Iconic candy hearts missing from store shelves

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it is time to start stocking up on Valentine’s candy. This year, however, the classic Sweethearts won’t be on store shelves. For the first time in 117 years, lovers won’t be able to say “LOL” or “Kiss Me” with the tiny pastel candies.

Sweethearts were first developed by the New England Confectionery Company. NECCO had been printing messages on their sugar wafers for a while, but they introduced the heart shape in 1902, creating the ultimate Valentine’s treat.

Despite the success of Sweethearts, NECCO went bankrupt and was purchased by Spangler Candy Company near the end of 2018. Unfortunately, this process didn’t leave enough time to manufacture conversation hearts for this Valentines day.

According to a Vox article, Kirk Vashaw, CEO of Spangler, announced, “There are a lot of manufacturing challenges and unanswered questions at this point, and we want to make sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market.”

Heart lovers need not lose hope, though: Vashaw expects the candies will be back for Valentine’s Day 2020.

Brach’s and other companies may have created their own conversation hearts, but there are still plenty of other tasty treats consumers can buy this Valentine’s to replace the beloved conversation heart:

Reese’s Hearts. The peanut butter and chocolate way to anyone’s heart. Unless they are allergic to peanuts.

Cherry Hearts. These chewy and gummy hearts are a good fruity alternative.

Heart-Shaped Box of Chocolates. A classic choice, the wide variety will be sure to make anyone feel loved.

Sweet Tarts Hearts. Careful—the sour taste may send the wrong message to your significant other.

Dove Chocolate Hearts. Dove chocolate even have messages on the wrappers for that extra touch of sweetness.

—shelby.black@aggiemail.usu.edu

@shelbsterblack