Tag: Valentines day

Did you know that candy hearts, or "conversation hearts," have been a Valentine's Day tradition since 1866? However, a 2024 report highlighted potential health concerns related to artificial dyes and high sugar content, prompting many to question: are candy hearts healthy?

According to the ingredients listed by manufacturers like Spangler, a majority of popular candy heart brands, including the iconic Sweethearts, do contain gelatin. This makes them unsuitable for strict vegetarians and vegans, who must check labels carefully when seeking a festive treat.

According to nutritional data, some popular brands of conversation hearts contain more than 85 grams of sugar per 100 grams, proving definitively that yes, love hearts are indeed full of sugar. These colorful, message-stamped candies, a staple of Valentine's Day, are primarily composed of various forms of sugar, along with flavorings and colorings.

A single piece of milk chocolate heart can contain anywhere from 19 to over 100 calories, depending on the brand and size. The exact number of calories in a chocolate heart is not one-size-fits-all, as it varies significantly with the type of chocolate, its size, and whether it has a filling.