Jan 27, 2026 - Business

What this year's Sweethearts conversation hearts say about love

Carly Mallenbaum

Pink background with three large Sweethearts candy hearts reading "SHARE LOGN," "SPLIT RENT," and "COOK FOR 2." Below, text says "Sweethearts in this Economy" with a small candy pile and Sweethearts box. — New Sweethearts messages. Image: Spangler Candy Company

Sweethearts conversation hearts — the chalky Valentine's Day staple — are debuting new phrases in 2026 to reflect how inflation and high living costs are reshaping romance.

The big picture: "Being practical is having a moment," said Evan Brock, vice president of marketing for Spangler Candy Company, the maker of Sweethearts.

"SPLIT RENT," "SHARE LOGN," "CAR POOL," "BUY N BULK" and "COOK FOR 2" are among the new sayings.
Classics like "CUTIE PIE" and "MARRY ME" will fill the Sweethearts boxes, too.

The intrigue: In a Sweethearts survey of 2,000 people (half Gen Z; half Millennial), 80% said the economy is impacting their Valentine's Day plans.

Catch up quick: The pastel candies' limited-edition updates often lean into dating trends.

In 2024, they had blurry messages emblematic of a murky "situationship."
In 2025, they were scannable, with links to buy heart-shaped headstones.
And last October, they were all-white and message-less — a Halloween-themed play on ghosting.

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What this year's Sweethearts conversation hearts say about love

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