Valentine's Day: Some Sweethearts' alternatives

The conversation will keep going this Valentine's Day.

Despite the loss of the iconic Sweethearts candy, friends and lovers still have ways to express themselves through other candies and items Thursday.

Sweethearts may have been the oldest word-emblazoned candy – having been around for more than 100 years – but they weren't the only conversation heart in the game.

And a former competitor says Sweethearts wasn't the biggest.

Brach's officials say its Conversation Heart candies have been the category's leader for many years.

"In 2018, Brach's had 55 percent market dollar share among the top four brands in the segment," said Hans Becher, general manager of Brach's and seasonal confections at Ferrara Candy Company, in a statement. "In terms of pounds sold, we outpaced our nearest former competitor nearly three to one."

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What’s better than a heart-shaped brownie? A homemade heart-shaped browniesandwich filled with a luscious raspberry buttercream frosting. thanksgiving.comFullscreenReady to unleash your artistic side this Valentine’s Day? Even if you’re just remotely creative, you can impress your family and friends with these to-die-for heart-shaped brownie cutout cookies. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThere's no sweeter ways to end the day than by snuggling up with your sweetheart and a warm mug of cocoa. This decadent amaretto hot chocolate will warm your heart with its indulgent flavors and adorable heart-shaped, mini-marshmallow topping. thanksgiving.comFullscreenLooking for a special Valentine’s drink to share with your mate to celebrate an evening of decadent love? One sip of this aphrodisiacal chocolate espresso martini and you’ll both be hooked. thanksgiving.comFullscreenCraving a succulently satisfying meal you can cook up on the grill? This grilled salmon with maple syrup and rosemary, inspired by Bakersbeans, is not only one of the best salmon recipes you’ll ever sink your teeth into, it will also make you want to cook fish over the flame as often as possible. thanksgiving.comFullscreenIs your inner carnivore in need of a juicy, meaty helping of fantastically flavored beef? This garlic herb-crusted roast beef, inspired by Tastes of Lizzy T, won’t disappoint. Get ready to roar with roast-loving satisfaction! thanksgiving.comFullscreenThis beautiful citrus, berry and feta cheese salad is a rainbow-colored feast for the eyes that proves veggies don’t have to be boring. Bursting with color, flavor and nutrients, it’s an escape from the usual humdrum salad fare. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThese mini apple roses are a veritable feast for the eyes and the taste buds. They may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few leftover apples and puff pastry. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThe iconic crimson of red-velvet bundt cake wrapped in a luscious cream cheese frosting makes this a must-have dessert for a Valentine’s Day celebration. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThese dark-chocolate soufflés will make you and your valentine swoon. Light as air, yet dense with chocolate decadence and a hint of coffee, these impressive gems will make you look like an accomplished, undauntedly passionate pastry chef. thanksgiving.comFullscreenNothing says love like the sweet, warm scent of homemade waffles wafting from the kitchen —  and these red-velvet waffles with cream-cheese glaze taste like an extra helping of love. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThese adorable DIY fabric-covered flowerpots, inspired by Homemade Interest, make a truly thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day — or, really, for any occasion. thanksgiving.comFullscreenThese vibrant cranberry cookies will add a pop of color to your valentine's cookie platter! Made with fresh cranberries and enhanced with a hint of vanilla, they are crispy, golden brown and buttery — then topped with a coating of smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenLooking for a delicious new holiday dessert to impress your treat-loving sweethear? Put this cheese tart with strawberry glaze, inspired by Casa Veneracion, on the table, and it will be gone in minutes.  thanksgiving.comFullscreenNothing feels quite as festive as raising a cheerful toast with an elegant flute of bubbly, but good champagne can be pricey. Our sweet and fruity faux champagne is the ideal celebratory alternative. It’s not only delicious, but, with only three simple ingredients, is also much more affordable than champagne or sparkling wine. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenWhat’s better: Cookie dough or a made-from-scratch brownie? With this recipe, you don’t have to choose. This outrageously rich dessert joins your favorite sweet treats in heavenly layers of brownie and chocolate-chip-cookie dough, all lavishly covered with chocolate ganache. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenCake pops make any celebration more festive. These white-chocolate and vanilla cake pops are an especially fun, sweet surprise for Valentine’s Day or any other kind of party. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenChampagne is an expected staple for New Year’s Eve parties and holiday celebrations alike. Dare to be different and make these champagne Jell-O shots, a lusciously jiggly cocktail inspired by CakeWhiz. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenLooking for a creative idea for collecting cards at your Valentine’s Day card exchange party? This cupcake Valentine’s Day box craft inspired by Adorn Event Styling will wow all the other kids at school, and put a smile on everyone’s face. thanksgiving.comFullscreenValentine’s Day is a heart-shaped opportunity for a romantic dinner out, but if you’re skipping the hustle and bustle of your favorite restaurant (or didn’t make a reservation in time), you can do it yourself in glorious style right at home. In addition to your delightful dinner, you’ll want to fashion an incredible Valentine’s Day table setting. Lory Parson fromTo Have + To Host shows us how. Thanksgiving.comFullscreenWhat could make you love your home even more? Bringing nature and art together in decorations you make yourself. Start with this beautiful glitter heart twine garland,inspired by All Things DIY. It’s ideal for Valentine’s Day, but it can grace your year-round decor as well. thanksgiving.comFullscreenReady to warm up your winter decor with a love-inspired project? Glam up your home with these simple-to-make sequined Valentine’s letters, inspired by Catch My Party. Grab some rosé and set aside an hour to craft with your friends — Galentine’s Day, anyone? thanksgiving.comFullscreenEven the simplest of green salads can be enhanced with a few good toppings. This pear salad with blood orange vinaigrette is loaded with fresh flavors and tons of nutrients, making it both tasty and healthy! thanksgiving.comFullscreenSearching for dish that looks fancy, tastes delicious (hello, bacon!) and is easy to make? Then chicken mignon with harissa butter from He Needs Food should be at the top of your list. The arbol chiles and charred red bell pepper give the harissa butter gives the dish a delicious kick, while the bacon adds smoky flavor to the chicken. thanksgiving.comFullscreenInterested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:Replay1 of 242 of 243 of 244 of 245 of 246 of 247 of 248 of 249 of 2410 of 2411 of 2412 of 2413 of 2414 of 2415 of 2416 of 2417 of 2418 of 2419 of 2420 of 2421 of 2422 of 2423 of 2424 of 24AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext Slide

According to CandyStore.com, the conversation heart candies known for classic sayings like "Be Mine" and "Cutie Pie," are the most popular confection for the holiday, leading heart-shaped boxed chocolates.

More than half of U.S. consumers (52 percent) celebrating Valentine's Day this year will spend $1.8 billion on candy alone, The National Retail Federation estimates in its annual holiday survey.

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Filling the Valentine's Day void

New England Confectionary Co. – the company that made Sweethearts along with Mary Janes, Necco Wafers and Clark bars – shuttered last summer. Ohio-based Spangler Candy Co. bought the company in September but didn't have time to produce the candy for the holiday.

A date for Sweethearts' return isn't yet known. In September, Spangler CEO and chairman Kirk Vashaw said it could be a few months. 

"There are a lot of manufacturing challenges and unanswered questions at this point, and we want to make sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market," Vashaw said in a statement. 

Krispy Kreme, which has offered heart-shaped doughnuts in the past, stepped up and launched new Valentine Conversation Doughnuts. Phrases on the heart-shaped doughnuts include "CRAZY 4 U," "SAY YES," "DM ME," "ALL THE FEELS" and "PICK ME!"

"Finding the right word can be like, I don't know ... hard. But eating a doughnut is easy," Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "So, we printed the right words on the doughnuts for you so you can't mess this up."

CLOSE

Just in time for Valentine's Day all of them can "BE MINE." Time

Heart-y ways to express yourself

Sweethearts aren't available in 2019 – except for old packs available by resellers on sites like eBay – but here are some sweet alternatives:

Baskin-Robbins: The world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops has heart-shaped cakes that can be customized with a phrase. Prepared phrases include "KISS ME" and "BE MINE."

Missing those little candies this year? Our cakes can still start a conversation. pic.twitter.com/YmBnZYv4Nr

— Baskin-Robbins (@BaskinRobbins) February 6, 2019

Brach's: The hearts are available in classic flavors including wintergreen, banana, orange, lemon, cherry and grape and trending flavors like tropical fruit, very berry and sweet and sour. The brand is owned by the Ferrara Candy Company.

No need to worry! All of your favorite retailers' shelves are filled with Brach's Valentines Conversation Hearts for sharing with your loved ones this season. Find them here: https://t.co/ekTC6pTeb8pic.twitter.com/klfh9hHXCy

— Brach's (@BrachsCandyUSA) January 24, 2019

Do-It-Yourself: Walmart is selling a Valentine Message Cookie Kit for less than $6. You could also get a heart-shaped cookie cutter and icing to make your own hearts.

Start your conversation with a Valentine Message Cookie Kit. It includes cookies, icing and sprinkles for less than $6 at Walmart. (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)

Krispy Kreme: The brand introduced cream-filled Valentine Conversation Doughnuts to help fill the void. The doughnuts come in four flavors and 12 sayings.

Sour Patch Kids: These Conversation Hearts are described as "sour then sweet." Phrases include "FRIEND ZONE," "LOL :)" and "OVR IT."

Sour Patch Kids has Conversation Hearts, which are "sour then sweet." (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)

SweeTart Hearts: Phrases include "CUTIE," "YES" and "XOXO."

SweeTart Hearts (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)

Tic Tac Be Mine Mix: Strawberry and cherry flavors are in these Valentine's Day Tic Tac candies, which phrases include "Be Mine" and "Hug Me."

More heart-shaped items

Bagels: National bagel brands, Bruegger's Bagels and Einstein Bros. Bagels, have heart-shaped bagels. Pre-ordering is recommended.

Got a lot of love to give this Valentine's Day? Contact your local Bruegger's to pre-order our heart-shaped bagels until 2/13! https://t.co/zVWVLMY4Bnpic.twitter.com/JJtqWPqcPu

— Bruegger's (@Brueggers) February 7, 2019

Biscuits: For a limited time, Bojangles' has Heart-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits.

I'd follow you anywhere pic.twitter.com/Pfvhy7p4so

— Bojangles' (@Bojangles1977) February 8, 2019

Chicken: Ok, it's not a heart-shaped chicken, but a heart-shaped container. Through Feb. 28, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants are selling a 30-count Chick-fil-A Nuggets and 10-count Chick-n-Minis in a heart-shaped container.

Chick-fil-A has heart-shaped containers through Feb. 28. (Photo: Chick-fil-A)

Doughnuts: Like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin' also is seeing hearts along with other smaller chains, convenience stores like Wawa, grocery stores and more. 

Ice cream: In addition to Baskin-Robbins' customizable conversation cakes, Carvel has Luv Pops, Lil' Hearts Take Home Treats and Chocolate Decadence Heart Cake. Cold Stone Creamery and Dairy Queen also have cakes.

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Pasta: Stores including Aldi have heart-shaped dry pasta,Costco Wholesale is selling heart-shaped Ravioli and Buca di Beppo has a heart-shaped lasagna.

Pizza: The bigger question might be who doesn't have a heart-shaped pizza. Some of the biggest brands include California Pizza Kitchen, Hungry Howie's, Marco's Pizza, Papa John's, Papa Murphy's and Pizza Hut. Other brands include: Giordano's, Boston's Pizza, Fresh Brothers and many more. (Tossing the dough yourself? Search Pinterest for inspiration.)

be still my heart pic.twitter.com/a6xtnkzOJc

— Cinnabon (@Cinnabon) February 8, 2019

Pastries: Heart-shaped cakes and cookies are available at many grocery stores and bakeries. Great Harvest Bread has heart-shaped cookies and brownies. Cinnabon has "Heart CinnaPacks," which is a heart-shaped container filled with BonBites or MiniBon Rolls. Great American Cookies and Mrs. Fields both have heart cakes.

Pretzels: Two brands have special colored pretzels for Valentine's Day – Wetzel's Pretzels are red and Pretzelmaker's are pink. Auntie Anne's pretzels are heart-shaped.

Auntie Anne's heart-shaped pretzels come in original and cinnamon sugar. (Photo: Auntie Anne's)

Sushi: Heart-shaped sushi is a thing, though it's not widespread. RA Sushi Bar, the largest nationwide sushi chain has a heart-shaped "Soy Crazy for You" Roll.

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Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko