For generations, Valentine’s Day has not been complete without at least one box of Conversation Hearts. You know them when you see them. Also known as Sweethearts, they’re the super sweet, heart-shaped treats with phrases like, ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Kiss Me’ emblazoned on the front. A staple of school parties and a beloved addition to candy drawers everywhere, Conversation Hearts have truly been a cornerstone of the sweetest holiday of the year for generations.
Unfortunately, all those days spent loving (or loving to hate) Conversation Hearts will soon become just a memory. NECCO, the original manufacturer of Conversation Hearts went out of business last year, leaving fans of the candy wondering what would happen to this time-tested favorite.
This news has left a bitter taste in the candy world. While the fate of this treat hangs in the balance, we are all left wondering how to get our fill of our favorite sweets this February 14th. Whether Conversation Hearts were always your first pick, or if they were the candy you ended up eating after your chocolate stash ran out, they were always there, consistently sweetening up even the dreariest February days.
Spangler Candy Company currently owns the Sweethearts brand, but, having only acquired the brand in September, the company has reported that they did not have time to produce this perennial treat in time for Valentine’s Day. Although Spangler has intentions of bringing the candy back in 2020, there’s no guarantee that we’ll get our beloved Conversation Hearts next year either.
Have any special Sweethearts memories you’d like to share? We’d love to hear! WANT TO WIN OUR LAST 1 POUND BAG OF NECCO CONVERSATION HEARTS? Simply tell us your most memorable Sweethearts moments in the comments below to enter. Keep the spirit of the Conversation Heart alive as we wait to see what next year will bring.
And while you may try to fill the void with other seasonal favorites, there is truly nothing else quite as special as a Conversation Heart.
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The new owners announced yesterday that they will be back making candy. They tried to make it before Valentine’s Day but couldn’t do it, BUT promised they would be ready for next year. So all of the favorites will be back they said… I just wanted to let you know so that you can post a statement after you verify what I said.
I can’t speak on behalf of the manufacturer as we are an independent wholesaler – the oldest internet candy store, backed America’s oldest wholesale candy company, but we certainly hope that NECCO Conversation Hearts were available in 2012. We missed them this Valentine’s Day and so did many consumers if only based on the inquiries we received.
I have ALWAYS bought the conversation heart to give to friends and family on Valentine’s day. This year I was VERY disappointed that there were no messages on them. I purchased them at Walmart and HEB and neither one had any messages on them…What Happened ??? My grandkids were Disappointed this year !!!
It’s a bit of a catch-22. Conversation Hearts were made by NECCO who went out of business in 2018 and were almost impossible to find. The fact that you found a remaining stash is somewhat of a miracle but the fact that they weren’t up to standard is disheartening. The good news, fingers crossed, is that they would be back on the market next year and the quality control will be what you have known and come to expect!
Please don’t discontinue the Conversation Heart Candy!! It’s my favorite!! Please, Please don’t discontinue!!
As we are not the manufacturer, we can only hope that they return. The rumor is that they will be back on the market in 2019! Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
I fondly remember Sweethearts as I used these to propose to my wife. It was a blustery early February when I invited her to a magical date that ended with strolling into a small, independent candy store. I knew the owners as I am probably their largest customer. Well, I guided her to a barrel in the corner and asked her if she wanted some Sweethearts. She pulled up boxes although each had a sticker with some custom words, like “B Mine 4eva” and “Marry Me” and “This is a proposal” while she was standing there confused I got down on one knee and pulled out a Ring Pop (and an actual engagement ring) and she screamed yes. Her scream triggered all of our friends that were hiding in the back room for a huge party! The owners closed the store and we all celebrated! it was awesome!
What a great story and it shows that candy plays a sweet role in so many different ways. I must say that your proposal was totally unique and really classy! Thanks for sharing!
I bought the little mini boxes, I believe there was like four little boxes. I got them because I was making heart cut out cookies with frosting and put one in middle. Out of all these little hearts, I would think maybe about oh 10-15 total had something on them and the majority of them could not be read! Here’s my advice, next year make sure the stamping is clearly easy to read. I only needed a small amount that is why I got the little boxes, I gave some to my birdies and squirrels but no one wanted to eat them. Thank you and have a good day! Pam🐾
First, we are glad the squirrels and birds didn’t eat the conversation hearts as it may not be good for them. The manufacturer of conversation hearts went out of business in 2018 and we had just a few boxes left. I am sorry they weren’t up to your standards – I agree that the writing should be clear and legible – and let’s hope that the new manufacturers bring them back to their former glory. We should know next year around Valentine’s Day.