Conversation Hearts have long been a beloved Valentine's treat, and we have been offering them for over ninety years in various flavors, shapes, and sizes. As old-school candies go, these deserve a place close to the top of the list!
These hard, sugary sweets come in an array of fun colors and usually have an endearing phrase or saying stamped into the hard candy exterior.
Although we lament the loss of the original NECCO Conversation Hearts - Necco went bankrupt in 2018 after a 171-year run - the Sweethearts brand was purchased by Spangler - another old-school candy company that opened in 1906 - and the formula remains much the same. A sign of relief was heard from candy lovers around the globe!
Brachs - who has been around since 1904, perhaps you are sensing a theme - also makes conversation hearts, and there has been a long-standing debate about whether Sweethearts or Brachs tastes better.
So despite Brach's eliminating 90 percent of their bulk candy offerings, we were thrilled that we got a shipment of their conversation hearts this year, so we will stay neutral in this discussion.
Their enduring popularity is likely due to their convenience - they're fun, easy to store and transport because they are all but impervious to heat, and are sure to bring back childhood memories.
Their charming visuals range from traditional, pastel-colored hearts to bright and fun shapes, and the sayings - from "love you" to" you are awesome," to name a few- are fun, personal, and inclusive.
Whether you prefer Brachs or Sweethearts, conversation hearts remain a special treat to share with a loved one this Valentine's Day as your parents, and maybe even their parents, did!
