Loss for words: Conversations missing from some Sweethearts candy

Sometimes it’s hard to get the message across about your feelings for someone.

Just ask the distributors for Sweethearts conversation hearts.

After missing Valentine’s Day altogether last year, the candy manufactured for Spangler Candy Co. in Bryan, Ohio, has had issues getting the wording right on this year’s candy hearts.

Some candy hearts are missing letters in the message, and others are simply blank, according to candystore.com, which opened 10 boxes and inspected the contents. The Tribune-Review purchased several boxes at a Harrison CVS and found results matching candystore.com — some hearts were blank, some had sayings and others contained partial wording.

The candystore website reported that:

• 65% had no markings at all

• 24% had unintelligible misprints

• 8% had partially printed phrases

• 3% had full, well-placed phrases

It means this year’s Valentine’s crop of candy hearts might have decidedly less to say than usual.

“Well, the conversation hearts are getting us to converse, which is what they are known for, but we are conversing about a candy that’s hard to find and, in some cases, doesn’t exist,” said Jon H. Prince, owner of McKeesport Candy Co. and candyfavorites.com.

Spangler spokespeople told candystore.com that supply will be limited this year because of repeated production setbacks.

According to Time.com, the printer that gives Sweethearts their trademark romantic quips wasn’t working consistently, and a new printer the company acquired was damaged.

Cody Dano, spokesperson for Spangler’s public relations agency, said in an email the company is excited to bring back Sweethearts to store shelves this year in limited quantities. The candies are available at nationwide drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens. Dano referred to this story on CNBC.com.

Prince said he can’t comment on the Spangler situation but acknowledged the bigger concern is the short supply or no supply of seasonal candy in general.

“We are seeing a change in the landscape of candy,” he said.

Prince wasn’t able to stock the Sweethearts brand but does have some by Brach’s and Sour Patch.

“These candies are more than just a sugary treat,” he said. “They are part of a childhood memory. When you are a child, you give conversation hearts to your classmates. It’s a big part of Valentine’s Day.”

For decades, New England Confectionery Co. — or Necco — made the conversational hearts. A tumultuous 2018 caused a Necco shutdown, and the company was purchased by Spangler. However, it was too late for Spangler to make the candies for 2019’s Valentine’s Day.