As you may have heard, Necco – the original manufacturer of those conversation hearts with the cute slogans – has ceased operations. While candy company Spangler will take over production of the chalky confection that everyone loves to receive but few like to eat, the transition is happening too late to build up inventory for this year’s Valentine’s Day.
That said, we did not recommend the Necco version for those with food allergies because of their manufacturing practices.
Though we do not have a relationship with the company, we can recommend a brand of conversation heart based on their website disclosures. Smarties advertises their Love Hearts as follows:
Smarties® and our entire line of products are free from most of the known allergens. All products are free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy.
Smarties® products are safe to eat for kids with peanut allergies. All of our candy is made in entirely peanut‑free manufacturing facilities.
Smarties® are gluten‑free and vegan! You can find more information below.
Note: We sell our products to different “re‑baggers” as well as various retail outlets. A re‑bagger buys products from many different companies and puts them in their own packaging. Only these re‑baggers can verify whether their manufacturing plants are free of nuts, soy, or other known allergens.
If the UPC number on the packaging begins with “0 11206”, you can be assured that the product was packaged in one of our manufacturing facilities, and the allergen information on this page applies to that product.
When purchasing, please be mindful to check the UPC code as specified above to verify the product comes directly from Smarties and not from a repackager that could potentially introduce allergens during the packaging process.
Don’t forget, we offer a special Valentine’s Day edition of the Safe Snack Guide with an entire section devoted to peanut, tree nut, and Top 8 allergen-free candy, chocolate, and gifts:
- Our Candy – smarties.com
- Heartbreak! Necco’s Candy Hearts Will Not Be In Stores This Valentine’s Day – WCBS-TV
