Shortage Of ‘Sweethearts’ Could Mean Broken Hearts This Valentine’s Day

They're little, sweet, and kind of chalky, but they're the only candies that have something to say on Valentine's Day.

I'm referring, of course, to Sweethearts, a.k.a Conversation Hearts. They're as much a part of our Valentine's Day traditions as Cupid and roses. And we may not see any this February.

Sweethearts are in short supply on store shelves. The New England Confectionery Company, makers of the classic candy, went out of business in July 2018 and shut down their Massachusetts factory. The company also made iconic confections such as NECCO Wafers, Mary Janes, Clark Bars, Candy Buttons, and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Ohio-based Spangler Candy Company (Dum Dums, Circus Peanuts) purchased the NECCO line and plans to relaunch in 2020. Until then, no new packs of Sweethearts will be made. That means if do you find some in stores or online, that candy was manufactured sometime last year (Do they go stale?). If you can't track down any Sweethearts, try writing "Be Mine" on a Tums. After all, it's the thought that counts.