanted to make candy good for your teeth!
Zollipops Clean Teeth Taffy
Ingredients:
- Maltitol Syrup
- Palm Oil
- Erythritol
- Citric Acid
- Xylitol
- Mono & Diglycerides
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Salt
- Natural Flavors
- Beetroot Juice
- Ascorbic Acid
- Grape Extract
- Stevia
- Turmeric
- Annatto Extract
Nutrition Facts (for 5 piece serving):
- 70 – Calories
- 3 g – Total Fat
- 1.5 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 50 mg – Sodium
- 20 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 20 g – Sugar Alcohol
- 0 g – Protein
- 1 mg – Calcium
- 25 mg – Vitamin C
Cocomels
All of the candy products made by Cocomels are gluten, egg, dairy and nut free. The caramel candies are made with coconut milk, and they offer cane and grain-free options.
Coconut Sugar Caramels
Ingredients:
- Organic Coconut Milk (Organic Coconut, Water)
- Organic Tapioca Syrup
- Organic Coconut Sugar
- Sea Salt
- Organic Vanilla Extract (Water, Organic Ethyl Alcohol Organic Vanilla Bean Extractives)
- Xanthan Gum
Nutrition Facts (per 3 piece serving):
- 60 – Calories
- 23 g – Total Fat
- 1.5 g – Saturated Fat
- 0 g – Trans Fat
- 0 mg – Cholesterol
- 28 mg – Sodium
- 9 g – Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g – Dietary Fiber
- 6 g – Sugars
- 0 g – Protein
- 1 mg – Calcium
- 46 mg – Potassium
How to make taffy at home
You’ll need a candy thermometer for this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar or packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Instructions:
- Grease a large platter with some butter or margarine.
- Mix the sugar, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt together in a saucepan over low heat, and stir it frequently until all the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil by increasing the heat. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, making sure to not stop the mixture from boiling.
- Put a candy thermometer in the pot, and keep stirring. You’ll cook this constantly until the temperature of the thermometer gets to 248F. Using a pastry brush, dip it in water and brush it along the sides of the pot to get the crystals back into the mixture. You’ll do this a couple of times while the mixture is cooking.
- When the mixture reaches the temperature, remove the pot from the heat, take out the thermometer. Don’t scrape the sides or the bottom of the pan, while you pour the mixture onto the large platter.
- Allow the taffy to cool until you can handle it. Put butter or margarine on your hands and then start to pull the taffy. Take a small amount of it, using only the tips of your fingers, and begin to pull it. It will become white in color and no longer be sticky when you have pulled it enough.
- Twist each strip and put it on wax paper. Cut the strips into 1-inch pieces, wrap each piece in wax paper and twist the end. Store it in a tight-fitting lidded container.
Final Thoughts
Salt water taffy is a fun, memory-filled candy of childhood. While there is no salt water in any of the brands we researched, it’s still fun to think about how the candy came to be known as “salt water taffy.” The brands of salt water taffy are gluten-free, and can be enjoyed by those who are restricted by celiac disease or gluten sensitivities or intolerances. Many of the more popular brands are made with many processed and artificial ingredients. If you are looking for healthier alternatives, try some of the brands who use natural, simple, and organic ingredients.
Related Questions
Is salt water taffy keto?
Salt water taffy is not keto-friendly. Many of the brands have small serving sizes, 3-5 pieces of candy, and the carb count for just one serving can be between 20-33 grams of carbs per serving. This is a high carb count for a nutrient-empty food and can affect your ability to remain in ketosis.
Is salt water taffy vegan?
Salt water taffy is not vegan. Many of the varieties contain egg whites and products made from dairy. Two of the brands we highlighted here are vegan, though, Zolli and Cocomels, so try those for your vegan-friendly alternatives.
Is salt water taffy high in sodium?
Considering there is no “salt water” in the salt water taffy, you would think the sodium content would not be high. However, many of the brands do have a high sodium content for a small serving of candy.