Molasses taffy is a traditional chewy candy made primarily from molasses, the thick syrup byproduct of sugar refining, along with sugar, butter, and water. The molasses lends a rich, slightly bitter flavor that distinguishes it from other taffies, which typically use lighter sweeteners like corn syrup.
This confection has roots in the 19th century, particularly in North America, where molasses was a common household ingredient due to its affordability compared to refined sugar. Molasses taffy was often homemade and became a staple of holiday gatherings and community events, such as taffy pulls, where children and adults would stretch and pull the hot candy into its final shape. Taffy pulls were a popular social activity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in rural areas.