
For countless individuals, Valentine’s Day serves as the perfect occasion to express deep appreciation for loved ones. And when words fall short, conversation hearts step in to convey those heartfelt messages.
By examining sales data from the past 13 years, CandyStore.com has determined that conversation hearts reign as the favorite Valentine’s Day candy in 14 states, spanning from Hawaii to Vermont. However, the timeless candy was outshone by heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, which claimed the top spot in an even more remarkable 19 states. While it’s undeniable that assorted chocolates deserve high praise, conversation hearts faced a corporate hurdle that likely impacted their sales. Following the closure of the New England Confectionery Company (Necco) in 2018, Spangler Candy Company acquired its iconic Sweethearts brand. Unfortunately, Sweethearts were absent from store shelves during Valentine’s Day in 2019, and their availability remained limited the following year. Whether this nostalgic treat will outpace its chocolate rival in the future is yet to be determined.
Source: CandyStore.com.
As the two frontrunners compete for dominance, M&Ms are steadily making their mark. They emerged as the preferred candy in eight states, such as Arizona, Iowa, and Maryland. Hershey Kisses secured four states, while chocolate roses claimed two (Kentucky and Wyoming). In summary, chocolate delights are the nationwide favorite, though a few quirky exceptions exist. Cupid corn (essentially pink, red, and white candy corn) ranked in the top three for several states, alongside candy necklaces and cinnamon bears.
The complete findings can be explored here.