33 Valentine’s Day Candy Favorites That Still Win Hearts in 2026
Valentine’s Day candy has always been about more than just sugar. It’s one of the few holiday traditions that hasn’t really changed, even as trends come and go. Chocolate, chewy sweets and nostalgic favorites still dominate every February, and for good reason — they’re familiar, easy to share and tied closely to how people celebrate love.
According to Tasting Table, which looked at America’s most-loved candies over the decades, chocolate has consistently stayed at the top, with classics like Hershey’s, Reese’s and other chocolate-based treats leading the way year after year. That same preference carries straight into Valentine’s Day, where candy isn’t just a gift — it’s part of the ritual.
That’s why the best Valentine’s Day candy isn’t necessarily the newest or flashiest option. It’s the kind people recognize, reach for and genuinely enjoy sharing. From heart-shaped chocolates to playful sweets that feel a little nostalgic, these are the Valentine’s candy favorites that keep showing up for a reason — and still win hearts every year.
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- Best Valentine's Day Candy for Adults
- Best Valentine's Day Candy for Kids
- Best Valentine's Day Candy for Teens
- Unique Valentine's Day Candy
- Best Valentine's Day Chocolates
Valentine's Day Candy for Adults
Valentine’s Day candy for adults tends to lean a little more thoughtful. Think richer flavors, better ingredients and treats that feel more like a gift than a grab-and-go snack. These picks balance nostalgia with a grown-up twist, making them easy to share, gift or quietly enjoy yourself.
1. Jelly Belly Jewel Valentine Mix
The Jelly Belly jewel Valentine mix sparkles with Valentine’s Day charm, featuring jewel-inspired jelly beans in vibrant holiday colors. This mix includes unique flavors like bubble gum, cream soda and very cherry, making it a deliciously sweet treat for a candy dish or a thoughtful snack to share with someone special.
Plus, these jelly beans are OU Kosher, gluten-free, peanut-free, dairy-free, fat-free and vegetarian-friendly, making them accessible to nearly everyone.
2. Candy Club Gourmet Gummy Peach Hearts
For a sophisticated twist on holiday sweets, the Candy Club gourmet gummy peach hearts deliver a burst of sweet-tart peachy goodness. These heart-shaped gummies, with their combination of sour and tart flavors, will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Ideal for elevating the Valentine’s experience and not just relying on the history of Valentine's Day like chocolates, they’re undoubtedly a top pick for the best Valentine's Day candy for adults, adding a playful yet refined touch to your celebrations.
3. Merci Finest Assortment
Show your appreciation with Merci's finest assortment of European milk chocolates. This elegant selection features smooth and creamy bars that bring a touch of European luxury to Valentine’s Day. Amazing for a heartfelt gift or an indulgent treat, it’s a timeless choice among the top Valentine's Day candy.
4. Starburst Conversation Hearts
Add a modern twist to a nostalgic favorite with Starburst conversation hearts. These candies combine the vibrant fruit flavors of Starburst with classic Valentine's Day quotes, making them a delightful way to express yourself this Valentine’s Day.
Their delicious flavors and fun shapes make them classic Valentine's Day candy for adults, as they honor the traditional conversation heart's charm.
5. Golden Gourmet Classic Gift Basket
Looking for an all-in-one gift solution? The Golden gourmet classic gift basket is packed with indulgent favorites like Ghirardelli Caramel Squares, Lindor Truffles, a Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bar, Dolcetto Wafers and chocolate-drizzled caramel popcorn.
A treat for gifting or sharing, this elegant collection is among the most abundant Valentine's Day candy to buy. It also doubles as a thoughtful option for Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
6. Hershey's Strawberry Kisses
HERSHEY'S strawberry kisses are a delightful fusion of milk chocolate and sweet strawberry flavor, wrapped in festive foil for the season. These gluten-free, kosher-certified treats are crowd-pleasers and great for filling candy dishes, lunchboxes or snack drawers, adding a touch of romance to your everyday indulgences. A must-have for Valentine’s Day ideas and a classic pick among the best Valentine's candy.
7. Fruidles Valentine's Day Lollipops
Brighten up any Valentine’s Day celebration with Fruidles Valentine's Day lollipops. These mini red heart-shaped lollipops are bursting with sweet flavor, making them a delicious party favor or a thoughtful giveaway.
Great for spreading the love, they’re a standout choice for heart candy enthusiasts and among the cutest Valentine's Day candy for a festive flair.
8. SweeTARTS Conversation Hearts
Put a tangy spin on a Valentine’s classic with SweeTARTS conversation hearts. These sweet and delicately tart candies are shaped like hearts and embossed with charming messages, blending nostalgia with a modern twist.
A playful addition to the season, they’re ideal for fans of Sweethearts candy and those seeking flavorful conversation hearts for their Valentine's Day candy picks.
9. Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport Single Origin
For the true chocolate connoisseur, Trader Joe's chocolate passport Single Origin delivers a journey of global flavors with bars sourced from Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Ghana, the Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Tanzania.
This delicious box is perfect for gifting or savoring as a special treat, making it one of the best Valentine's Day candy options for those with a refined palate.
Best Valentine's Day Candy for Kids
When it comes to kids, fun always wins. Bright colors, playful shapes (hearts, obviously) and familiar flavors make these Valentine’s Day candies easy favorites for classroom exchanges and parties.
10. Valentine Dots
Bring fruity fun to Valentine’s Day with Valentine dots. These dot-shaped Passion Fruit and Cherry-flavored Tootsie Rolls are not only delicious but also perfectly portioned, with 3 boxes containing a total of 18 pieces.
Their vibrant Valentine’s Day-themed packaging makes them an easy choice for sharing with little ones or adding a lovey-dovey touch to a classroom party. A classic treat and the top Valentine's Day candy to buy for kids this season.
11. NERDS Valentine Gummy Clusters
Add a burst of excitement to any Valentine’s card exchange with NERDS Valentine gummy clusters. These packs come with 24 individually wrapped portions, ideal for sharing in classrooms or at playdates.
Combining crunchy pink, red and white NERDS in Strawberry, Cherry and Punch flavors with a soft gummy center, this candy delivers two irresistible textures in one bite. A creative and playful treat, it’s easily among the best Valentine's Day candy for kids who love variety.
12. Jolly Rancher Jelly Hearts
Bursting with vibrant flavors, Jolly Rancher jelly hearts bring Cherry, Strawberry and Watermelon to life in every chewy bite. These heart-shaped delights are perfect for spreading love and sweetness, whether as a gift or a treat for yourself.
Their colorful appearance and fruity taste make them a top contender in the heart candy and flavored candy categories this Valentine’s Day.
13. Cinnamon Jelly Hearts
Turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day with BRACH'S cinnamon jelly hearts. Offering a chewy twist on the classic cinnamon candy, these gummy-textured hearts deliver a warm, spicy-sweet flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Perfect for adding a party vibe to Valentine’s Day treats, they’re a standout in the Valentine’s candy hearts lineup and a favorite among the Valentine's Day candy for kids and adults alike.
Best Valentine's Day Candy for Teens
Valentine’s Day starts to feel a little different in the teen years. It’s less about classroom exchanges and more about friendships, crushes and small gestures that feel personal without being too serious. Candy at this stage tends to walk that same line — fun and shareable, but with a little more personality.
These picks lean into that in-between space, offering Valentine’s Day candy that feels cool, but still easy to give, whether it’s for friends, group exchanges or someone special.
14. Philadelphia Candies Milk Chocolate Covered OREO® Cookies
Elevate your Valentine’s Day gift game with Philadelphia candies milk chocolate-covered OREO® cookies. This charming gift box features four heart-decorated cookies and four undecorated ones, blending visual appeal with decadent flavor.
Made with authentic OREO cookies coated in smooth milk chocolate, these treats are an exquisite delight. Perfect for teens looking for a thoughtful gift for friends or a significant other, this is easily one of the best Valentine's Day candy options for making someone’s day extra sweet.
15. M&M’s Pink Milk Chocolate Candy
Brighten up any Valentine’s Day celebration with M&M’s pink milk chocolate candy. These classic chocolates, dressed in festive pink, are perfect for sharing with friends, topping baked goods or creating fun DIY projects.
Pairing these colorful candies with creative crafts, like Valentine's painting ideas, makes for a fun and memorable activity that’s sure to be a hit with teens.
16. Cupid Corn
Put a Valentine’s twist on a classic treat with Cupid corn. This sweet version of candy corn comes in romantic colors, adding a fun charm to any Valentine’s Day celebration.
Whether used for decorating Valentine's Day desserts, filling candy jars or sharing with friends, it’s an irresistible choice among the best Valentine’s Day candy options for the season.
17. Mellowcreme Roses
Elevate candy gifting for Valentine’s Day with Mellowcreme roses. These delicately crafted candies not only taste delightful but also double as charming edible decorations.
Ideal for teens planning unique activities, such as crafting thoughtful gifts or brainstorming Valentine’s Day date ideas, these candies are sure to impress with their romantic flair and soft texture.
Unique Valentine's Day Candy
Not all Valentine’s candy has to look the same. This section is for the picks that feel a little unexpected — bolder flavors, creative packaging or treats that go beyond the usual chocolate-and-hearts formula. Perfect for anyone who likes to do something a little different.
18. Gourmet Snack Food Box
Delight your loved one with the gourmet snack food box, a luxurious assortment of chocolate-covered pretzels, decadent truffles and nutty clusters. Featuring treats like pecan snappers, sea salt caramels and white chocolate pretzel clouds, this box offers over two pounds of indulgent sweets.
Perfect for those seeking unique Valentine's Day candy options, this collection also inspires ideas for Valentine's Day crafts, such as creating custom candy gift baskets.
19. Mexican Candy Mix Assortment
Explore different spicy flavors with the Mexican candy mix assortment. This selection features tamarind-infused delights with spicy, sweet and sour notes, offering a bold twist on traditional V-Day candy.
A favorite for adventurous candy lovers, it’s a standout among unique Valentine's Day candy. While some might wonder, “What is the most unpopular Valentine's candy?” This mix redefines candy preferences with its vibrant flavors.
20. Fun Dip Valentine's Day Candy
Add some interactive fun to Valentine’s Day with fun dip Valentine's Day candy. Each kit includes two powdered candy flavors — Cherry Yum Diddly Dip and RazzApple Magic Dip — paired with a candy stick for dipping.
This nostalgic treat is a playful Valentine's Day candy option for kids and teens alike, offering a hands-on way to enjoy the day.
21. Belgian Milk Chocolate Roses
Elevate your Valentine’s gift with Belgian milk chocolate roses. These beautifully crafted, hollow milk chocolate roses come wrapped in red foil. A romantic gesture and a sweet treat, they embody the spirit of “What is sold the most on Valentine's Day?” and stand out as one of the most thoughtful Valentine's Day candy options.
22. Sugarfina Champagne Bears® Gummy — Celebration Bottle
Celebrate love in style with champagne bears® from Sugarfina, crafted with Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne. Packaged in a stunning celebration bottle, these gummy treats exude sophistication and charm. A perfect gift for candy connoisseurs, this is undeniably a unique Valentine's Day candy.
23. Donut Bouquet
Ditch the traditional flower bouquet for a delicious donut bouquet! Featuring 12 full-size donuts dusted in strawberry sugar, designed to look just as romantic as roses — only far more edible, this edible arrangement is a fun and delicious gift. Perfect for those seeking unique Valentine's Day candy, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
24. Gourmet Cookie Box
Craft a personalized gift with the gourmet cookie box. Choose from a variety of bakery favorites to create a box that's perfect for saying thank you, celebrating a party or stocking up on sweet treats. This customizable option is ideal for those who love Valentine’s Day cookies and want to share love through freshly baked delights.
25. Dubai Chocolate Bar Pistachio
Indulge in the opulence of the Dubai chocolate bar pistachio. This luxurious treat combines creamy chocolate, pistachio paste and crispy kataifi fillo dough for a taste experience like no other. This is a great Valentine's Day candy for someone with a refined palate, as the bar brings the opulence of Dubai to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
For something a little more hands-on, making your own Dubai chocolate can turn dessert into an experience. A chocolate or cooking class is a fun way to try it together and pick up a few new skills along the way.
You can easily find cooking classes in Atlanta, NYC, the Bay Area or a city near you. There are even online cooking classes if staying feels right for Valanetine's Day.
Best Valentine's Day Chocolates
Chocolate has always been at the heart of Valentine’s Day, and for good reason. It’s the one treat that consistently tops the list year after year, whether it’s classic milk chocolate, silky truffles or something a little more indulgent.
If you’ve ever wondered what the most popular Valentine’s Day candy really is, or why certain chocolates show up every February without fail, this section has the answers. From bestsellers to crowd favorites, these are the chocolates people reach for again and again when Valentine’s Day rolls around.
What Is the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Candy?
Chocolate, by a wide margin. Year after year, heart-shaped chocolate boxes top the list of Valentine’s Day purchases, followed closely by chocolate-covered strawberries and assorted truffles. They’re easy to gift, easy to share and deeply tied to the holiday itself, which is why they continue to outsell everything else.
Even Starbucks Valentine's drinks lean into the popular flavors with its white chocolate strawberry cream cold brew, a nice addition to your Valentine's Day candy.
What Is America’s #1 Candy?
In the United States, chocolate treats consistently come out on top. According to data on top-selling candy brands, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are currently the No. 1 selling candy in America, edging out other classics thanks to their blend of chocolate and peanut butter. Other perennial favorites — like M&M’s and Hershey chocolate bars — also rank among the most purchased candies nationwide.
And if you look beyond just one country, chocolate still dominates globally. Across many regions of the world, chocolate candies — from colorful favorites like M&M’s to beloved chocolate bars — are among the most widely enjoyed confections, showing that chocolate’s appeal isn’t just local but truly international.
What Is the Most Unpopular Valentine’s Candy?
Black licorice tends to rank at the bottom. While some people love its bold flavor, it’s often the candy left behind in mixed bags, making it one of the most polarizing Valentine’s treats.
26. Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts
Combine the classic taste of chocolate and peanut butter with Reese's chocolate peanut butter hearts. These heart-shaped treats are a peanut butter lover’s dream and an essential addition to the best Valentine's Day candy lineup. Perfect for gifting or snacking, these chocolates deliver love in every bite.
27. Godiva Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box
Show your love with the elegant Godiva heart-shaped chocolate box. Filled with rich, velvety chocolates in a variety of flavors, this is a quintessential choice for those looking for the traditional Valentine's Day candy hearts, or just a way to make any Valentine’s celebration memorable.
28. GHIRARDELLI Premium Chocolate Assortment
Experience indulgence with the GHIRARDELLI premium chocolate assortment. Featuring milk chocolate caramel, dark chocolate, sea salt caramel, dark chocolate raspberry and milk chocolate varieties, this collection is perfect for gifting or sharing. It's a must-have for anyone searching for the finest Valentine's Day Chocolate.
29. Premium Chocolate Truffles
What are the best Valentine's Day chocolates? Truffles, of course! Savor the richness of premium chocolate truffles, handmade with traditional methods for a smooth, velvety taste. With unique flavors like cinnamon pecan, Kona espresso and honey-infused delights, this assortment is the perfect chocolate gift.
30. Lindt Mini Pralinés
Delight your Valentine with a box of Lindt mini pralines. This luxurious gift box features dark and milk chocolates with delicious fillings like hazelnut, praline, caramel and raspberry. They're a solid Valentine’s Day candy for anyone who loves gourmet indulgence in bite-sized form.
31. Lindt Lindor Strawberries & Cream
Strawberries and cream just feel right this time of year. These Lindt Lindor strawberries & cream truffles have that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center that makes them a seasonal favorite. They’re festive, familiar and hard to resist.
32. Ferrero Rocher Collection Premium Gift Set
The Ferrero Rocher collection premium gift set brings together Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello and dark chocolate varieties in one box. It’s the kind of gift that works for almost anyone and always looks more expensive than it is — which never hurts.
33. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Snoopy KISSES
Hershey’s milk chocolate Snoopy KISSES are pure nostalgia. The Snoopy wrappers make them feel fun and lighthearted, while the milk chocolate inside keeps things familiar. Perfect for candy bowls, small gifts or sharing with kids and coworkers.
Valentine's Day is a time of indulgence, where sweet treats flow from lover to lover, showing appreciation for that special someone in your life. Try out luxurious options like gourmet truffles or classics like heart-shaped chocolates. Or get creative and playful with conversation hearts and gummy clusters. Sometimes it's not about what you give, but how you give it to make the moment deliciously memorable.
No matter how you choose to celebrate — sharing sweet moments with loved ones or treating yourself to something special — these delightful options will help make Valentine’s Day extra sweet.
For even more delicious Valentine's gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
