Blink and you missed it last summer when NECCO abruptly closed its candy factory in July 2018, after more than 150 years. The Revere, Massachusetts plant produced NECCO Wafers, Clark Bars, Mighty Malts and of course, those iconic NECCO Sweethearts. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the candy conversation hearts of our childhoods.
Spangler Candy Company, makers of Dum Dums lollipops, acquired both the Sweethearts and NECCO Wafers products following the closure of NECCO last year. The company plans to relaunch Sweethearts in time for Valentine’s Day 2020. Until then, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve come up with a few places to still get those candy conversation hearts we all know and love.
Brach's Valentine's Day Tiny Conversation Hearts
Target
This is the closest you'll get to classic NECCO Sweethearts we all grew up with.
Flavors: Classic flavor mix of Apple, Banana, Cherry, Grape, Sweet Mint and Orange, as well as Very Berry and Tropical Fruit flavor mixes, too.
Another oh-so-close but still not exactly the same as NECCO Sweethearts, these bigger-than-usual Smarties have little messages stamped onto each candy.
LifeSavers Valentine's Day Gummies Message Wild Berry Hearts & Rings
Target
New this year at Target, these gummy LifeSavers candies let your Valentine's message linger just a little longer than a traditional candy conversation heart.
In 2019 Krispy Kreme is releasing a limited-edition Conversation Heart Donut! Choose from 4 fillings and over a dozen edible sayings that make the powdery heart candy of yesterday look like old news. You can shop the line from Jan. 30 through Feb. 14.
