Love is in the air, and so are those little pastel candies with big feelings! Conversation hearts have been a Valentine’s Day staple for generations, bringing sweetness (and a touch of sass) to love notes everywhere. Let’s dive into their delightful history and explore the fresh twists on this beloved tradition for Valentine’s Day 2025.

A Sweet History of Love and Letters

The story of conversation hearts begins in the mid-19th century with the founding of NECCO, the New England Confectionery Company. Inspired by the idea of printing messages on candy, Daniel Chase (brother of NECCO’s founder) developed the technique of stamping words onto sugar lozenges in 1866. These candies—originally shaped like discs and called "cockles"—quickly became popular for their sweet sentiments.

By the early 1900s, NECCO introduced the now-iconic heart shape, and conversation hearts were born. With phrases like “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” and “Love You,” these candies became synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Over the decades, new phrases were added to reflect the times (“Fax Me” and “LOL,” anyone?), while the classic flavors and colors remained the same.

When NECCO closed its doors in 2018, Sweethearts Conversation Hearts faced an uncertain future. But much to the relief of candy lovers everywhere, the brand was revived by Spangler Candy Company in 2020, ensuring that no Valentine’s exchange would be complete without these sugary declarations of affection.

New Hearts, New Vibes for 2025

While Sweethearts will always hold a special place in our hearts (and our candy bowls), new versions of conversation hearts are making waves this year, proving that even the classics can evolve. Here’s what you can look forward to for Valentine’s Day 2025:

WarHeads Sour Conversation Hearts

If your love comes with a side of boldness, WarHeads Sour Conversation Hearts are here to shake up your Valentine’s Day. These aren’t your grandma’s pastel candies—they’re tangy, tart, and packed with messages that bite back (in the best way possible). Perfect for sour candy fans or anyone who wants to say, “Love stings… but in a good way.”

Starburst Fave Reds Conversation Hearts

Starburst took everything you love about their Fave Reds and turned them into bite-sized hearts of chewy deliciousness. With flavors like Strawberry and Cherry these hearts bring juicy fun to Valentine’s exchanges. Forget subtle; these candies shout, “You’re my favorite!”  And since they're packed in individual size boxes, Starburst Conversation Hearts are perfect for gift giving!

Why We Heart Conversation Hearts

There’s something undeniably charming about conversation hearts. They’re not just candy; they’re little love notes you can eat. Whether you’re a romantic at heart, a fan of sour surprises, or just someone who loves fruity flavors, there’s a conversation heart for everyone this Valentine’s Day.

So go ahead, stock up on your favorite Valentine's Day Candy, and let these tiny treats do the talking. Whether you’re sharing them with a special someone, your besties, or just keeping them all to yourself, conversation hearts are the sweetest way to say “I love you."