June is National Candy Month, the one stretch of the calendar dedicated entirely to the sweet stuff. The National Confectioners Association made it official back in 1984, and ever since, candy makers and candy lovers have used the month to swap flavors, share favorites, and try something new. Summer is also the season when taffy hits its peak, which makes June the right time to crack open a box. If you want to participate, here are seven ways to make the month memorable, with a taffy spin.
When Is National Candy Month?
National Candy Month runs from June 1 through June 30 in the United States. There's no single founding date or famous person behind it. The candy industry created the celebration to give summer a sweeter start, and it has stuck ever since.
7 Ways to Celebrate National Candy Month
1. Host a taffy tasting
Invite a few friends, line up six or eight flavors, and have everyone rank their favorites. Blind tastings are the most fun because the wildcard flavors (looking at you, huckleberry) tend to win.
2. Run a flavor bracket
Print a 16-flavor bracket, post it on the fridge, and let your household vote through the month. By June 30 you'll have a clear family champion and a few new go-to picks.
3. Send a taffy gift box
Mail a build-your-own gift box to someone who could use a smile. Birthdays, thank-yous, or just because. Candy travels well and lands better than flowers.
4. Throw a candy-themed pool party
Bowls of taffy on every table, a pastel color palette, and a build-your-own candy bar. The aesthetic is half the fun, and kids and adults both end up grazing.
5. Try a flavor you've never had
Most people order the same handful of flavors out of habit. Pick three you've never touched (root beer float, salted caramel, maple) and put them in your next order. You'll find a new favorite.
6. Stock a summer candy bowl
Set a glass jar of taffy on the counter for the month. Guests grab a piece, conversations start, and you'll restock more often than you expect.
7. Share the story behind your favorite candy
Post a photo of the taffy flavor that takes you back to summer vacation, tag the brand, and use the hashtag #NationalCandyMonth. Brands love seeing it, and your followers will weigh in with their own favorites.
A Quick Note on Taffy
Taffy has been part of American summers since the late 1800s, and the story behind the name is one of the better ones in candy. If you want the full backstory, our post on the history of salt water taffy covers the Atlantic City origin. Curious about the kitchen side? Take a look at how salt water taffy is made, from cook to pull to wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is National Candy Month?
June. The full month is dedicated to celebrating candy in all its forms.
Is salt water taffy gluten free?
Yes, Taffy Town salt water taffy is gluten free. Check our allergen page for the full ingredient breakdown if you have other dietary concerns.
Is salt water taffy vegan?
Most Taffy Town flavors are not vegan because they contain a small amount of egg whites for texture. A few flavors are egg-free, so check the label before ordering.
How long does salt water taffy last?
Stored in a cool, dry spot, taffy stays fresh for about six months. Keep it sealed and out of direct sun. The freezer works too if you want to stretch the shelf life closer to a year.
What flavors should I try first?
If you're new to taffy, start with three crowd favorites and one wildcard. Vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate are reliable starters. Then add something unexpected, like banana cream or peppermint, to find out what you actually love.
Make June a Sweeter Month
Whether you celebrate with one of the ideas above or all seven, National Candy Month is a good excuse to slow down and enjoy something simple. Browse our taffy flavors and put together a box worth celebrating with.
