Though one brand of iconic candy hearts featuring phrases like "Love You" and "Cutie Pie" won't be available this February , Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering another alternative.
The donut maker announced Thursday they would release "conversation" donuts from Jan. 30 through Valentine's Day at participating locations, complete with the lovey-dovey phrases from the traditional Sweethearts candies.
Krispy Kreme's version of the hearts will feature donuts filled with flavors like cake batter, strawberries and creme, raspberry, and chocolate — a stark difference from the chalky sugar bites that the love-struck have traded every February.
Customers who are signed up as reward members can also grab a free conversation donut on Feb. 6 with any purchase.
"Finding the right word can be like, I don’t know….hard. But eating a doughnut is easy. So, we printed the right words on the doughnuts for you so you can’t mess this up," Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme, said in a press release.
Krispy Kreme's promotion comes after the makers of Sweethearts, Spangler Candy Company, said the candy would not be produced this year.
The traditional candies will relaunch in time for the 2020 holiday, according to the company.
"Sweethearts and Necco Wafers are iconic brands with rich hundred-year-plus histories," Spangler Chairman and CEO Kirk Vashaw said. "We are particularly excited about the Sweethearts brand. Many people have memories of sorting through their box of Sweethearts to find just the right message to share."