Happy Thursday, friends!
Settle in, it’s a post filled with SWEETNESS as we dive into another edition of TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE!
I typically don’t post two TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE a month, but this month between the snow and the holiday, it called for an extra dose of overrated/underrated 🙂 .
This time, we are chatting…TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VALENTINE’S CANDY 🙂 .
Awwwwww! Here we were last Valentine’s Day. I always ask Andrew to send me his top/bottom of each category after I’ve written mine because I don’t want his answers to sway me in any way. He and I are quite chatty, but this is a topic we haven’t really discussed…so I was REALLY surprised by our answers.
Before we get to that though, I’ve mentioned the podcast Acquired before here on my blog. I REALLY love this podcast.
They produce a new episode about once a month and one of my favorite episodes was from December 2024 when they broke down this business…
…if you want to learn all about the chocolate industry from Mars to Hershey to Nestle…it’s all here. I found it SO FASCINATING! My brother and I talk about Acquired every time we’re together and both of us really loved this particular episode. Take a listen. I think you’ll rethink your “convenience” candy.
Alrighty, as we gear up for the holiday of love, let’s chat…
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VALENTINE’S CANDY
#5: DOVE DARK CHOCOLATE HEARTS
Okay I know a chocolate snob might scoff at Dove, but their dark chocolate hearts are REALLY good. Give me an afternoon coffee and two of those, and I’m one happy lady. I’m not as interested in the milk chocolate variety (kind of chalky), but the dark chocolate feels extra decadent and delicious to me. I also think they’re just pretty wrapped in the red foil. Yes. Please.
#4: CHERRY CORDIAL KISSES
I started seeing these at Target a few years ago and bought them. They’re seasonal and only available this time of year, but if you like a chocolate covered cherry OR if you like a more elevated Kiss, here you go. You know how much I adore a Cadbury egg at Easter. Well, this feels like the Valentine’s Day version to me. They’re small little flavorful bites of deliciousness.
#3: CINNAMON JELLY HEARTS
Yessssssssss! I wish they had these year around, but I can only find them during Valentine’s season (I typically buy Brach’s version). They have a similar consistency/texture to a Sour Patch Kid, but they’re bigger and puffier…and cinnamon-y which I LOVE. So, so good!
#2: REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER HEARTS
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…I will pass on a regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup every single time. They’re just not that good, and I don’t love the ridges around the edge. But a seasonal Reese’s?! SIGN ME UP! They’re puffier (who knew I would use that word twice today?!), they don’t have that ridge, they have more peanut butter and whether they’re shaped like an egg, a pumpkin, a tree, or a HEART, they just taste better!
#1: AN ASSORTED BOX OF CHOCOLATES
I want a big box with a map. I don’t want to pinch each one to see what’s inside (which is why I want the map), but I really don’t think there’s one I don’t love. I love the caramel, the coconut, the sea salt, the cherry cream or marshmallow cream or whatever else they fit inside. There is nothing better than taking the lid off a giant box of chocolates. Oh the possibilities.
And here are my BOTTOM FIVE VALENTINE’S CANDY…
#5: CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES
I just think it’s a big old mess. Growing up, these were my dad’s favorite on Valentine’s Day, and I never understood it. The chocolate isn’t that great and the cherry is all slimy underneath. I’ll pass.
#4: VALENTINE’S KISSES
Here’s a hot opinion for you…I don’t think Kisses are that good. I think they taste “cheap”. Is that accurate or crazy? They leave a weird aftertaste in my mouth like a gross protein bar. I just don’t get their appeal….so I really don’t get their appeal on a candy holiday like Valentine’s. They have some solid “flavored” varieties (I like the candy cane ones!), but your basic Hershey Kiss is just blah to me.
#3: CUPID CORN
Candy Corn is tolerable on October 31st…but it’s downright wrong on February 14th. The nostalgia of the candy fits for one holiday and one holiday only. Let’s just leave that for Halloween, please.
#2: CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES
Do I like chocolate? Yes. Do I like strawberries? Yes. Do I find the combination of the two anything other than messy and complicated? NO. This one ranks at the bottom for me because there is just no good way to eat and enjoy one. The minute you bite into a chocolate covered strawberry, the chocolate breaks off all around it and you’re left with big chunks of chocolate and a whole strawberry. Call me crazy, but outside of that first bite, the rest is just a mess. The ratio is off too. It’s 90% big juicy strawberry and 10% thin layer of chocolate. I just can’t.
#1: CONVERSATION HEARTS
They’re super cute, but who likes to eat chalk?
And that, my friends, are my TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VALENTINE’S CANDY 🙂
Now…
It wouldn’t be a TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE without Andrew weighing in too.
ANDREW’S TOP FIVE VALENTINE’S CANDY:
#5: Little Debbie anything Valentine’s
#4: Hershey Kisses
#3: A Box of Chocolates
#2: Red and White M&Ms
#1: Reece’s Peanut Butter Hearts
ANDREW’S BOTTOM FIVE VALENTINE’S CANDY:
#3, #4, and #5: Anything gummy, sticky, sweet and chewy like Starbursts, Nerds, Red Hots…it all makes my teeth hurt
#2: Chocolate Covered Strawberries
#1: Conversation Hearts
Now, don’t forget to check out these other TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE blog posts:
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CONDIMENTS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOLIDAY HOLIDAY THINGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: STORE-BOUGHT COOKIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT A FAIR/CARNIVAL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: ICE CREAM FLAVORS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SPRING CLEANING
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: TRAVELING BY PLANE
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SKIING WITH YOUR FAMILY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS MOVIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CEREALS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOUSEHOLD CHORES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS SONGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THANKSGIVING FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VEGETABLES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT FALL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SNOW DAYS
Now, it’s your turn! What are your TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE VALENTINE’S CANDY?
Please comment and share!
One last thing, if you’re looking for a VALENTINE’S DAY COCKTAIL, I’m sharing one today too! It’s easy, y’all!
I hope you all have the BEST day, friends! I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love these posts! I love a box of assorted chocolates too, plus you can’t go wrong with peanut butter cups!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
chocolate covered cherries? I AGREE. GAG.
Alison says
I feel about Sweetarts the way you feel about Reese’s. They make their own version of the conversation heart, and they are inferior only to the chicks, ducks, and bunnies variety at Easter! I also get really excited when my kids bring home a jolly rancher lollipop in their Valentine haul, especially if it’s cherry flavored.
I’ll pass on the chalk and most of the chocolate.
SS says
Shay I knew we would be friends in “real life” I love those cinnamon jelly hearts. My hubby used to get us dark chocolate and white chocolate strawberries from a local place and a mixed box of their speciality chocolates. This year we have a new one that I haven’t tried lindor dark chocolate/strawberry balls as only lindor makes. My own favorite and traditional sweet is our kool aid cherry cookies with dark/white chocolate melted on top. Happy Love Day! Yes we had kids watch Nick Jr when all their shows called it Love Day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Aren’t they SO good?! It seals the deal on our friendship!
SS says
We can just sit around eating those, playing games and listening to music. 😆
Laci Murray says
I disagree, even though it’s messy, a choc covered strawberry is 10/10!!!
K.K. says
I guess it’s proven here that I can’t agree on everything you post… ha ha ha!! Chocolate covered cherries and strawberries are my absolute favorite (though please don’t tell me the calorie count!)… any day of the year!! YUMMMMM. 🙂 Great tastes, Mr. Lowe!
Paula Hobbs says
My husband LOVES the conversation hearts….I can’t even stand to watch him eat them!!! It’s basically CHALK…gag!!!
Denise says
“1: CONVERSATION HEARTS
They’re super cute, but who likes to eat chalk?”
Thanks for making me laugh out loud on this cold morning in New Jersey! I couldn’t agree more!
Personally my top candy would be a Reese’s peanut butter cups ridges and all!
Allison says
Bottom of the barrel for me are those ferrera-roche balls. It’s all we receive as teachers and it makes me so sad. Marketing companies need to STOP dressing these up in cute Valentine packages so people stop buying them for their teachers. I KNOW it’s the thought that counts but that poor thought gets thrown in the trash and it makes me feel bad every single Valentine’s.
TSB says
LOL! Kinder teacher here and could not agree with you more about the Ferrero Rocher chocolate/hazelnut balls – YUCK! I feel so bad that I don’t like them, but I think they are just awful and I seem to always receive them at every holiday as a teacher gift. I actually brought home a box of them today that I received as a Valentine’s Day gift. I can’t get away from them!!
Faith Kapp says
YES!!!! I LOVE those cinnamon jelly hearts. I would agree with your top 5. Especially Reese hearts and the cherry kisses. Have you tried the chocolate strawberry kisses? They are really good too!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think I’ve even seen those?! I need to try them!
Lauren Palmer says
I have a fear of biting into a chocolate that has coconut (blech!) or some sort of red jelly/jam (plech!) The map is essential. And if you see someone’s heart box of chocolates open with all the smushed choclates available for everyone’s viewing, it’s almost like seeing someone’s dirty room or dirty laundry habits. We don’t need to see your gross pinched choclates. Pinched chocolate habits are private. Close the box or provide a map.
Mix and Match Mama says
Pinch in private, bahahaha! YES!
Faith Kapp says
Speaking of podcasts, is acquired the same one that you mentioned there is an episode on Trader Joe’s?
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! They have so many great episodes!!
Amy says
I am with you on the conversation hearts…pure chalk! Not a fan of chocolate covered cherries either. My dad always got them for his birthday from his mom so my sister and I buy them for him every year but it’s a no for me. A bit shocked on the chocolate covered strawberries but I understand the mess and how all the chocolate falls off after the first bite. Have you seen or tried the chocolate covered strawberry kisses? They are just like the cordial cherry kisses except it is strawberry inside and they are pretty good. I am not a fan of any kind of hearshey kiss except the strawberry and cherry, unfortunately I have not been able to find the cherry this year. My favorite candy ever, and I love getting a heart shaped box of them, is pecan clusters (they are called many different things I refer to them as turtles). Hope you have a wonderful and special Valentines Day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love a pecan cluster!! Delicious!!
Rebecca Lingerfelt-Brown says
Ok I’m falling out that Andrew said “it makes my teeth hurt!” I so get what he means!😂
The chocolate covered cherries make me a little weepy around Christmas because my Mother LOVED them and I always got her a box. 💜 Now I want to know if Andrew has ever said his hair hurt- because sister there have been times…. That’s how my family knows how sick I am if I say my hair hurts!😂
Mix and Match Mama says
That is so so funny! Hair hurts, bahahaha!
Holly Garberich says
Okay I can see your issue with chocolate covered strawberries, but then I have to counter with this.. have you tried TruFru? It’s the delicious taste of chocolate covered strawberries with less of the mess since it’s frozen. They’re so delicious. 🙂
Also, hilarious that yours and Andrew’s were so close this time!! 100% agree that conversation hearts are just gross!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve never heard of TruFru?! I need to find it!
Kim says
Tru fru is soooo good! The chocolate covered raspberries are my favorite. In the freezer section. Target and Walmart both have them 😋
Gloria Mays says
I came to recommend Tru Fru frozen fruit covered in white and regular chocolate. I would not normally buy raspberry anything, but they were sampling them at Costco and they are heavenly. I don’t let mine thaw all the way, just like 5 mins. They are expensive, but so good!!
Lizzie says
Top 5
1. Lindor chocolate
2. Dove chocolate
3. Lindor chocolate
4. Dove chocolate
5. Lindor chocolate
Bottom 5
1. Fruit or mint with any kind of chocolate. Why ruin perfectly good chocolate?
2. Assorted chocolates. There might be fruit or mint hiding inside.
3. Conversation hearts
4. Anything gummy or stickly
5. Kisses. They taste like parafin
Mix and Match Mama says
You top 5 has me lol!
Ashley Royer says
Brach’s cinnamon hearts are my absolute favorite! I need an intervention when it comes to them. I have no restraint. I got my first bag of them right after Christmas! 🤣🫠
Bren says
Ashley, we would so be friends. I get all excited at the holidays when I walk into the grocery store and see them and this continues through Valentine’s Day for me! 😍
Shay, I am intrigued with the podcast you shared. In a long roundabout way I know of someone who worked with Mars many years ago and I am so intrigued to listen to this now. Thanks for the recommendation!
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you listen! It will make you rethink their candy AND I think you’ll be surprised by all of the pet care they do (more than candy!).
Ashley S says
So true about Hershey kisses!! I finally feel so validated.
And Andrew is right too. That Little Debbie knows how to do some Christmas & Valentine’s cakes!
Maddie Giamello says
love it!! I was thinking about you yesterday when I was watching 2 movies that I have to watch during Valentine’s Day week! My Best Friend’s Wedding and Valentines Day! Both so happy and cute! Add to your list this week if they’re not already 🙂
Marianne says
My absolute favorite is Lofthouse Valentine’s Frosted Sugar Cookies. I typically despise sugar cookies in any and all forms, HOWEVER, there is something I find addictive about Lofthouse sugar cookies. The cookies are soft and the frosting is perfection!!! Runner up: Little Debbie’s Valentine Vanilla Snack Cakes. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
Holly C says
I agree with Andrew!!! Any little Debbie heart shaped snack cake…DELIOUS!! Even better then the Christmas trees..there I have said it!! ha! ha!
lee ann vicary says
My problem with no season Reece’s cups is the little ridges end up falling off as you unwrap them so you can’t grab one on the go. You have to sit down with a plate or a napkin to catch the little pieces of chocolate. A seasonal one is however the absolute best. We have a company that makes chocolates where I live and all of theirs are better. Their chocolate covered strawberries are only available in the spring a couple days a week and frequently sell out. They are made with real chocolate not infused with coffee which some places do. I keep trying not to find any other candies that I like at 66 the last thing I need is more food I shouldn’t eat. I love that your husband plays these games with you and all your “friends”. I wonder what is the one Top 5 Bottom 5 that he asked if you were kidding and if you’d lost your marbles over even thinking of?
Mix and Match Mama says
FALL!!!! He couldn’t believe I would even suggest to him that there are five things “wrong” with fall 😉 .
Anne says
Chocolate covered cherries — try a brand named Cella’s. They have a delicious liquid center instead of the white goop.
Debbie E says
I am just the opposite when it comes to Reese‘s peanut butter cups. I like the traditional ones yet I really do not like the holiday, different shaped ones. 🤷🏼♀️
Cheryl says
I literally could not be in more agreement with every word of your bottom 5. The end.
Charise says
Reese’s started putting out mini unwrapped shapes for Halloween last year and they have become my top favorite! I know they already made mini unwrapped which I have not tried, but the mini unwrapped pumpkins, trees, heart, and now eggs are the PERFECT size and perfect chocolate to peanut butter ratio!