Candy hearts, those tiny, pastel-colored confections emblazoned with sweet nothings, are a quintessential symbol of Valentine’s Day. But have you ever wondered about the journey these little treats take from factory floor to sweetheart’s hand? The story of how candy hearts are made is a fascinating blend of industrial innovation, evolving cultural trends, and a surprising amount of ingenuity.
The Early Days: From Lozenges to Love Notes
The story begins long before Valentine’s Day became the commercial juggernaut it is today. The foundation for candy hearts was laid in the 19th century, with the invention of a machine that would revolutionize the way medicinal lozenges were produced.
Oliver Chase and the Lozenge Cutter
In 1847, Oliver Chase, an English apothecary, immigrated to America and established a candy-making business in Boston. He initially focused on manufacturing wafers used for medical purposes. Chase’s breakthrough came with the invention of a machine that could quickly and efficiently cut these lozenges from a flattened sheet of dough. This automated process was a significant improvement over the laborious hand-cutting method previously used.
Chase’s lozenge cutter proved to be incredibly successful, and soon his company, Chase and Company (later to become the New England Confectionery Company, or NECCO), was producing a wide variety of candies. However, it wasn’t until Oliver’s brother, Daniel Chase, got involved that the idea for conversation candies truly took shape.
The Birth of Conversation Candies
Daniel Chase, Oliver’s brother, is credited with developing a machine in 1866 that could print words onto the candy lozenges. Initially, these messages were longer, more elaborate, and often contained entire phrases or sayings. These early conversation candies were not heart-shaped, but rather came in a variety of shapes, including horseshoes, baseballs, and clams. These novelty candies quickly gained popularity, particularly at weddings and other social gatherings.
These candies were primarily aimed at children, with longer sentiments like “How do you do?” and “Please send a lock of your hair” becoming the standard for candy-making production. They were the original conversation starters, but not quite the candy hearts we see today.
The Evolution to Candy Hearts: A Sweet Transformation
The shift from general conversation candies to the iconic heart shape was a gradual process. Several factors contributed to this evolution, including advancements in printing technology and a growing association between hearts and Valentine’s Day.
Shape and Size Changes
While the early conversation candies were produced in various shapes, the heart shape gradually gained prominence. The heart was an obvious symbol of love and affection, making it a natural fit for Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day gained popularity as a holiday for exchanging gifts and expressions of love, the heart-shaped candies became increasingly associated with the occasion.
Over time, the size of the candies also decreased. The larger lozenges were impractical for printing longer messages, and smaller candies were more appealing to consumers. This miniaturization of the candies allowed for shorter, more concise messages, which further contributed to their widespread appeal.
Printing Innovations
The development of more sophisticated printing techniques played a crucial role in the evolution of candy hearts. Early printing methods were limited in terms of the size and complexity of the messages that could be printed. As printing technology advanced, it became possible to print smaller, more intricate messages on the candies.
This improvement in printing technology also allowed for the use of a wider variety of fonts and colors, making the candies more visually appealing. Edmund N. Chase, Oliver Chase’s son, further improved the printing process, developing a method for printing the messages in red dye, making them stand out more.
NECCO’s Dominance and Legacy
NECCO became the dominant player in the conversation heart market, producing the vast majority of these candies for over a century. The company’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences helped it maintain its leading position. NECCO’s Sweethearts became a Valentine’s Day staple.
NECCO meticulously guarded its candy heart formula and production process, ensuring that its Sweethearts maintained a consistent quality and flavor. For many years, the company used the same original printing presses, preserving the nostalgic charm of the candies. The company even created new sayings and phased out old ones to stay relevant with the times.
The Modern Candy Heart: Production and Evolution
Despite the rich history of candy hearts, the manufacturing process has continued to evolve over the years, incorporating modern technology while maintaining the essence of the original product.
The Manufacturing Process Today
The modern candy heart manufacturing process is a highly automated and efficient operation. While the basic ingredients and principles remain the same, the technology used to mix, shape, and print the candies has advanced significantly.
The process typically begins with mixing the ingredients, which include sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, gums, artificial colors, and flavorings. These ingredients are combined in large vats and heated to create a dough-like consistency. The mixture is then fed into a machine that flattens it into a thin sheet.
Next, the sheet of candy is cut into the heart shape using a die-cutting machine. The excess candy is recycled back into the mixing process, minimizing waste. The heart-shaped candies are then conveyed to a printing machine, which uses food-grade dye to print the messages onto the surface.
Once the messages are printed, the candies are dried to harden the ink and prevent smudging. Finally, the candies are packaged in bags or boxes and shipped to stores around the world. Modern candy heart production is a continuous, high-speed operation that produces millions of candies each year.
Flavor and Phrase Evolution
While the classic candy heart flavors like wintergreen, banana, and cherry have remained popular, manufacturers have experimented with a variety of new flavors over the years. These have included chocolate, sour fruit, and even coffee flavors, but classic flavors are still the best-selling candies every year.
The phrases printed on candy hearts have also evolved over time. While some traditional messages like “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me” remain popular, manufacturers regularly update the phrases to reflect current trends and slang. In recent years, candy hearts have featured internet acronyms like “LOL” and “OMG,” as well as pop culture references. These alterations ensure candy hearts continue to appeal to younger generations.
The Future of Candy Hearts
The future of candy hearts is likely to involve further innovation in flavors, messages, and manufacturing processes. Manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to appeal to consumers and stay ahead of the competition. Some possible future developments include personalized candy hearts with custom messages, healthier candy heart options with reduced sugar content, and even virtual candy hearts that can be shared online.
While the technology and trends surrounding candy hearts may continue to evolve, the essence of these little treats will likely remain the same: a sweet and simple way to express love and affection on Valentine’s Day. The iconic heart shape, the pastel colors, and the timeless messages will continue to evoke feelings of nostalgia and romance for generations to come.
The NECCO Fiasco and Spangler’s Acquisition
The year 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the history of candy hearts when NECCO, the company that had produced Sweethearts for over 150 years, declared bankruptcy. This announcement sent shockwaves through the candy industry and left many wondering if the iconic candy hearts would disappear forever.
Fortunately, Spangler Candy Company, another well-established confectionery manufacturer, stepped in to acquire the Sweethearts brand. Spangler faced the daunting task of reviving the brand and restoring its production capabilities. The company worked tirelessly to address the issues that had led to NECCO’s downfall, investing in new equipment and streamlining the production process.
In 2020, Spangler successfully brought Sweethearts back to store shelves, albeit with some initial changes to the messages and flavors. While some loyal fans missed the classic sayings and flavors, the return of Sweethearts was widely celebrated as a victory for tradition and a testament to the enduring appeal of candy hearts.
The Enduring Appeal of Candy Hearts
Despite the changes in ownership and production, candy hearts continue to be a beloved Valentine’s Day treat. Their enduring appeal can be attributed to a number of factors. First, they evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. For many people, candy hearts are associated with fond childhood memories of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Second, they are a simple and affordable way to express affection. The sweet messages printed on the candies provide a lighthearted and playful way to communicate feelings of love and friendship. Finally, candy hearts are a fun and festive addition to any Valentine’s Day celebration. Their colorful appearance and whimsical messages add to the holiday spirit.
Conclusion
From their humble beginnings as medicinal lozenges to their current status as a Valentine’s Day icon, candy hearts have undergone a remarkable transformation. The story of how candy hearts are made is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptation, and the enduring human desire to express love and affection. As long as there is a Valentine’s Day, there will likely be candy hearts, carrying their sweet messages of love and friendship to generations to come. They represent a symbol of love and appreciation, a sweet reminder of the important people in our lives. The journey of candy hearts reflects a delightful blend of tradition and change.
How did candy hearts originate?
The origin of candy hearts can be traced back to Oliver Chase, who invented a machine in 1847 to cut lozenges. These were originally used as medicinal remedies but quickly became popular as candy. Chase’s brother, Daniel Chase, is credited with innovating the process by printing messages onto the candies in 1866, initially using felt pads and vegetable dye.
These early messages were not romantic; they were more general greetings and phrases. The transition to the heart shape and romantic messages that we associate with candy hearts today evolved over time, making them a staple for Valentine’s Day celebrations. This combination of shape and message was what truly cemented their place in popular culture.
What was the original purpose of the machine that led to candy hearts?
Oliver Chase initially developed the lozenge-cutting machine to create medicinal lozenges. Prior to his invention, these lozenges were made by hand, a slow and laborious process. The machine significantly increased production efficiency, allowing for a greater supply and lower costs.
While the machine was initially intended for pharmaceutical purposes, Chase quickly recognized its potential for candy production. He pivoted the focus to sweets, and this shift eventually led to the creation of the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) and the famous conversation hearts. The adaptation of the technology from medicine to candy highlights the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the time.
How did the messages get printed on early candy hearts?
The initial method for printing messages on candy hearts involved using felt pads dampened with vegetable dye. Daniel Chase devised this technique, pressing the pads onto the lozenges to leave an imprint of the desired phrase. This was a rudimentary but effective way to personalize the candies.
The process evolved over time, eventually incorporating more sophisticated printing methods like printing presses adapted for food-safe inks. This allowed for clearer and more consistent messages, as well as the introduction of different colors and fonts. The evolution of printing techniques directly contributed to the popularity and appeal of conversation hearts.
What were some of the original sayings found on candy hearts?
Early candy heart messages were not primarily romantic. They included simple greetings like “Married in White You Have Chosen Right,” “How Long Will You Love?” and “Be Good.” These phrases were designed to be generally appealing and suitable for a wide audience.
The transition towards more love-related sayings came later as Valentine’s Day became more commercialized and focused on romantic relationships. The initial focus was on general etiquette and proverbs, reflecting the social norms and values of the time. This shift showcases how even confectionery can mirror evolving cultural trends.
What caused NECCO’s (New England Confectionery Company) decline and eventual sale?
NECCO faced numerous challenges in the years leading up to its sale, including aging infrastructure, increasing competition, and difficulties adapting to changing consumer preferences. The company’s manufacturing plant was old and required significant investment to modernize.
Ultimately, a failed audit and subsequent financial struggles led to NECCO’s bankruptcy and sale in 2018. While the brand was acquired and production of candy hearts resumed, the company’s long history and iconic status marked its decline as a significant event in the confectionery industry. The loss highlighted the need for established companies to adapt to the modern marketplace.
How did the temporary halt in production impact the popularity of candy hearts?
The temporary halt in production of candy hearts due to NECCO’s bankruptcy in 2018 resulted in a significant shortage leading up to Valentine’s Day. This scarcity amplified the public’s appreciation for the candy hearts and fueled a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Many people expressed their disappointment at the prospect of a Valentine’s Day without the familiar conversation hearts, highlighting their sentimental value and cultural significance. The period without them underscored their role as a symbol of the holiday, further solidifying their iconic status. The market absence revealed a deeply rooted affection for the product.
How are candy hearts made today?
Modern candy heart production still involves pressing the candy mixture into thin sheets, cutting them into heart shapes, and printing messages on them. However, today’s manufacturing processes are highly automated, employing advanced printing technologies that use food-safe inks and high-speed machinery. This makes for far greater precision and output.
While the underlying principles remain the same, the modern production environment is vastly different from the early days of hand-operated machines and felt pads. This transformation enables manufacturers to meet the high demand for candy hearts during peak seasons, while maintaining quality control. Modern technology has allowed the confection to scale without sacrificing consistency.
Alden Pierce is a passionate home cook and the creator of Cooking Again. He loves sharing easy recipes, practical cooking tips, and honest kitchen gear reviews to help others enjoy cooking with confidence and creativity. When he’s not in the kitchen, Alden enjoys exploring new cuisines and finding inspiration in everyday meals.