Chocolate and Candy Convey Sweet Messages of Fun and Romance on Valentine's Day

(Vienna, VA) – Valentine’s Day chocolates and candies are renowned for their ability to convey sweet messages of affection in delicious and memorable ways, and this year will be no exception. More than 36 million boxes of chocolates will be sold for the season of romance and Valentine’s Day will be the single biggest day for boxed chocolate sales, according to the Chocolate Manufacturers Association.

From rich truffles and tempting chocolate desserts to scores of other sweet goodies wrapped in pink, red and white, America’s love affair with chocolate blooms on Valentine’s Day. At the famed Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant in Chicago, chocolate is always on the menu.

“Who doesn’t love chocolate?” asks acclaimed Chef Charlie Trotter. “There is no question that chocolate tops my list of must-have foods and it is one of my favorite sensuous foods.”

In Loveland, Colorado, perhaps the honorary capital of Valentine’s Day, Mayor Kathy Gilliland said chocolate is certainly part of her annual celebration. “I love to receive a box of chocolates and a red rose from my husband on Valentine’s Day,” she says. “I like a mix of milk and dark chocolates, and my absolute favorites are chocolate-covered caramels.”

The relationship between chocolate and romance dates back thousands of years to the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations, which were the first to imbue chocolate with romantic powers. The Mayans, for example, sipped a spiced chocolate beverage from gold chalices at engagement and wedding ceremonies. Later, the legendary Italian adventurer Giovanni Casanova drank numerous cups of chocolate daily, believing it had romantic benefits. But alas, modern science has yet to prove what some believe - that chocolate actually fans the flames of romance.

“The truth is, it most likely is the creamy texture and rich flavor of chocolate that make it such a desirable and romantic food,” explains Larry Graham, president of the National Confectioners Association and Chocolate Manufacturers Association.

Romance aside, there are substances in some types of chocolate that may be beneficial to a healthy heart, Graham adds. Some types of dark chocolate and milk chocolate are rich sources of substances that act as antioxidants. Research has shown that these compounds may have some protective benefits when it comes to heart and artery disease.

While chocolate speaks to the romantic side of Valentine’s Day, other candies offer lighthearted fun. Those ever-popular conversation hearts – small, pastel-colored candies with messages printed on them – get right to the point. In addition to messages such as “Love U” and “Call me,” jaded lovers can sort through the tiny hearts to find selections such as “Good-bye.” More than 10 billion of the little hearts will be made for the season, along with countless other heart-shaped sugar candies in shades of pink, red and white.

“Chocolate and candy add flavor and fun to life,” says Graham. “They are a welcome guest at any holiday celebration and, eaten in moderation, they certainly fit any healthy lifestyle.”