New Sweethearts Conversation Hearts Reflect Our Current Economy

Sweethearts, the iconic Valentine’s Day conversational candies, have always been there to help you express your love: “BE MINE.” KISS ME.” “I’M YOURS.” “MARRY ME.” But romance looks a little different these days, especially when you can’t afford an extravagant candlelit dinner or a real diamond engagement ring. So, Sweethearts is updating its sayings so they’re more appropriate for 2026.

What the New Conversation Hearts Say

To reflect the financial struggles younger generations now face, Sweethearts added “Love in This Economy” sayings to its candy-printed phrases for this year’s Valentine’s Day, alongside the cutesy classic ones. These include: “SPLIT RENT,” “SHARE LOGIN,” “CAR POOL,” “BUY N BULK,” and “COOK FOR 2.”

To announce the news, Sweethearts shared a photo on social media featuring a couple posing with a backdrop of a grocery store, holding a giant pink heart that reads “BUY N BULK.” It was captioned, “In this economy, ‘let’s get the big paper towels’ basically means ‘I love you.’ Celebrate with Sweethearts made for love in this economy.”

The candy also shared a humorous promotional video reimagining Rapunzel’s story. “When it comes to finding love in this economy, you don’t need a prince in shining armor climbing up your hair,” says the fairytale character before snapping her locks off, making the knight plummet down her tower. “You need someone who will…split rent. Cook for two. Buy in bulk. Share logins. And carpool. That’s why Sweethearts wants you to use your head and not just your heart.”

“Sweethearts has always evolved with the times by staying aware of current dating trends and relationships—and being practical is having a moment,” Evan Brock, the vice president of marketing for Spangler Candy Company, said in a statement. “That’s why some of the messages on our Sweethearts candies aren’t just about finding love the old-fashioned way this year.”

Sweethearts Has Changed Their Sayings Before

This isn’t the first time that Sweethearts has updated its hearts’ text to reflect the struggles of a younger generation. Back in 2024, the Spangler Candy Company tapped into the messiness of modern romance with Situationship Boxes, which included intentionally faded text to mirror how wishy-washy some can be with their feelings.

Last year, Sweethearts also went viral for incorporating scannable AI technology into its candies, to access whatever you need to take your relationship to the next level—whether it’s moving trucks, marriage licenses, or even heart-shaped headstones.