Why Shrivers has been The Place to Get Salt Water Taffy since 1898!

August 16, 2018 newjerseyisntboring

It’s not secret that New Jersey is literally the place where salt water taffy was invented, and Shriver’s in Ocean City has been making this popular candy since 1898!

So what exactly is salt water taffy? Well to start there’s no salt or salt water in their taffy.

There’s lots of urban legends about why it’s called “salt water” taffy instead of just regular taffy, there’s rumors to it just being from the shore. Another rumor is that in 1883, a storm hit Atlantic City and waves cleared the boardwalk and flooded several businesses with sea water, including a candy shop owned by David Bradley. Since the business was under sea water, he said to his customers that he was only offering “salt water taffy”. The nickname stuck.

Shriver’s is the oldest business on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey. It is a fourth generation business upheld by the same family since 1959.

In addition to their salt water taffy, they make delicious fudge, chocolate, candy, and their popular macaroons. All of their deliciousness is made right in house!

Salt Water Taffy flavors range from classic to unique including Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Grape, Peanut Butter, Licorice, Banana, Molasses, Molasses Mint, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Teaberry, Spearmint, and Cinnamon.

If you live in New Jersey or you’re traveling to the Jersey Shore for vacation, Shriver’s is definitely a tourist stop you must make. You’re even greeted at the door by fudge samples!

Speaking of fudge, Shriver’s fudge is fresh and handmade in old fashioned copper kettles. They make 10 batches a day and 30-40 different flavors during the season.

Their most popular flavors are their vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, and vanilla and chocolate with nuts.

They are perfectionists when it comes to their fudge, and they taste test before serving it to the public. I was very lucky enough to be a taste tester when I got my backstage tour.

Walking around the shop is like a smaller version of Willy Wonka’s, complete with kitsch and seeing how the magic is made.

There is plenty to take in while you walk around the shop, including a window where you can watch the taffy being made! (And if you’re lucky you might get to sample the taffy right from the machine).

Can’t make it to the shop? Shriver’s delivers to all of the United States. It’s the perfect gift for a certain blogger if you’re looking for something to get me…

Bonus! Ice Cream loves will love Shriver’s Gelato & Sorbets 2 doors down for delicious homemade Gelato!

Opened since 2008, Shriver’s Gelato is made fresh daily in their factory store. Their flavors include rutti Di Bosco, Blueberry, Chocolate Hazelnut, Stracciatella, Mint Chocolate Chip, Dulce De Leche, New York Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Raspberry Truffle to name a few.