Sweethearts, those iconic heart-shaped candies with cute messages, have been a staple of Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions for over a century. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually written on these candies? From classic phrases like “Be Mine” to more modern expressions of love, Sweethearts have been a way for people to express their feelings in a fun and playful way.
A Brief History of Sweethearts
Before we dive into what’s written on Sweethearts, let’s take a brief look at their history. The first Sweethearts were created in 1866 by Daniel Chase, the brother of Oliver Chase, who founded the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO). Initially, the candies were called “hub wafers” and were made with a machine that could press out multiple wafers at once. The wafers were then printed with messages using a machine that could print multiple colors.
Over the years, the design and messages on Sweethearts have evolved, but their popularity has endured. Today, Sweethearts are still made by NECCO, which produces over 8 billion candies each year.
Classic Sweethearts Messages
So, what’s written on Sweethearts? The classic messages are still some of the most popular today. These include:
- “Be Mine”
- “Kiss Me”
- “I Love You”
- “Be True”
- “Be Mine Always”
These messages are simple, yet effective, and have been a part of Sweethearts for decades. They’re a way for people to express their feelings in a fun and playful way, without being too sappy or over-the-top.
Modern Sweethearts Messages
In recent years, NECCO has introduced new messages on Sweethearts to reflect modern expressions of love and relationships. Some examples include:
- “Text Me”
- “You’re a Tweetheart”
- “Love Bug”
- “BFF”
- “Soul Mate”
These messages are a nod to the changing times and the way people communicate today. They’re a way for NECCO to stay relevant and fresh, while still maintaining the classic charm of Sweethearts.
The Art of Creating Sweethearts Messages
Creating the messages on Sweethearts is a careful process that involves a team of writers and designers at NECCO. The team brainstorms ideas and comes up with a list of potential messages, which are then narrowed down to the final selection.
According to an interview with the Boston Globe, the team at NECCO tries to come up with messages that are “fun, playful, and romantic.” They also try to include a mix of classic and modern messages to appeal to a wide range of people.
The Challenges of Creating Sweethearts Messages
Creating the messages on Sweethearts can be a challenging task. The team at NECCO has to come up with messages that are short, sweet, and to the point. They also have to make sure the messages are not too sappy or over-the-top, as this can be a turn-off for some people.
Another challenge is coming up with messages that are relevant to modern relationships. With the rise of social media and texting, the way people communicate has changed dramatically. The team at NECCO has to stay on top of these trends and come up with messages that reflect the way people communicate today.
Sweethearts Messages in Different Languages
Did you know that Sweethearts are available in different languages? NECCO produces Sweethearts in Spanish, French, and even Braille. This is a nod to the diversity of the people who enjoy Sweethearts and a way for NECCO to make the candies more inclusive.
The messages on Sweethearts in different languages are often similar to the English versions, but with a few tweaks to reflect the nuances of each language. For example, the Spanish version of “Be Mine” is “Sé Mío,” which is a more romantic and possessive way of expressing love.
Sweethearts Messages in Braille
In 2010, NECCO introduced Sweethearts in Braille, which was a first for the company. The Braille Sweethearts feature the same messages as the English versions, but in Braille.
This was a significant move for NECCO, as it made Sweethearts more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. The Braille Sweethearts were a hit, and NECCO has continued to produce them every year since.
Collecting Sweethearts
For some people, collecting Sweethearts is a fun and rewarding hobby. There are many different types of Sweethearts to collect, including vintage candies, limited edition flavors, and even Sweethearts with unique messages.
Some collectors focus on collecting Sweethearts with specific messages, such as “Be Mine” or “Kiss Me.” Others collect Sweethearts from specific years or decades.
The Value of Vintage Sweethearts
Vintage Sweethearts can be highly valuable, especially if they’re in good condition. Some collectors are willing to pay top dollar for rare or unique Sweethearts, such as those with misspelled messages or unusual flavors.
According to an article in the New York Times, a collection of vintage Sweethearts sold for over $10,000 at an auction in 2019. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of Sweethearts and the value that collectors place on them.
Conclusion
Sweethearts are a beloved candy that have been a part of American culture for over a century. From classic messages like “Be Mine” to modern expressions of love, Sweethearts have been a way for people to express their feelings in a fun and playful way.
Whether you’re a collector, a romantic, or just someone who loves candy, Sweethearts are a treat that’s hard to resist. So next time you’re at the store, be sure to pick up a box of Sweethearts and see what messages you can find.
| Year | Message |
|---|---|
| 1866 | Hub Wafers (no messages) |
| 1900s | Classic messages like “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me” |
| 2000s | Modern messages like “Text Me” and “You’re a Tweetheart” |
| 2010 | Braille Sweethearts introduced |
Note: The table above is a brief timeline of the history of Sweethearts and the evolution of their messages.
What are Sweethearts candies?
Sweethearts candies are small, heart-shaped candies with sweet and tangy flavors, typically pastel-colored and featuring short messages or phrases. They have been a popular treat for over a century, especially around Valentine’s Day. The candies are known for their iconic shape and the variety of messages printed on them.
The messages on Sweethearts candies range from simple expressions of love and affection to more playful and humorous phrases. Over the years, the company has updated the messages to reflect changing times and cultural trends. Despite the changes, the classic Sweethearts candies remain a beloved treat for many people.
Who invented Sweethearts candies?
Sweethearts candies were invented by Oliver Chase, the founder of the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO). Chase developed a machine that could press and cut out the heart-shaped candies, making mass production possible. The first Sweethearts candies were produced in 1866 and quickly became popular.
Chase’s invention of the Sweethearts candy was a significant innovation in the confectionery industry. The machine he developed allowed for the mass production of candies with printed messages, which was a new concept at the time. The success of Sweethearts candies helped establish NECCO as a leading manufacturer of candies in the United States.
What are the most common messages on Sweethearts candies?
The most common messages on Sweethearts candies are short phrases that express love, affection, and friendship. Some examples of classic messages include “Be Mine,” “I Love You,” and “Be True.” The company also releases limited-edition messages and phrases each year, often tied to specific holidays or events.
In recent years, the company has introduced more modern and playful messages, such as “Text Me” and “BFF.” The variety of messages on Sweethearts candies is part of their appeal, as people enjoy collecting and sharing the different phrases.
Can you customize the messages on Sweethearts candies?
Yes, it is possible to customize the messages on Sweethearts candies. The company offers a variety of customization options, including personalized messages and special occasion phrases. Customers can also submit their own message ideas to the company for consideration.
Customized Sweethearts candies are a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The company also offers a range of packaging options, including custom boxes and bags, to make the candies an even more special treat.
Are Sweethearts candies still made in the United States?
Yes, Sweethearts candies are still made in the United States. The company that produces Sweethearts, Spangler Candy Company, has a manufacturing facility in Bryan, Ohio, where the candies are produced.
The company is committed to maintaining the traditional recipe and manufacturing process for Sweethearts candies, which involves a combination of machine-based and hand-crafted techniques. The candies are made with high-quality ingredients and are subject to rigorous quality control standards.
What is the significance of Sweethearts candies in American culture?
Sweethearts candies have a significant place in American culture, particularly around Valentine’s Day. The candies have been a popular treat for over a century and are often associated with romantic love and affection.
Sweethearts candies have also become a cultural icon, symbolizing the tradition of exchanging sweet treats and messages on Valentine’s Day. The candies have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, cementing their place in American popular culture.
Are Sweethearts candies available year-round?
While Sweethearts candies are most closely associated with Valentine’s Day, they are available year-round in many stores and online. The company produces a range of seasonal flavors and messages, including candies for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
In addition to the seasonal flavors, the company also offers a range of year-round flavors, including classic sweet and tangy flavors. Sweethearts candies can be found in many retail stores, including pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.