As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us start thinking about the traditional treats that come with this holiday. One of the most iconic and beloved candies associated with Valentine’s Day is the conversation heart. These small, heart-shaped candies with sweet messages have been a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations for over a century. But have you ever wondered, do they still make candy conversation hearts?
A Brief History of Conversation Hearts
To answer this question, let’s take a step back and look at the history of conversation hearts. The first conversation hearts were created in the 1860s by Daniel Chase, the brother of Oliver Chase, who founded the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO). Daniel Chase invented a machine that could press messages onto the candies, making it possible to mass-produce conversation hearts.
Initially, the messages on conversation hearts were quite long and poetic, but over time, they became shorter and more concise. In the early 20th century, NECCO began to use more modern and playful messages, such as “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me.” These messages became a hallmark of conversation hearts and have remained largely unchanged to this day.
The Rise and Fall of NECCO
For over 150 years, NECCO was the sole manufacturer of conversation hearts. The company became a beloved institution in the United States, and its conversation hearts were a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations. However, in 2018, NECCO announced that it would be closing its doors due to financial difficulties.
The news of NECCO’s closure sent shockwaves through the candy industry, and many fans of conversation hearts were left wondering if they would ever be able to enjoy these beloved treats again. However, in 2019, it was announced that the Spangler Candy Company, a leading manufacturer of candy canes and other sweets, had acquired the rights to produce conversation hearts.
The Future of Conversation Hearts
So, do they still make candy conversation hearts? The answer is a resounding yes! The Spangler Candy Company has been producing conversation hearts since 2019, and they are available in stores and online.
While some fans of conversation hearts may have been worried that the change in ownership would result in changes to the formula or messages, Spangler has assured fans that they will continue to produce conversation hearts using the same recipe and messages that have been used for generations.
In fact, Spangler has even introduced some new and innovative products, such as conversation hearts with emojis and conversation hearts in new flavors, such as blue raspberry and strawberry.
What’s Next for Conversation Hearts?
As the candy industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for conversation hearts. Will Spangler continue to innovate and introduce new products, or will they stick to the traditional formula that has made conversation hearts a beloved treat for generations?
One thing is certain, however: conversation hearts will continue to be a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional messages or the new and innovative products, there’s no denying the appeal of these sweet and sentimental treats.
A Look at the Numbers
To give you an idea of just how popular conversation hearts are, here are some interesting statistics:
- Over 8 billion conversation hearts are produced each year.
- Conversation hearts are the second-best-selling candy during the Valentine’s Day season, after chocolate.
- The most popular messages on conversation hearts are “Be Mine,” “I Love You,” and “Kiss Me.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “do they still make candy conversation hearts?” is a resounding yes. The Spangler Candy Company has been producing conversation hearts since 2019, and they are available in stores and online.
Whether you’re a fan of the traditional messages or the new and innovative products, conversation hearts are a beloved treat that will continue to be a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations for years to come. So go ahead, grab a handful of conversation hearts, and spread the love!
What are Candy Conversation Hearts?
Candy Conversation Hearts, also known as Sweethearts, are small, heart-shaped candies with short messages or phrases printed on them. They are traditionally exchanged on Valentine’s Day and have been a popular treat for over 150 years. The candies are usually pastel-colored and have a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
The messages on Candy Conversation Hearts have evolved over the years, but they often include simple phrases like “Be Mine,” “I Love You,” and “Hug Me.” Some newer versions of the candies may include more modern phrases or even emojis. Despite the changes, the classic design and sweet flavor of Candy Conversation Hearts have remained a beloved tradition for many people.
Do They Still Make Candy Conversation Hearts?
Yes, Candy Conversation Hearts are still widely available today. The original manufacturer, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), went out of business in 2018, but the brand was acquired by the Spangler Candy Company, which has continued to produce the candies. You can find Candy Conversation Hearts at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers, especially around Valentine’s Day.
In addition to the classic version, Spangler Candy Company has introduced new flavors and varieties of Candy Conversation Hearts, such as sour and sweet flavors. They have also released limited-edition versions with special messages or themes, such as Valentine’s Day-themed candies with messages in Spanish or French.
What Happened to the Original Manufacturer of Candy Conversation Hearts?
The New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), the original manufacturer of Candy Conversation Hearts, was founded in 1847 and was one of the oldest candy companies in the United States. However, the company faced financial difficulties and was sold to the American Capital investment firm in 2003. Despite efforts to revamp the company, NECCO continued to struggle and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2018.
The Spangler Candy Company acquired the NECCO brand, including Candy Conversation Hearts, in 2018. Spangler has continued to produce the candies using the same recipe and manufacturing process as NECCO, ensuring that the classic taste and tradition of Candy Conversation Hearts are preserved.
Are Candy Conversation Hearts Still Made in the USA?
Yes, Candy Conversation Hearts are still made in the United States. The Spangler Candy Company, which acquired the NECCO brand, has a manufacturing facility in Bryan, Ohio, where the candies are produced. The company uses the same recipe and manufacturing process as NECCO, ensuring that the classic taste and quality of Candy Conversation Hearts are maintained.
Spangler Candy Company is committed to supporting American jobs and the local economy by keeping the manufacturing process in the United States. The company also sources many of its ingredients from American suppliers, further supporting the domestic economy.
Can You Still Buy Candy Conversation Hearts with the Classic Messages?
Yes, you can still buy Candy Conversation Hearts with the classic messages. The Spangler Candy Company has continued to produce the candies with the same messages and phrases that were used by NECCO. These classic messages include “Be Mine,” “I Love You,” and “Hug Me,” among others.
In addition to the classic messages, Spangler has also introduced new phrases and messages to appeal to modern consumers. However, the company has made a conscious effort to preserve the traditional messages and design of Candy Conversation Hearts, ensuring that the classic version remains available for those who prefer it.
Are Candy Conversation Hearts Available in Different Flavors?
Yes, Candy Conversation Hearts are available in different flavors. While the classic version is still widely available, Spangler Candy Company has introduced new flavors and varieties of the candies. These include sour and sweet flavors, as well as limited-edition flavors like blue raspberry and strawberry.
In addition to the new flavors, Spangler has also released special-edition versions of Candy Conversation Hearts with unique flavors and messages. For example, the company has released Valentine’s Day-themed candies with messages in Spanish or French, as well as candies with special messages for other holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Can You Buy Candy Conversation Hearts Online?
Yes, you can buy Candy Conversation Hearts online. The Spangler Candy Company sells the candies on its website, and they are also available on online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. You can also find Candy Conversation Hearts on specialty candy websites and online marketplaces.
Buying Candy Conversation Hearts online is a convenient way to get your favorite treats, especially if you can’t find them in stores. Many online retailers offer fast shipping and competitive pricing, making it easy to get your Candy Conversation Hearts delivered right to your doorstep.