Revisiting the Goldenrod Salt Water Taffy Flavors
A colorful box of taffy is a summer vacation tradition. Learn more about the salt water taffy flavors from the Goldenrod in York, Maine.
By Aimee Tucker|Jul 05 2018|
We rated the Goldenrod salt water taffy flavors.
Photo Credit: Aimee TuckerThe coast of southern Maine is a popular summer vacation destination, and one of its greatest sugary offerings is a box of salt water taffy from the Goldenrod in York. If you haven’t visited in a while, here’s a reminder of the classic salt water taffy flavors for which the Goldenrod is known.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
But first, a quick history of the Goldenrod restaurant, soda fountain, and candy store. Established in the heart of Short Sands Beach in York in 1896, it’s been making summer vacations extra-sweet for generations. The taffy was originally pulled, cut, and wrapped by hand, but the process got a mechanized makeover sometime in the middle of the 20th century. Located behind the large glass front windows, the vintage pulling and cutting machines are a popular tourist attraction in their own right. Both kids and adults line up to watch the machines pull the taffy into perfect ropes, cut bite-sized pieces (the Goldenrod calls them “kisses”), and neatly wrap them in white or yellow paper.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Goldenrod Salt Water Taffy Flavors
Vanilla
Strawberry
Chocolate
Wintergreen
Maple walnut
Molasses
Peppermint
Licorice
Blueberry
Molasses peppermint
Lime
Peanut butter
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
My favorite Goldenrod salt water taffy flavors? Molasses peppermint, maple walnut, and peanut butter. You can tell a peanut butter kiss by just quick sniff of the wrapper. Its aroma is stronger than that of the other salt water taffy flavors, thanks to a concentrated peanut butter center that provides the perfect extra hit of salty peanut butter goodness.
My least favorite? Honestly, it’s the licorice. I just can’t get on board with any black licorice candy — but I know that some of you must like it, so I grudgingly accept its place in my boxed assortment.
I should also note that the Goldenrod frequently features special seasonal flavors like root beer float, coconut, and clove.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Craving Goldenrod taffy right about now? There’s still plenty of time to plan a visit for this summer (the Goldenrod makes taffy from May through October), or hop online and order a box for home delivery.
Have you ever been to the Goldenrod? Which saltwater taffy flavors are your favorite?
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
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Love the Goldenrod family tradition to eat lunch there and get kisses to take home!!
Molasses kisses – sublime!
Some of my favorite memories of the past are York Be., Nubble Light and Goldenrod kisses. No one makes them better. And my favorite ones are licorice and peanut butter. But then how can you choose from such perfection. Also liked picking out my lobster and having it cooked right there in the “rocks” area.
Love the Goldenrod. Please be aware the hours are cut back on Labor Day. Call ahead.
Flavor of the week is a neat surprise each week for us as we find ourselves frequently in York. Best one yet last week – Peanut Butter and Jelly! A strawberry taffy w/a peanut butter center – yum!!! ????
I spent my childhood eating the Goldenrods ice cream and watching that taffy machine when I wasn’t on the beach or in the arcade. York Beach will always have a special place in my Heart.
Molasses Peppermint, I’ve even had them shipped to Florida, when I couldn’t come back for a visit.
As a child in the early 1900s, my Mother took the trolley that came from Ogunquit to York in order to go to Goldenrod. I still go every summer. With one or more of my children to buy at least 3 boxes, one of which gets mailed to Seattle for
As a child in the early 1900s, my Mother took the trolley that then existed, from Ogunquit to York to buy Goldenrod kisses. I still go every summer with my son and grandchildren to watch the making through the big windows and buy 3 or more boxes. One box gets sent immediately to Seattle for my older daughter’s Birthday: she cannot imagine any other present as appropriate. NWH
Can you order your saltwater taffy?
I live in Albany ny.Do you ship?We just love and enjoy your taffy.
Goldenrod and Awesome New England Tradition that this Puddle Docker longs for each year!
Please bring back your lemon tangy. Bought it and loved it but I haven’t seen it since. Please, pretty please.