Sweethearts® are the sweetest way to celebrate Valentine's Day! These iconic heart-shaped candies have been exchanged between classmates, friends and loved ones for more than a century.

Sweethearts History...and Future

In the 1860s, Daniel Chase was the first to print sayings on candy hearts. Daniel was the brother of Oliver Chase, the founding father of the candy manufacturer New England Confectionary Company (NECCO). Daniel invented a machine that pressed a felt roller pad moistened with red vegetable coloring against a printing dye, which would stamp the sayings on the hearts. The printed hearts were originally shared at parties and weddings.

The Sweethearts brand was created in 1902. The original hearts included sayings that are still popular today such as “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me.” Sweethearts grew in popularity over the next several decades.

In the early 1990s, Sweethearts began to update the sayings each year, retiring some while adding others. The first new phrase, "Fax Me," gained a lot of attention from Sweethearts fans. Following this notable effort, each year Sweethearts receives hundreds of suggestions from romantics, candy lovers and school children. From old tech, "Call Me" to new tech, "Text Me," Sweethearts phrases have reflected eras throughout history.

In 2018, Sweethearts was acquired by Spangler Candy Company, which has been a part of America's candy culture and heritage for 115 years. As a century-old candy maker, Spangler knows how important this brand is. Consumers love Sweethearts, WE love Sweethearts, and as a candy company, we are excited to celebrate this brand’s return!