Confirmed: Sweethearts are Back for Valentine's Day
In 2019, we had to celebrate Valentine's Day without our favorite holiday treat. Because of a change in ownership, Sweethearts, which first appeared in the 1860s, were out of production. But today candy lovers are in luck. The new owner, Spangler Candy Co., itself founded in 1906, confirmed that the heart-shaped confections are back, and they feature numerous new phrases.
In 2018, The New England Confectionery Company (Necco), announced they'd be closing their doors and no longer producing the classic Sweetheart candies. That September, Spangler Candy Co. purchased the Sweetheart brand, but since the purchase entailed moving the manufacturing equipment, there wasn't enough time to make and package the conversation hearts before Valentine's Day, 2019. In 2020, the hearts hit shelves again in limited supply, but now production is back to normal—with even more heart-shaped treats.
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After almost a full year of the global pandemic, a spokesperson for Spangler Candy told us they wanted to revamp the conversation hearts to bring an extra dose of joy to candy lovers.
"There have been hundreds of sayings featured on Sweethearts candies over the years, but after a year unlike any other, we knew we wanted to add a high note to the season," says Diana Moore Eschhofen, Spangler Candy's director of corporate communications. "Opening or exchanging a box of Sweethearts uniquely encourages connection in a way that sparks feelings of cheer, happiness, and nostalgia. With this in mind, we came up with the idea to create sayings inspired by our favorite heart-themed songs over the decades, because what better way to bring a smile to someone's face than being reminded of a melody."
In addition to the classic phrases like 'BE MINE' and 'HUG ME,' the hearts will feature lyrics and phrases from songs dating back to the 1950s. The new heart designs include the phrases 'AT LAST,' 'SUGAR SUGAR,' 'I'M YOURS,' and 'LUVME TENDR.'
The hearts will be available at nationwide drugstores and grocery stores. The candies are on the shelves for Valentine's Day, so head to the nearest location (or place an order for drive-up) to grab your supply before they're gone.
