It’s a sweet day to celebrate! Today marks National Taffy Day, a time dedicated to celebrating the chewy candy confection that’s been beloved by many for decades. Salt water taffy has come in many shapes and sizes over the years, with flavor combinations ranging from classic fruit flavors to new and innovative creations.

Let’s sink our teeth into some fun facts about this scrumptiously addictive treat and savor the sweet joys of National Taffy Day!

How did salt water taffy get its name?
Legend has it back in 1888, a candy maker named David Bradley had a candy shop in Atlantic City that was flooded during a storm, leaving his taffy soaked in salty ocean water. When a young girl strolled into his shop asking for a sweet treat, he pulled a classic dad joke and offered her only “Salt Water Taffy.” And voila! A candy sensation was born.

Do they use ocean water in salt water taffy?
Can you imagine if salt water taffy was actually made from seawater? The good news is that the name is just a play on words. The moniker only came about after the flood and has stuck ever since. Sure, water and salt are part of the process, but don’t worry, no waves were harmed in the making of this delicious treat.

What’s the difference between salt water taffy and regular taffy?
In reality, there’s no difference between salt water taffy and the regular kind. So enjoy your taffy, and let’s put this salty rumor to rest.

Why do you pull taffy?
We’re not pulling taffy for our health – we’re pulling it to add some much-needed air into the mix. This leads to millions of tiny air bubbles forming, which magically turn a clear batch into a dazzling shade of white. Plus, all that added air gives the candy some serious volume – making it look larger than life.

Why is salt water taffy only sold at the beach?
Though it contains no saltwater, taffy—and fudge, its sister seaside treat—may benefit from being made in a beach climate. The salty air could be the culprit behind our craving, or perhaps the humid air slows down the drying and oxidation process, creating a one-of-a-kind “coastal” flavor. Don’t take our word for it; take a bite and taste the difference.

National Taffy Day is sure to be a treat, but the owners of River Street Sweets have an even sweeter story as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. They’ve been making taffy since 1973, and their family-owned business has become a local favorite in Savannah, Georgia.

Taffy from River Street SweetsAbout River Street Sweets
River Street Sweets has been making memories and delighting candy lovers since 1973, when it first opened its flagship location on historic River Street. Nearly a half-century later, River Street Sweets locations can be found in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, SC, Sarasota, FL and additional locations in Savannah, on Habersham and Broughton Street. In 2014, the beloved candy company began to franchise under the merged name River Street Sweets•Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, and the first franchise location opened in Pooler in 2015, followed by locations in Key West, Fla. and Lancaster, Pa. A location in Greenville, S.C. opened in 2019, and in 2020, locations were added at The Battery in Atlanta, Ga. and Asbury Park, N.J. In 2021, a location was opened in Sunset Walk in Orlando, Fla., with additional franchise locations on the horizon across the Southeast. Named the “Second Best Candy Franchise in the Country” by Entrepreneur.com, River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen has grown exponentially with stores in Pooler, GA, Key West, FL, Greenville, SC, Lancaster, PA, San Antonio, TX, Atlanta, GA, Asbury Park, NJ and Orlando, FL and most recently to Sarasota, FL. For more information, visit riverstreetsweets.com and www.RiverStreetCandyFranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912-856-9075