To all the people who are undoubtedly obsessed with me and are just waiting until Valentine’s Day to make themselves known, I’m giving you the cheat codes. They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to Valentine’s Day candies. Unfortunately, a lot of holiday-themed candy is sub-par and is bound to be thrown in the trash after the grateful giftee braves a bite or two, only to realize that it tastes of sugar and not much else. On the other hand, some Valentine’s Day candy is truly a treat I wish we could savor year-round.
I’ve done the hard work of rounding up some of the best Valentine’s Day candies on the market, as well as some of the worst. Let’s take a closer look at the winners and the offenders.
Worst: Swedish Fish Hearts
Swedish Fish are already notoriously unenjoyable, with their plastic-y texture and weirdly medicinal taste. But because of their iconic shape, they’ve managed to survive. I can honestly say I’ve never enjoyed eating a Swedish Fish, but they still seem like an essential for any good snack board or movie night. Take away the shape, as is the case with Swedish Fish Hearts, and it’s a pointless purchase.
Best: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
If you ask me, chocolate-covered strawberries are the essential Valentine’s Day treat. How can you not like juicy strawberries covered in a thin layer of rich dark chocolate? (In my mind, milk chocolate is not an option here.) Although you can buy them pre-made, they’re exceptionally easy to make at home, which makes them perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration on a budget.
Worst: Brach’s Cinnamon Imperial Hearts
I’ve never been a big cinnamon person, so Brach’s Cinnamon Imperial Hearts are the last thing I want to be snacking on during the most romantic day of the year. They have that distinct cinnamon spiciness to them, but they’re so sweet that you can’t even really enjoy it.
Best: Conversation Hearts
Are conversation hearts particularly tasty? No. They taste like little more than sugar and a bit of artificial flavoring. However, they’re one of my favorite Valentine’s Day candies because they’re just so iconic. What would the holiday be if it weren’t for a box of these cute candies? You may not want to eat them, but getting a box of conversation hearts on Valentine’s Day is undeniably fun.