sweethearts

Sweethearts is the plural form of sweetheart, a term of endearment for a romantic partner or someone held dear. The plural can refer to more than one loved person, or to a couple as a unit. In everyday usage, sweetheart and sweethearts convey affection and closeness and may be used as terms of address.

Sweethearts also refers to a brand of candy commonly called conversation hearts. These are small, heart-shaped candies printed with short messages such as "Be Mine," "Kiss Me," or "Love You." They are most strongly associated with Valentine’s Day in the United States. The candies have a chalky texture and come in pastel colors with sweet flavors, including peppermint, fruit, and vanilla varieties. They are produced by molding sugar paste into heart shapes and applying edible ink messages.

The candy’s brand history began with the New England Confectionery Company (Necco), which produced the sweets for many decades dating to the 19th century. After Necco’s bankruptcy in 2018, the Sweethearts brand and its assets were sold to Spangler Candy Company, which began producing new batches in the early 2020s under the Sweethearts name, sometimes with updated phrases and packaging.

In popular culture, the term “sweethearts” appears in literature, music, and film as a general affectionate label for lovers or dear friends, reflecting its broad use beyond the literal candy product.