Walking along the bustling boardwalk of Ocean City, one scent and sight that draws nearly every visitor is the colorful array of salt water taffy. With its pastel hues and stretchy, chewy texture, Ocean City salt water taffy has become a nostalgic and iconic treat associated with seaside summers. For decades, generations of families have lined up at local candy shops, eager to pick their favorite flavors, watch the taffy-pulling machines in motion, and take home boxes wrapped in wax paper. More than just candy, it’s a piece of Ocean City’s sweet culinary heritage.
The Origins of Salt Water Taffy
A Happy Accident
The name ‘salt water taffy’ can be misleading it doesn’t actually contain seawater. The term reportedly originated in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the late 1800s. According to popular legend, a candy shop flooded during a storm, soaking the taffy stock with ocean water. When a customer asked for taffy, the owner jokingly offered her salt water taffy. The name stuck, and it became a marketing sensation across coastal towns.
Expansion to Ocean City
Ocean City, Maryland, soon embraced the trend. The sweet became a favorite souvenir, especially for beachgoers strolling the boardwalk. Today, the candy is almost synonymous with Ocean City’s charm, drawing visitors who associate it with fond summer memories and childhood indulgences.
How Salt Water Taffy Is Made
Classic Ingredients
Despite the name, the taffy doesn’t actually include salt water. The basic ingredients typically include:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Butter or shortening
- Flavorings
- Food coloring
Sometimes, a pinch of sea salt is added to enhance flavor, but the signature taste comes more from the sweetness and various flavorings than from any briny addition.
The Pulling Process
Once the taffy mixture is cooked to the right temperature, it is poured out to cool slightly, then placed on a hook or in a taffy-pulling machine. This step is crucial it incorporates air into the mixture, giving it its chewy texture and light color. The pulled taffy is then shaped into long ropes, cut into bite-size pieces, and individually wrapped in wax paper. This process can be mesmerizing to watch, and many candy stores in Ocean City allow you to see it up close.
Famous Taffy Shops in Ocean City
Dolle’s Candyland
Dolle’s is a household name when it comes to salt water taffy in Ocean City. Since 1910, this family-run business has been making taffy from scratch using traditional techniques. Known for its high-quality flavors and retro-style packaging, Dolle’s offers dozens of varieties, from classic vanilla and peppermint to adventurous choices like cotton candy and peanut butter.
Wockenfuss Candies
Another favorite among locals and tourists alike, Wockenfuss Candies has been delighting sweet lovers since 1915. Their taffy selection is handcrafted with attention to detail and comes in colorful assortments that are both visually appealing and delicious.
Fralinger’s
While originally based in Atlantic City, Fralinger’s has a strong following among Ocean City visitors. Their expertly wrapped taffy boxes make perfect gifts, and their long-standing history in the salt water taffy business speaks to the enduring appeal of this candy.
Most Popular Salt Water Taffy Flavors
Classic Flavors
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Banana
- Strawberry
- Mint
Modern and Unique Twists
- Root Beer
- Bubble Gum
- Watermelon
- Maple Bacon
- Blue Raspberry
The variety of flavors means there’s something for everyone. Many stores sell mix-and-match boxes so you can customize your experience. Sampling different flavors is part of the fun of buying salt water taffy in Ocean City.
Why People Love Ocean City Salt Water Taffy
Texture and Flavor
There’s something addictive about the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of good taffy. When made properly, it’s not too hard and not too sticky, with just the right balance of sweetness and flavor. It’s a candy that satisfies your sweet tooth without overwhelming your palate.
Nostalgia
For many, salt water taffy represents memories of childhood vacations, beach days, and family outings. It’s a treat that brings joy beyond the taste it’s part of a cherished tradition.
Gift and Souvenir Value
Wrapped in colorful paper and packed in decorative boxes, Ocean City salt water taffy makes an ideal souvenir or gift. It travels well and lasts for weeks, making it a sweet reminder of summer fun long after the trip is over.
How to Store Salt Water Taffy
Keeping It Fresh
- Store taffy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep it in its original wax paper wrappers to avoid sticking.
- If your taffy becomes too hard, a few seconds in a warm room or near a heater will soften it.
Does It Go Bad?
Salt water taffy doesn’t spoil quickly, but it can lose its texture and flavor over time. For best taste and chewiness, consume it within a few weeks of purchase.
DIY Salt Water Taffy at Home
If you can’t make it to Ocean City, try making your own salt water taffy. It’s a fun project for families and a great way to learn about candy making. While it takes time and patience, the reward is sweet and satisfying.
Basic Steps
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Heat until the mixture reaches the soft-crack stage (about 270°F).
- Remove from heat, add flavoring and coloring, and pour onto a greased surface.
- Let cool slightly, then pull the mixture until it lightens in color.
- Stretch into ropes, cut into pieces, and wrap.
Safety note: Candy making involves very hot sugar, so be cautious and supervise children closely.
Ocean City Taffy as a Cultural Icon
Salt water taffy in Ocean City is more than a confection it’s a symbol of the boardwalk lifestyle. It represents history, craftsmanship, and the joy of small-town traditions in a seaside setting. Every visit to Ocean City is incomplete without a stop at a candy shop, a bag of freshly made taffy in hand, and the sound of waves and laughter in the background.
From the early 20th century to today, salt water taffy continues to sweeten the Ocean City experience. Whether you’re returning for your hundredth vacation or making your first trip to the boardwalk, the timeless taste of this chewy candy will always bring a smile.