Salt water taffy is a chewy candy that has become somewhat of an institution the Cape. Although the candy first appeared in Atlantic City, Cape Cod candy stores have been making it for over a century, and you’ll want to give it a try if you’re a candy lover.

Despite the treat’s name, salt water taffy doesn’t have any ocean water in it. In fact, most recipes don’t even have any sea salt at all.

However, the candy comes in various flavors, and each candy shop that makes it on the Cape has a unique recipe to make its version stand out. Here are some of the stores where you can try an original version of this famous American treat.

Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy Company

Salt Water Taffy Company is an authentic taffy kitchen and candy store on Route 28 in South Yarmouth. The shop is like a fruit stand, but it sells 30 different taffy flavors instead of produce.

As you approach the store, you’ll see the taffy in bins. You can take as many as you want from each bin and make a bag or box of taffy for yourself so you can try as many of them as possible.

The brand name of Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is Mermaid, so if you see Mermaid Brand Taffy anywhere else in the country, this is where it originated.

Cape Cod Candy

Almost directly across the street from Salt Water Taffy Company is Cape Cod Candy, another local gem you’ll want to check out. What sets Cape Cod Candy apart is the fact that its taffy recipe includes Cape Cod sea salt, giving it an authentic feel.

Cape Cod Candy doesn’t have as many flavors as Salt Water Taffy. However, they still sell favorites like caramel sea salt, banana, cotton candy, vanilla, cherry, chocolate, creamsicle, plum, watermelon, strawberry, and blue raspberry, so you’ll find plenty of selection.

You’ll also find countless other treats at Cape Cod Candy, as it’s a large store without endless options for the entire family.

Kandy Korner

In downtown Hyannis, you’ll find Kandy Korner, a candy and toy store that’s become a highlight of your vacation if you love sweets.

There’s a little bit of everything at Kandy Korner, including candied apples, fudge, homemade ice cream, cotton candy, and root beer floats. You’ll also find homemade salt water taffy, which is made on-site at the Hyannis store.

The taffy comes in a few different flavors and is available by the pound. You won’t have the same taffy selection as the other options on this list, but the other treats available at this shop more than make up for it.

Stage Stop Candy

Main Street in Dennis Port is home to Stage Stop Candy, yet another spot that makes salt water taffy on-site in the store. Flavors available here include key lime, chocolate, cranberry, and caramel, and you can buy them as a nine-ounce box, a one-pound bag, or a 20-ounce jar.

In addition to taffy, Stage Stop Candy also makes fudge, freeze-dried fruit, and gift baskets, and you can create assortments of chocolates if you’re looking for the perfect gift to take home with you.

Buy Your Taffy on Cape Cod

Although taffy wasn’t invented on the Cape, the region has certainly one reason it has remained such a popular treat over the last century. Trying some salt water taffy made on Cape Cod is a right of passage for many vacationers, so it’s worth tracking down an authentic version during your time here.

Shops that make taffy on-site are becoming increasingly rare as larger shops buy up space on the Cape. These candy stores are still authentic, though, so you still have time to try some salt water taffy made in-house by one of these Cape Cod vendors.