Salt water taffy does not contain actual seawater or salt water as an ingredient. The name "salt water taffy" likely originated from its coastal origins and traditional recipe that includes salt. However, the amount of salt water in salt water taffy is negligible.

salt water taffy

Salt water taffy originates from Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1883, David Bradley's shop was flooded with salt water, soaking his entire stock of taffy. This was jokingly offered to a customer as salt water taffy, which has stuck since.

Not all salt water taffy is gluten free. There are companies that DO make gluten free taffy, however it is always a good idea to ask. Some salt water taffy does contain gluten.

Salt water taffy derived its name from a flooding accident in Atlantic City in the late 19th century. The term "salt water" is believed to have been used to describe the process of making the taffy using salt water from the ocean.