Sweetheart candies, those tiny, pastel-colored hearts emblazoned with love-themed messages, are a Valentine’s Day staple for many. But in recent years, whispers of their disappearance have circulated, leaving many wondering: Do they still make Sweetheart candies? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes, although the journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Let’s delve into the fascinating history, recent challenges, and enduring appeal of these iconic treats.
A Sweet History: From Apothecary to Valentine’s Icon
The story of Sweethearts actually begins not with romance, but with medicine. In 1847, Oliver Chase, a Boston pharmacist, invented a machine to quickly cut lozenges, the medicinal cough drops of the time. He soon realized that these lozenges could be more than just a remedy; they could be a sweet treat.
The Birth of Conversation Candies
Chase’s initial foray into candy making led to the creation of wafers with printed messages. These were originally large and required a hammer to break apart. It was his brother, Daniel Chase, who revolutionized the process in 1866 by developing a way to print directly onto the candies themselves using vegetable dye. These early “conversation candies” featured longer, more elaborate messages than the simple phrases we see today.
The Evolution of the Heart Shape
While conversation candies were popular, the heart shape, so closely associated with Valentine’s Day, didn’t appear immediately. The New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), which Chase founded, gradually refined the process and the shape over the years. By the early 1900s, the heart shape had become firmly established, solidifying Sweethearts’ place as a Valentine’s Day must-have.
The NECCO Era: A Century of Sweethearts
For over a century, NECCO remained the sole producer of Sweetheart candies. Their factory in Revere, Massachusetts, churned out billions of hearts each year, becoming synonymous with the holiday. The candies themselves underwent subtle changes over time, with updated messages and improved flavors.
A Timeless Tradition
NECCO recognized the importance of tradition. While new sayings were introduced periodically to keep things fresh, classic messages like “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” and “Sweet Talk” remained staples. The consistency and familiarity of Sweethearts were key to their enduring popularity.
Beyond Valentine’s Day
Although primarily associated with Valentine’s Day, NECCO also produced conversation candies for other occasions. They created themed hearts for Halloween and even released special editions for specific events, showcasing their ability to adapt while maintaining the core appeal of the product.
The Uncertainty: NECCO’s Bankruptcy and a Nation’s Concern
In 2018, the future of Sweethearts faced a serious threat. NECCO, plagued by financial difficulties, declared bankruptcy. This news sent shockwaves through the candy world and left many wondering if the iconic conversation hearts would disappear forever. The future of a holiday tradition hung in the balance.
A Change of Hands
Following NECCO’s bankruptcy, its assets were acquired by Round Hill Investments. However, Round Hill quickly sold NECCO’s candy brands to various buyers. The fate of Sweethearts remained uncertain, as it wasn’t immediately clear who would take on the responsibility of producing them.
The 2019 Hiatus: A Heartbreaking Valentine’s Day
Unfortunately, the transition of ownership wasn’t seamless. In 2019, for the first time in over 150 years, Sweetheart candies were largely unavailable for Valentine’s Day. Production had been disrupted, and the new owner didn’t have enough time to get them back on shelves. This absence was deeply felt by many, highlighting the emotional connection people had with the candy.
Spangler Candy to the Rescue: A Sweetheart Comeback
Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. In 2019, Spangler Candy Company, known for other classic candies like Dum Dums lollipops and candy canes, acquired the Sweethearts brand. Spangler recognized the importance of these candies and committed to bringing them back.
Challenges and Improvements
Reviving Sweethearts wasn’t without its challenges. The outdated equipment and complex printing process presented significant hurdles. Spangler invested heavily in upgrading the machinery and refining the printing techniques. The initial focus was on simply getting the candies back on shelves, even if they weren’t perfect.
The Return of Imperfect Hearts
In 2020, Sweethearts made a limited return. However, due to the rushed production, many of the hearts were misprinted or blank. While some consumers were disappointed, many were simply happy to see them back, imperfections and all. It was a sign that the tradition was being kept alive.
Perfecting the Process
Since 2020, Spangler has continued to improve the production process. They’ve invested in new technology, refined the printing process, and worked to ensure that more hearts are printed correctly and legibly. Each year has seen improvements in quality and availability.
Sweethearts Today: An Enduring Legacy
Today, Sweetheart candies are widely available again, thanks to Spangler Candy’s efforts. While the flavors and messages may have evolved slightly over time, the core essence of Sweethearts remains the same: a simple, sweet way to express affection on Valentine’s Day.
Modern Messages and Classic Flavors
While classic messages like “Be Mine” still adorn the hearts, Spangler has also introduced some modern phrases and updated sayings to appeal to a new generation. The flavors, too, have seen some tweaks, although the traditional pastel colors and chalky texture remain largely unchanged.
The Future of Sweethearts
Spangler Candy is committed to preserving the legacy of Sweethearts for years to come. They understand the emotional connection people have with these candies and are dedicated to ensuring their continued availability. The future looks bright for these little conversation hearts.
Why Sweethearts Endure: More Than Just Candy
The enduring appeal of Sweetheart candies goes beyond their taste. They represent a sense of nostalgia, tradition, and simple affection. They are a tangible symbol of Valentine’s Day, a way to share a sweet message with loved ones, friends, or even strangers.
A Symbol of Connection
In a world dominated by digital communication, Sweethearts offer a tangible, physical way to connect with others. Sharing a heart with a friend or leaving one on a loved one’s desk is a simple yet meaningful gesture.
Nostalgia and Tradition
For many, Sweethearts evoke childhood memories and cherished traditions. They are a reminder of simpler times and the joy of sharing a sweet treat with loved ones. This nostalgic connection is a key part of their enduring appeal.
A Sweet Message
Ultimately, Sweethearts are about sharing a message of love, friendship, or appreciation. The simple phrases printed on each heart offer a quick and easy way to express these sentiments, making them a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
FAQ 1: Are Sweetheart Candies still being made?
Yes, Sweetheart Candies, the iconic conversation hearts, are still being produced and sold, although their availability has been somewhat inconsistent in recent years. After the original manufacturer, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), went bankrupt in 2018, production was temporarily halted. Spangler Candy Company acquired the brand in 2018 and worked diligently to restore production and address significant equipment issues.
Production challenges in the initial years following the acquisition led to limited availability and some variations in the imprinted messages. However, Spangler Candy Company has made substantial investments to improve the printing process and increase production capacity. Recent years have seen wider distribution and improved quality of the conversation hearts, so you can generally find them around Valentine’s Day.
FAQ 2: What happened to NECCO, the original maker of Sweetheart Candies?
NECCO, the New England Confectionery Company, had a long and storied history dating back to 1847 and was once the oldest continuously operating candy company in the United States. The company produced a variety of well-known candies, including NECCO Wafers, Clark Bars, and, of course, Sweetheart Candies. Sadly, NECCO faced increasing financial difficulties in the 2010s.
These financial struggles led to bankruptcy in 2018. Attempts were made to find a buyer to keep the company operational as a whole, but ultimately, NECCO’s assets were sold off in pieces. Spangler Candy Company successfully bid for the Sweetheart Candies brand, rescuing it from potential oblivion.
FAQ 3: Why were Sweetheart Candies difficult to find for a few years after NECCO’s closure?
The primary reason for the scarcity of Sweetheart Candies following NECCO’s bankruptcy was the significant challenges faced by Spangler Candy Company in restarting production. The equipment used to manufacture and, more importantly, imprint the messages on the candies was old and in need of extensive repairs and upgrades.
Spangler also faced the task of recreating the original flavors and colors, ensuring they remained consistent with consumer expectations. Fixing the printing process was particularly difficult and took considerable time and resources. While production did resume relatively quickly, the initial quantities were limited, and the quality of the printed messages was not always ideal, contributing to widespread reports of missing or illegible phrases.
FAQ 4: What are Sweetheart Candies made of, and what flavors are they?
Sweetheart Candies are primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, which provide their characteristic hard texture and sweet taste. They also contain a blend of artificial and natural flavors, along with food colorings, to create the different pastel hues and corresponding tastes.
The flavors are traditionally associated with the colors of the candies. While the specific flavor profiles have evolved slightly over time, common flavors include wintergreen (white), banana (yellow), cherry (pink), grape (purple), lemon (yellow), and orange (orange). Spangler Candy Company has made efforts to maintain the classic flavor profiles that consumers associate with Sweetheart Candies.
FAQ 5: How have the messages on Sweetheart Candies changed over the years?
The messages on Sweetheart Candies have evolved considerably over the decades, reflecting changes in language, popular culture, and societal trends. Early conversation hearts featured longer, more formal phrases, such as “Be Mine” and “Marry Me.” As language became more informal, shorter, more casual messages became the norm.
In recent years, there have been efforts to modernize the messages to appeal to a younger audience, including the addition of acronyms and slang. Spangler Candy Company has also experimented with themes based on popular movies and television shows. However, the classic messages remain a staple, ensuring the candies retain their nostalgic appeal.
FAQ 6: Are there any alternatives to Sweetheart Candies if I can’t find them?
While Sweetheart Candies hold a special place in many hearts, several alternatives offer a similar candy experience. Brach’s Conversation Hearts are a readily available option, often found in similar flavors and colors. These provide a comparable texture and sweetness.
Another alternative is personalized candies. Several companies offer customized candies with personalized messages, allowing you to create unique conversation pieces. These alternatives may not have the exact same nostalgic charm as Sweetheart Candies, but they can satisfy the craving for a sweet and communicative treat.
FAQ 7: How has the enduring popularity of Sweetheart Candies been maintained?
The enduring popularity of Sweetheart Candies is a result of several factors, including nostalgia, tradition, and their association with Valentine’s Day. The candies evoke fond memories for many people, reminding them of childhood and past Valentine’s Day celebrations. Their simple, sugary taste and pastel colors also contribute to their appeal.
The tradition of exchanging Sweetheart Candies with loved ones has solidified their place as a Valentine’s Day staple. The act of sharing these candies and interpreting their messages creates a sense of connection and fun. The unique combination of sentimentality and playful communication has ensured that Sweetheart Candies continue to be a beloved part of Valentine’s Day celebrations.