Valentine’s Day has always been a celebration of flavor, comfort, and indulgence, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. Candy lovers continue to seek out the classics they know and love, while also embracing new textures, elevated pairings, and modern interpretations of traditional favorites.
From rich dark chocolate to nostalgic cordials, heart-shaped treats, and innovative offerings like Dubai-style truffles, this year’s trends highlight a blend of timeless tastes and fresh excitement.
Here’s what people are craving most and why these flavors continue to define the season.
What Candy Is Most Popular on Valentine’s Day?
The question comes up every year: What is the most popular Valentine’s Day candy? While trends shift slightly from season to season, chocolate remains the dominant holiday choice. In fact, 66 percent of adults reported that chocolate is their favorite Valentine’s Day treat.1
Milk and dark chocolate varieties continue to lead in customer demand, especially when paired with textures like caramel, nuts, crunchy pretzels, or smooth, fruit-forward fillings.
Gift assortments also remain at the top of the list for many shoppers because of their variety. They let gift-givers share a little bit of everything—creamy, crunchy, fruity, and decadent—all in one box.
As tastes evolve, one thing remains unchanged: Valentine’s Day is still very much a chocolate-centric holiday.
Classic Valentine’s Day Flavors That Never Fade
Some flavors earn their place as staples because customers reach for them year after year. Valentine’s Day 2026 continues to spotlight these timeless favorites.
Milk Chocolate
Silky, smooth, and universally adored, milk chocolate remains one of the most iconic Valentine’s Day treats. Its mellow sweetness pairs well with caramels, marshmallows, nut clusters, sea salt toppings, and more, making it a reliable favorite for both assortments and individual treats.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate continues to gain popularity for Valentine’s Day, particularly among shoppers seeking richer flavor profiles. It complements everything from citrus notes to nutty centers, but it shines especially well in dark chocolate Valentine’s assortments, cherry cordials, and rich truffle varieties.
Caramel & Cordials
Caramel never loses its appeal. Soft, chewy, buttery caramels, especially when wrapped in milk or dark chocolate, remain an essential part of the Valentine’s candy landscape.
Cherry-filled cordials are another returning favorite. Their blend of smooth chocolate, bright cherry flavor, and satisfying texture offers a nostalgic and indulgent experience in every bite.
Trending Candy Picks for 2026
Alongside classic chocolates, several trends are shaping this year’s Valentine’s candy choices in exciting new ways.
Heart-Shaped Treats
Heart-shaped chocolates remain as popular as ever, but 2026 is expected to bring renewed interest in heart-shaped clusters, mini assortments, and themed variations. These treats add a festive look to seasonal collections while keeping the focus on flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Sweet-and-salty snacks continue to surge as consumers seek a balance of flavors and textures in their Valentine’s treats. Chocolate-covered pretzels are a standout this year, offering a perfect balance of crunch and rich chocolate coating, along with endless possibilities for seasonal customization.
Sugar-Free Favorites
Interest in sugar-free confections is growing rapidly, with many shoppers seeking options that fit their lifestyles without sacrificing flavor. Asher’s long-loved sugar-free line remains a leader in this space, and new Valentine’s offerings will further expand those choices.
Dubai-Style Chocolate
One of the most notable trends this year is the rise of Dubai chocolate, known for its smooth texture, glossy appearance, and elevated flavor experience. Asher’s unique take on the Dubai-style truffles captures the indulgence of this trend while offering a more accessible price point.
These truffle-style confections add a touch of luxury to any Valentine’s assortment and appeal to customers seeking something modern, international, and memorable.
Nostalgic vs. Modern Valentine’s Candy
Valentine’s Day 2026 continues to reflect a balance of the familiar and the new. Nostalgic favorites, such as cordials, caramel bites, and classic chocolate assortments, remain anchors of the season. They remind people of traditions, shared memories, and the comfort of time-honored flavors.
At the same time, many shoppers are eager to explore bold new styles and textures. Trend-driven items, such as Dubai-inspired chocolates, updated pretzel varieties, and creative flavor pairings, demonstrate how Valentine’s candy continues to evolve while staying grounded in what customers love most.
Flavor Pairings People Love in February
Some of the most popular Valentine’s chocolates this year focus on dynamic pairings that offer depth and balance. Shoppers are especially gravitating toward combinations such as:
- Chocolate + cherry
- Chocolate + sea salt
- Chocolate + peanut butter
- Chocolate + caramel
- Chocolate + crunchy textures (pretzels, nuts, crispy inclusions)
These combinations reflect a larger industry trend: people want both comfort and contrast. The smoothness of chocolate paired with bright, salty, fruity, or crunchy elements delivers an elevated flavor experience without straying too far from the classics.
Asher’s Most-Loved Valentine’s Day Treats
Every year, certain treats stand out as fan favorites, and 2026 is no different.
- Valentine’s Nonpareils in Dark Chocolate
- Valentine’s Milk Chocolate Mini Pretzels
- Gourmet Chocolate Assortment
- Milk Chocolate Cherry Cordials Amoré Box
- Valentine’s Milk & Dark Assortment Box
- Red Hearts Nonpareil Gift Tin
- Dark Chocolate Thin Mint Grab-a-Gift
- Sugar Free Heart Shaped Assortment
- Dark Chocolate Jerry Cordial Creams
- Choco-lot Gift Basket
Valentine’s Day 2026 is already shaping up to be a flavorful mix of tradition and innovation. With timeless chocolates, elevated trends, and a few surprises on the way, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with something sweet from Asher’s Valentine’s Day collection.
Shop now to find something for the people who matter most to you.
Sources:
1. Ferrero Survey Reveals Unexpected Trends in Valentine’s Day Celebrations, PR Newswire