By: Taya Quist
Once the chaos of the holiday season has settled and the rush of the New Year has unwound, there is nothing quite as sweet as the season of pure, undeniable love. Although countless find themselves despising this short-lived season, there is no real reason to be upset with the circumstance of your relationship status when there’s chocolate waiting to be brought home from the store.
Unlike Sweethearts, the iconic bite-sized candy hearts with cliché sayings like “Be Mine,” and “Kiss Me” on them, chocolate is available year-round in numerous shapes and sizes. Of course, the limited seasonal availability of these candy hearts makes them much more appealing to consumers; however, does the sheer size or so-called flavor of these itty-bitty candies compare to the smooth texture or rich taste of chocolate?
One incontestable fact is that chocolate, of all kinds, dominates store shelves no matter the season; that much is known. However, despite its seemingly unbeatable popularity, statistical data from candystore.com shows that 11.4% of total Valentine’s Day sales in 2022 were none other than these chalky yet sweet candies, which is undoubtedly impressive. Statistically, though, this is from one, single year out of the centuries of Valentine’s days, and what sweet treat do you think dominated the season of love all those years?
Once again, though, the seasonal factor of these candies helps immensely in their production and overall sales. Nonetheless, simply because their visual appeal is so attractive does not mean their flavor will live up to consumer expectations. It’s no secret that many have likely become dissatisfied with the odd texture and utter lack of flavor of these little candy hearts, even if they appear to be delectable from their outer, colorful appearance.
“If you take everything good and dandy about a classic, similar candy, Smarties, and completely strip it of all fun and joy, you’d be left with Sweethearts. The flavors – banana, cherry, and wintergreen – are odd, at best, and the texture is an exact replica of chalk,” expressed a report from delish.com.
Perhaps these chalk-like candies are not purchased for their flavor, though; it is likely that they are purchased for the nostalgia we experience from their vibrant aesthetic. An article from foodnetwork.com elaborated on this, stating that “Most people can agree that the best thing about conversation hearts – made of corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and food coloring – isn’t the taste, but their playful nostalgia.”
And who, truthfully, doesn’t love a rush of nostalgia? Despite the absent taste of these iconic heart-shaped candies, they, admittedly, do bring joy with their vibrant colors and sweet, clichéd messages. However, when it comes down to the ultimate contestant, anyone would be appreciative if they received an assortment of savory and sweet chocolate over a bag full of hard-as-a-rock candy. With that, it’s not a competition as to which of the two treats reigns superior during every couple’s favorite holiday.
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