'Sweet Talk': The evolution of conversation heart candy (2024)

FAQs

What did the original conversation hearts say? ›

In 1902, the Sweethearts candy brand was created, with original sayings that are still popular today, including "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me." Over the next several decades, Sweethearts continued to grow in popularity.

But around the turn of the 20th century, the candies' shape shifted to a heart. They also became smaller and simpler. And the newly abbreviated romantic phrases aged a lot better than requests for hair. Some of the original conversation heart sayings include Marry Me, Luv U, Be Good, Kiss Me, and Sweet Talk.

Each heart is printed with a message such as "Be Mine", "Kiss Me", "Call Me", "Let's Get Busy", or "Miss You". Sweethearts were made by the New England Confectionery Company, or Necco, before being purchased by the Spangler Candy Company in 2018.

How many different Sweetheart sayings are there? We have about 80 different sayings each year. We try to have about 20 new sayings, and then we keep about 30 to 35 of the older ones like "Be Mine." The rest are a mix of ones from previous years or phrases that are popular enough that we need more of them.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

"We add new trending phrases and colloquialisms to our Brach's Conversation Hearts on a regular basis," Goldman added. "For instance, social media has added a treasure trove of new expressions, acronyms and emoticons that have made their way onto Brach's Conversation Hearts.

The production of conversation hearts actually originates in a pharmacy! Back in 1847, Oliver R. Chase created a medication-cutting machine to increase production speed at his Apothecary. Medicinal and binding ingredients were pressed together and sliced into round discs, forming lozenges.

Traditionally, these heart-shaped candies featured short, sweet messages like “Be Mine” or “I Love You.” However, modern trends have influenced the messages displayed on these candies, reflecting the changing nature of relationships and societal norms.

(EDIT: I've looked it up and apparently it stands for "love you, miss you".) This variety of mini-comments makes me think of what we mean when we advise writers to consider their audience. Maybe some of you already knew what LYMY meant. Maybe others would be confused by hearts reading "XOXO" or "BFF".

If stored properly, the hearts can last a couple of years before they lose color or flavor. Many of her customers have been calling ahead to reserve boxes and are sorting through loose hearts in bins for their favorite sayings.

What is the difference between Brach's conversation hearts and Sweethearts? ›

This year at least, Brach's is clearly superior, unless you want to pucker up from your candy as well as for a kiss, in which case, SweeTarts is the way to go. We're rooting hard for Sweethearts to get back in the game, as they are the originals.

These tiny hearts have some playful modern updates like “BAE” and “GOAT” along with classics like “BFF,” “CALL ME,” “ROCK STAR,” and “CUTIE.”

Alongside classics like "Be mine," "Hug me," and "Cutie Pie," celebrants who pop open a box in 2021 will find a load of new sentiments including "Proud of U," "Youda best," "Fear less," "Super star," "Big fan," "Don't quit," "Be you," "Crush it," "Go 4 it," "Chin up," "Push thru," "Way to go," "Good job," "U got this," ...

If you say that someone or something pulls or tugs at your heartstrings, you mean that they cause you to feel strong emotions, usually sadness or pity. She knows exactly how to tug at readers' heartstrings.