RIP Sweethearts, a candy America loved (or loved to hate)

[dalton99a]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/02/08/rip-sweethearts-candy-america-loved-or-loved-hate/

RIP Sweethearts, a candy America loved (or loved to hate)
By Taylor Telford
February 8 at 11:49 AM


Sweethearts candy won't be on store shelves this Valentine's Day. (Charles Krupa/AP)

After 116 years as America’s confectionery currency of affection, Sweethearts (LOVE U) are dead.

As candies go, Sweethearts were surprisingly controversial. They are chalky, dusty. Chomp them down, but your dentist won’t be pleased. The flavors? Unidentifiable (unless echoes of fruit and concrete count as a flavor).

Their epistles are often dated (FAX ME. BE GOOD.). Even modern messages sometimes felt, especially in the #MeToo era, a bit out of touch (BE MINE. BE A SPORT. DRESS UP.).

Despite all this, Sweethearts have dominated the realm of “sweets for my sweet.” Almost every school kid has exchanged rattly boxes on Valentine’s Day. Adults have deployed the candy in sweet surprises and wedding proposals. Sweethearts have been a lifeline for the tongue-tied, a vehicle for flirtation and a shorthand for affection.

[Voltaire2]

1. They were seriously horrible.

[Miigwech]

2. Ooooo Nooooo

Love them and Necco wafers. It must be a sign of the end of the world, lol!

[Dem2theMax]

3. Me too!

Especially Necco Wafers. But I didn't like the pink ones in either the heart or Necco wafer flavors.

[blueinredohio]

4. They will be back next year.

A company in my town bought them out. Said they should be ready by next year.

[BigmanPigman]

8. Good, Valentine Parties at schools wouldn't be the same!

[Freddie]

5. I think Brach's makes a very similar item

Always liked Necco wafers, haven’t seen them in years. Good to hear the company got bought and production will continue.

[Rebl2]

7. I've found

Necco wafers at Walgreens and CVS. I’ve also seen conversation hearts by Brach’s same place.

[jberryhill]

6. The "adult" ones are fun