By Parvi Anand
On Valentine’s Day, whether you’re celebrating with your boy/girlfriend, gals or treating yourself, candy is always a part of the fun. After chatting with a few Lovett students about their favorite Valentine’s Day treats, here’s a list of the top five candies that made the cut this year.
1. Hershey’s Kisses or Bars
Classic and timeless, Hershey’s chocolate is a favorite for many. Lauren Snugg, a sophomore, shares her love for these iconic chocolates, specifically the Kisses. The silver foil wrapping of Hershey’s Kisses adds a fun, festive touch to any occasion, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day. She “just likes chocolate in general,” she says with a smile. While she wouldn’t mind receiving Hershey’s on Valentine’s Day, Lauren admits she usually ends up with some from her friends during Galentine’s Day celebrations.
Senior Landyn Murphy, on the other hand, is much more passionate about his love for the Hershey’s chocolate bar. While I was chatting with him, he looked on Google Scholar to find the words to capture what attracted him to the candy. He read, “Its distinct, familiar taste largely attributed to the use of fresh, local milk in its production, creating a unique flavor profile with a slightly tangy note from naturally occurring butyric acid in the milk.”
2. Caramel Chocolate
Whether it’s a specific brand or any caramel-filled delight, this flavor combination is a hit. Dunning Silliman, a junior who isn’t picky, shares his thoughts:
“I love the combination—it just tastes good!”
Caramel chocolates stand out with their gooey centers, which add an element of surprise to every bite. Often packaged in elegant designs, they make thoughtful and indulgent gifts for Valentine’s Day. While Dunning doesn’t typically eat candy on Valentine’s Day or plan on gifting any this year, caramel chocolates hold a special place in his heart for their perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
3. Ferrero Rocher
Known for its golden packaging and luxurious presentation, Ferrero Rocher has a reputation for being the perfect Valentine’s treat. Its crunch from the wafer layer and hazelnut pieces adds a delightful texture to its creamy center. “I like how it looks, especially when it comes in a Valentine’s Day box,” says junior, Zaynab Farid, who’s already looking forward to receiving it this year.
Seen as an upscale option, Ferrero Rocher’s aesthetic appeal and rich flavor make it an ideal romantic gift. While Zaynab is more about receiving than gifting this iconic chocolate, its luxurious packaging makes it a popular choice.
4. Candy Hearts
Love them or hate them, candy hearts are a Valentine’s Day staple. These pastel-colored sweets stamped with cute messages like “Be Mine” or “XOXO” make them fun to exchange with friends or crushes. Julia Threlkeld, a sophomore, admits she’s never been gifted candy hearts before but adds, “It would be nice to receive them!”
Candy hearts have been a Valentine’s tradition for over a century, adding a nostalgic charm to the holiday. Their playful design and sweet messages make them a delightful addition to any Valentine’s celebration.
5. V-Day Themed Chocolates
When it comes to themed chocolates, students had two favorites this year: Dove Hearts and Reese’s Holiday Hearts. Sloan Balsley, a junior, shares her love for Dove Hearts: “They’re chocolatey, and I love chocolate!” She also appreciates the little messages inside the wrappers, which feature cute Valentine’s designs, adding a sentimental touch to her Valentine’s Day.
Meanwhile, Lauren Smith, another junior, swears by Reese’s Holiday Hearts, saying, “I love them, but only if they have the perfect ratio—more peanut butter than chocolate.” Beloved by peanut butter fans, Reese’s Holiday Hearts has become a seasonal favorite for its festive heart shape and delicious flavor.
Now shifting from local favorites to a national perspective.
Americans have a serious sweet tooth when it comes to Valentine’s Day, spending an estimated $2.2 billion on candy in 2022 alone, according to Capital One Shopping. During the holiday week, consumers purchase a staggering 58 million pounds of chocolate and candy, fueling a market dominated by classic favorites like conversation hearts and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates.
Conversation hearts account for 10.3% of all Valentine’s Day candy sales, slightly edging out heart-shaped chocolates at 10.1%. While these remain national favorites, regional preferences add a unique twist—Alabama’s most-purchased Valentine’s candy is the nostalgic candy necklace, while Tennessee stands out as the only state where Wild Berry Skittles rank among the top three choices.
(And if you’re looking for what to buy me, then I would say the Valentine’s Haribo Gold Bears are the absolute best!)
