The Crushing Reason OG Conversation Hearts Will Not Be in Stores for the First Time in 153 Years
You might have to *gasp* actually talk to your crush this Valentine’s Day. For the first time in 153 years, Sweethearts Conversation Hearts will not be available in stores. Since 1866, Confectionery Company Necco, has made and distributed the classic, pastel sugary hearts with icebreakers like “Kiss Me,” “Hug Me,” and “Be Mine.” But they simply can’t this year, and the reason is tragic.
When Necco shut down last July, the company sold SweetHearts to the Spangler Candy Company (makers of Dum Dum lollipops). It used to take Necco 11 months to produce eight billion candy pieces needed for Valentine’s day. Unfortunately, because of this transition, there is not enough time to make conversation hearts before the Hallmark holiday.
Rather than blast Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” and cry into a heart-shaped box of chocolates — know there’s hope. According to Spangler’s CEO, these hearts will make a comeback in 2020. In the meantime, there’s always generic conversation hearts like Brach’s version available at Walmart for $3. Otherwise, several online companies are selling last year’s batch, like Candy Crate ($4/4 cardboard boxes) or Nuts.com ($5/pound).
Will you survive Valentine’s Day without the OG conversation hearts? Let Brit + Co know on Twitter.
(Photo via Getty)
