Necco wafers have been around since before the Civil War and their conversation hearts debuted in 1901. However, the company was recently sold and the current owners could not meet demand for Valentine’s Day this year. So, 2019 is the year without conversation hearts. However the Piedmont’s own Krispy Kreme Donut Company stepped up to the plate and designed conversation heart donuts. Krispy Kreme opened in Winston Salem in 1937. 

As seen in the above photo, this year’s conversation heart donuts really do resemble conversation hearts. The fondant message is edible, too. You can pick the filling of your choice: Cake batter, strawberries and cream, raspberry-filled, and chocolate cream. The donuts debuted two days ago and are proving quite popular with customers. They are available through Valentine’s Day. The good news is that conversation hearts will be back in production in 2020. Let’s hope Krispy Kreme will continue to offer the conversation heart donuts!