This year, the season of love is also the season of heartbreak for all you Sweethearts fans. Here’s why.
Here’s the Rundown
You might have been looking forward to Valentine’s Day all year just to get your hands on some of those sugary candy hearts. The original conversation hearts always gave us the right words to say “I Love You,” but this year they won’t be saying much at all. The company who launched Sweethearts, New England Confectionary Company (that’s NECCO, for short), has officially closed its doors.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other tasty treats dropping in time for the holiday, but nothing’s more iconic on Valentine’s Day than good ol’ Sweethearts.
The Bad News First
We heard about problems with NECCO’s sales in 2018, and in July, the company finally went under. While the consumer rush to collect as many Sweethearts as possible gave NECCO a significant bump in sales (50% higher than usual!), it wasn’t enough to stop the shutdown. Sales for 2019 were projected to plummet.
That’s why Sweethearts won’t be hitting shelves for Valentine’s Day this year, and yes, we’re as disappointed as you are.
Still need a cute pick-me-up? Oreo took a page out of the Sweethearts book for Valentine’s Day.
Now, for the Good News
It’s not all bad news, candy lovers. Shelves are filled with conversation hearts from other candy brands, like Brach’s.
And if your heart belongs to Sweethearts, there’s good news for you, too. NECCO is seemingly gone for good, but the name of “Sweethearts” will be carried on. In fact, NECCO has already been bought out by Spangler Candy Company. You might know Spangler as the parent company of Dum-Dums. Unfortunately, since the NECCO auction happened too late in the year, the candy hearts’ production for 2019 was put on hold. Sweethearts will be making a comeback for next year.
If you want a bag of the original for old time’s sake, they’re available on Amazon. For $10, you can have the last line of NECCO candy hearts, but be quick! We have a feeling these’ll go fast.
Be Your Own Valentine with Homemade Candy
My husband is a huge peanut butter fan and grew up where honey was a household staple. The pairing goes so well together in this truffle recipe. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey, peanut butter centers. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
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These mints are so simple to put together, and fun to share. I make them for all sorts of occasions, from baby showers to birthdays. —Janice Brady, Seattle, Washington
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A few years ago, I began giving these smooth, minty truffles in tins as Christmas gifts. Now I can't go a year without sharing them. They also make a perfect Valentine's treat for someone dear. —Kim Weiesnbach, Claremore, Oklahoma
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I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed a few ingredients to suit my family's taste. They really enjoy this candy. You'll love how fast, fun and simple it is! Get the kids to help you spread the toppings. —Becky Thesman, Enid, Oklahoma
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If you like Neapolitan ice cream, you will devour my fudge version of the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate favorite. It makes a great addition to any candy platter. —Faith Leonard, Delbarton, West Virginia
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Chocolate is popular at our house, especially during the holidays, so these double chocolate gems never last long! —Anne Drouin, Dunnville, Ontario
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Every Christmas I give plates of candy to family, friends and co-workers. It's one thing everyone looks forward to, and these candies get the most compliments. —Jeannie Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado
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I'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas
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With sea salt and pink peppercorns, these sophisticated treats will wow your guests. The festive little cups look and taste like they came from a pricey confectionery. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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These truffles are so impressive that they won first place at the Wisconsin State Fair. The two-tone creamy candies combine an orange-flavored white chocolate and milk chocolate. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts from a popular candy store. These are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
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I don’t drink alcohol, so after I’ve had company over for dinner, I have to do something with the leftover wine. These unusual jelly candies make a nice hostess gift during the holidays. I make the mulled red wine version for the winter holidays, and a white wine variation in spring and summer.—Jennifer Mack, Pensacola, Florida
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My cherry truffles were the delicious result of a kitchen experiment involving a bottle of kirsch I’d received as a gift and some dried cherries I had on hand. They won a blue ribbon at the Wisconsin State Fair! —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Give classic candy bark a bit of coffee-shop sophistication with crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans. Swirls of raspberry preserves and white baking chips make it even more special. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
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The ever-popular combination of strawberries and chocolate shines in these rich, decadent truffles. I often double the recipe to give as gifts. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
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The post Here’s Why You Won’t Find Sweethearts on Valentine’s Day appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon
