Sugar Savvy

Valentine’s Day usually brings at least two things to mind for most people: romance and candy. And for a true sweet tooth, candy might just beat out romance. Every year, store displays fill up with a vast selection of different types of sugary stuff for your Valentine’s indulgence.

Besides the big cheesy heart-shaped box filled with assorted chocolates, there are a few candies you are always guaranteed to find. One of these is Red Hots. I’m sure we all remember those tiny red heart-shaped cinnamon candies that pack a surprisingly spicy punch. Red Hots were introduced to consumers by candy maker Ferrara Pan in the early 1930’s. The cinnamon hearts are created by what is known as the “cold panned” candy method, which involves building the outside coating, flavor and color around a small center by tossing the candies into several revolving pans. This process also assists in shaping and polishing the final product.

Other candies you are guaranteed to find around Valentine’s Day are Conversation Hearts. For more than 100 years, people young and old alike have spoken love’s language in the form of those cute little pastel heart candies stamped with sweet messages. One could say Conversation Hearts are possibly the very essence of Valentine’s Day. New England Confectionary Company (NECCO), the makers of NECCO wafers, began making Conversation Hearts in 1866 in Revere, MA. Also known as Sweethearts, they’ve helped us communicate over 100 different sweet sayings without uttering a word. Each year, 10 new sayings are introduced. In 1995, NECCO made one of their most noticeable changes when they introduced the “Fax Me” message, which generated widespread media attention on television and radio, as well as in print.

According to the NECCO website, you can send your loved one a special message with custom Sweethearts, but only if you are willing to purchase a full production run - approximately 3,500 pounds or 1.6 million of the tiny pastel hearts. The website does not mention a price. There are various other sites that offer custom messaging on knock-off versions of the candy. For example, Elmer Candy sells 10 pounds (roughly 4200 hearts) for $150. Each order includes several flavor combination options and up to five different custom messages.

Conversation Hearts aren’t the only candy with customizable messages for your sweetie. Even M&M’s can now be customized. M&M’s Brand began selling custom color combinations in 2004, and now you can have up to two custom messages per order printed on your M&M’s. With each order you are given the option of two colors from a selection of 17, or you can choose one of the preselected custom blends which include three to five different colors. There are also several packaging options, such as gift bags, boxes and gift tins. The minimum price for personalized packaging is $60. Standard packaging is: four 8oz. bags for $37.96 plus shipping. Orders take approximately 10 days according to www.mms.com (Editor’s Note: As of 1/26/06, M&M’s site notes that orders placed now will not be fulfilled before Valentine’s Day).

Whether you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day devoted to romance or just romancing your sweet tooth, take a look back at your childhood memories of Valentine’s Day. I bet all of these candies are in there somewhere.