Valentine’s Day is a crucial test in every relationship. It can be nerve-wracking trying to pick the perfect treat for your significant other. From expensive chocolates to sugary sweets, there is a surplus of options.
To make sure your valentine isn't disappointed with your confectionery display of affection, The Daily Gamecock interviewed 40 students about their preferred Valentine’s Day treat.
According to research from Capital One, Americans spend up to $9.5 billion on Valentine's Day gifts that are ultimately unwanted by their recipients. In 2025, $2.5 billion of this total cost was spent on Valentine's Day Candy. Additionally, its research shows that consumers purchase 58 million pounds of chocolate and candy during the week of Valentine's Day.
Conversation hearts are known as a classic Valentine's Day treat. Although these delectables are a seasonal staple, first-year business finance and marketing student Riley Beyer said the hearts are tacky.
On the other hand, first-year nursing student Adah Lambert defended the iconic candy.
“Even though it’s a hot take, I really like conversation hearts because I think they taste really good, and I think all the messages are so funny,” Lambert said.
Second-year marketing and supply chain student Lily Emerson favors candy that makes her feel nostalgic.
“My favorite Valentine’s Day candy is Fun Dip because it reminds me of elementary school classroom Valentine’s parties,” Emerson said.
Out of all the various candy options, Reese’s stood out among the rest with the most votes. First-year economics student Kate Murphy was one of the seven students who chose Reese’s as the best Valentine's candy.
“I think the best chocolate is a Reese's heart because the shapes are just better,” Murphy said. “You get way more peanut butter, and Reese’s are the best candy.”
Chocolate-covered strawberries took second place. Four students picked this fruity dessert as their favorite Valentine’s Day goodie. First-year history and education student Ella Grace Barbier said the treat is one of her favorites.
“Chocolate-covered strawberries are probably my favorite because they just taste really good, and the fresh fruit with the chocolate is a good pairing,” Barbier said.
The brands Ghirardelli and Ferrero Rocher tied for third place after being picked by three students each.Three students also chose the classic heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates as their top pick.
The candy that received the most criticism was plain Dove milk chocolate. Three students voted this candy as overrated. First-year public health student Bella Leonard claims to be one of Dove chocolate’s biggest haters.
"I hate the straight dove chocolate," Leonard said. "I hate that stuff."
Dove still has some fans, though. First-year biochemistry student Linsey Gregoire was one of the few who expressed their fondness for the brand.
“I’d say a classic Dove chocolate,” Gregoire said. “It just does it every time.”
Some students expressed a strong dislike for other brands. First-year public relations student Kiara Ryan knew exactly what candy she didn’t want to see on the big day.
“If you buy someone Swedish Fish, you belong in jail,” Ryan said. “I’m not going to lie. Swedish Fish is nasty.”
Third-year sport and entertainment management student Grayson Campbell doesn’t see the appeal of buying overpriced Valentine's Day-specific candy. Campbell said fancy chocolate, such as Lindt Lindor and Ferrero Rocher, is too expensive and tastes the same as regular chocolate.
Third-year public health student Lauren Douglas feels the opposite. She said fancy chocolate is a must, and it shows how much your significant other really cares about you.
“If a man isn’t buying you expensive chocolate, then dump him,” Douglas said.
Two students said their significant others should skip the sweets altogether and instead give them flowers for Valentine’s Day. First-year nursing student Connie Anne Woodard said some people think receiving flowers is overrated, but in her eyes, it's a truly thoughtful gesture.
“A lot of times when people get your favorite flowers, it just means more because they know you,” Woodard said.
While opinions may differ on the best Valentine's Day treat, second-year criminal justice student Ash Stefanco says the candy really doesn't matter as long as you're spending time with the one you love.
"As long as I'm with my significant other, that's really all that matters to me," Stefanco said.