Marini’s Candies has been making stellar salt water taffy and more since 1915!
Who here loves watching taffy pulling videos? If you’ve spent any time on the Instagram explore page or TikTok, you might’ve come across some of these mesmerizing videos from Marini’s Candies, a legendary candy shop in Santa Cruz, California. This family-owned business has churned out millions of delicious sugary treats since 1915 for people all across the country.
@scwillywonkaAll the sours rolled into one!!!! Grape, blue raspberry, green apple, lime, orange and cherry. ##fyp ##foryoupage ##mariniscandies ##candyman ##candy♬ Better Off Alone – Alice DJ
This historic candy shop started out on Santa Cruz’s Beach Boardwalk 106 years ago. Their famous saltwater taffy is made with an old fashioned recipe from founder Victor A. Marini. According to the Marini’s website, the candies are actually wrapped on a “Model K Kiss wrapper” from the 1920s. Popular flavors include butter toffee, watermelon, molasses, and peppermint.
@scwillywonkaCherry Taffy made by ##mariniscandies ##fyp ##foryoupage ##candy ##candyman ##foodie ##santacruz ##food ##saltwatertaffy♬ A heartwarming background music inspired by food – MATSU
This taffy, which made Marini’s famous over the course of their 100-year career, has once again gained them fame among the younger generations. They’ve amassed over 1.5 million followers on TikTok at @SCWillyWonka, and we think we know why – these taffy pulling videos are absolutely mesmerizing, and it’s hard to tear your eyes away each time they start on a new flavor.
@scwillywonkaUh oh is it going to make it or fall on the floor?? Watch to the end to find out. ##fyp ##foryoupage ##candyman ##mariniscandies ##candy♬ Ghosts N Stuff – Original Mix – deadmau5
Marini’s is also known for other delicious treats, the most unique of which might be their gourmet chocolate-covered bacon. The salty and sweet flavors actually complement each other phenomenally, and it’s one of those things that can double as both a gag gift and a great snack. They bake hickory-smoked bacon in an oven before smothering it in either a milk or dark chocolate blend.
@scwillywonkaChocolate Covered Bacon!! ##fyp ##foryoupage ##parati ##foryou ##trending ##viral ##bacon ##chocolate ##fypシ ##mariniscandies ##candyman ##candy♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul
Other spectacular treats include candied apples, gummis, caramel corn, licorice, peanut brittle, toffee, lollies, and much more. They also create awesome gift boxes and baskets for seasonal holidays, work events, or any occasion requiring excellent candy.
@scwillywonkaA quick trip to Marini’s candies on the wharf. Come see us and say hi! California grown by cruzmatik. ##fyp ##foryoupage ##mariniscandies ##candy♬ original sound – SCWillyWonka
Find both of Marini’s locations in Santa Cruz, California, which is just over an hour south of San Francisco. Marini’s at the Wharf is located at Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf #55A, and it’s an awesome spot to visit for panoramic ocean views or a trip to the Boardwalk. Marini’s Westside is at 332 Ingalls St, which is near some great breweries including Humble Sea and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. It’s a quick walk over to the cliffs, where you can eat your taffy and watch the surfers.
If you can’t make it down to Santa Cruz, consider ordering some treats online at MarinisCandies.com!
And don’t forget to give Marini’s Candies a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and of course TikTok.
Featured image: Screenshots from @scwillywonka via TikTok