National Taffy Day Date in the current year: May 23, 2026

Taffy, not to be confused with toffee, originated in the United States and is considered a traditional American candy. It consists of a sweet base made from primarily sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter or vegetable oil. The base is stretched and folded repeatedly to produce tiny air bubbles. This process, called pulling, results in a light, fluffy, chewy mass that is rolled and cut into small pieces. The pieces are then wrapped in wax paper to prevent them from drying out.

Taffy has been around for at least two hundred years. It became widely popular when sugar became more affordable to the general population. In the mid-19th century, social events called taffy pulls were widespread. The host would prepare a taffy base from melted molasses or sugar, and attendees would coat their hands with butter. They would then work together to pull the hot mixture apart and fold it back together repeatedly until the desired texture was achieved.

Salt water taffy is probably the best-known variety of taffy. It originated in New Jersey in the 1880s and was popularized by confectioner and businessman Joseph F. Fralinger, who boxed and sold it in Atlantic City. It is still widely sold on seaside boardwalks, such as those on the Jersey Shore, and on beaches throughout the United States and Atlantic Canada.

Contrary to what one might assume, salt water taffy does not contain seawater, although it does contain salt and water. However, its apocryphal origin stories do involve seawater. One story is about a lazy or careless assistant confectioner who substituted seawater for fresh water by accident or on purpose. Another story claims that a candy store flooded during a storm and the candy was left to soak in saltwater. When a little girl came to buy taffy, the owner said she could only offer salt water taffy. The little girl was delighted and bought some. She brought it to show her friends. The shop owner’s mother overheard the conversation and loved the name of the candy. That’s how saltwater taffy was born.

Modern taffy is produced commercially and consists primarily of corn syrup, glycerin, and butter, to which food coloring and natural or artificial flavoring are added. Popular flavors include banana, chocolate, lemon, maple, mint, raspberry, red licorice, vanilla, and watermelon. Taffy’s texture can range from very soft and pliable to slightly firmer. This depends on the moisture and sugar content, the final cooking temperature, and the degree of aeration.

The origins of National Taffy Day are unknown, but that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating this amazing holiday! May 23 is the perfect day to indulge in candy without feeling guilty. Even if you’ve been trying to cut back on sweets, one cheat day won’t hurt too much as long as you don’t overindulge, because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their life. Don’t forget to post about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #NationalTaffyDay to encourage others to celebrate!