History of Candy Hearts

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and while most are out shopping for jewelry, chocolates, and big teddy bears, billions of Sweetheart Candies are being bought and sold. These sugar hearts with whimsical sayings on them are made by New England Confectionery Company [also referred to as NECCO], but the idea didn't start there.

According to NECCO.com, when Abraham Lincoln was still president, they printed the sayings on small papers and rolled them into the candies, which they called "cockles." They called the candies "cockles" because they looked similar to a cockle shell.

As stated by NECCO.com, in the year 1866, messages were beginning to be printed on the Sweetheart Candies.

As indicated by NECCO.com, for the first time in 145 years Sweethearts will be coming out with completely new sayings. Along with the new sayings will come some new flavors like strawberry, green apple, lemon, grape, orange and blue raspberry.

These Sweethearts with their updated sayings and flavors can be used in marriage proposals, decorations, a fun valentines gift, or just as a snack.