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National Taffy Day

May 22, 2026 | Food Blog

It’s a sweet day, it’s National Taffy Day! This sweet and chewy treat has been around for centuries and it’s loved by people around the world. Let’s take a look at the history of taffy and some fun facts about the beloved treat.

The history of taffy dates back to the late 1800s when it was traditionally made with molasses. This was a popular treat in the United States and it soon spread to other countries like Canada and the UK. As time passed, taffy evolved and now it’s made with a variety of ingredients such as corn syrup, butter, and sugar. The first recorded recipe for taffy appears to have been published in an 1884 edition of the Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer.

The National Confectioners Association reported that in the US, candy sales totaled $34.2 billion in 2018, with taffy making up a small portion of that figure. Globally, the confectionery market was valued at $189.8 billion in 2018, although again, it is unclear how much of that figure is attributed to taffy.

Taffy is now a beloved treat that’s enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a popular holiday treat, especially around Easter. Now, National Taffy Day celebrates the sweet treat and encourages everyone to enjoy some taffy.

 

Now, let’s take a look at some fun facts about taffy:

  • The first taffy pulling machine was invented in 1883.
  • The average taffy pull requires over 30 minutes of continuous pulling.
  • Saltwater taffy is one of the most popular types

 

Saltwater Taffy

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup water

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

Food coloring

Flavoring of your choice

 

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
  5. Add a few drops of food coloring and the flavoring of your choice.
  6. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and allow to cool slightly.
  7. When it is cool enough to handle, stretch and pull the taffy until it becomes light in color and slightly crumbly.
  8. Cut the taffy into small pieces and wrap each piece in waxed paper.

 

Let us know your first experience eating taffy?

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