As retailers begin their annual transition toward Valentine’s Day, candy aisles are already filling with pink, red, and heart-shaped treats. This year, one familiar sour candy brand is taking seasonal sweets in a bold new direction—by making them glow.
Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups Hearts
Seasonal candy releases are nothing new, but Sour Patch Kids is once again pushing boundaries with a Valentine’s Day twist that’s hard to miss—especially under a black light. For 2026, the brand has introduced Glow Ups Hearts, a glow-in-the-dark version of its iconic sour-then-sweet gummy candy that’s already turning heads and sparking conversation.
With playful flavors, a surprising visual effect, and a limited-time release window, Glow Ups Hearts are shaping up to be one of the most talked-about candy launches of the season.
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Why Sour Patch Valentine’s Day Candy Keeps Arriving Every Year
In the world of retail, holidays rarely stick to the calendar. Halloween candy appears before fall officially begins, winter treats show up long before Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day products often debut just after New Year’s.
For candy brands, this early rollout allows shoppers more time to discover new products, share them on social media, and incorporate them into seasonal celebrations. For consumers, it means more variety—and more surprises—earlier than ever.
Sour Patch Kids has leaned into this trend by launching Glow Ups Hearts well ahead of February 14, giving fans plenty of time to experience something new before Valentine’s Day officially arrives.
What Are Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups Hearts?
Glow Ups Hearts are the first Valentine’s-themed shape in the Sour Patch Kids glow-in-the-dark lineup. The candy features classic gummy hearts in two flavor combinations: Strawberry-Watermelon and Cherry.
What makes them different is their glow. Under a black light, the gummies emit a luminous effect that transforms them into a visual experience as much as a snack.
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Here’s a quick overview of the product:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candy Type | Sour-then-sweet gummy |
| Flavors | Strawberry-Watermelon, Cherry |
| Shape | Hearts |
| Special Feature | Glow-in-the-dark under black light |
| Bag Size | 8.4 oz stand-up bag |
| Price | $3.99 (suggested) |
The candy is designed to be playful and interactive, making it especially appealing for parties, themed events, or social media content.
How the Sour Patch Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Actually Works
Despite its futuristic appearance, the glow effect behind Glow Ups Hearts comes from a surprisingly familiar source. The gummies are infused with edible confetti made using turmeric extract—a natural ingredient commonly found in home kitchens.
Under black light, turmeric reacts in a way that creates a glowing effect, giving the candy its signature look. The ingredient does not alter the flavor, meaning the gummies still taste exactly like the Sour Patch Kids fans expect.
For those without a black light at home, Sour Patch Kids has leaned into technology. The brand encourages fans to use a dedicated Snapchat filter that simulates the glowing effect through a phone camera, making the experience accessible to everyone.
Sour Patch Glow Ups: A Growing Candy Line
Glow Ups Hearts are not the first glowing candy from the brand. In 2025, Mondelez International, the parent company behind Sour Patch Kids, debuted Glow Ups Strawberry Watermelon gummies along with a glow-in-the-dark version of Swedish Fish.
At the time, reactions were mixed. Some consumers were skeptical of the glowing concept, while others praised the creativity. Over time, curiosity turned into enthusiasm, paving the way for seasonal expansions like the Valentine’s Hearts.
The Glow Ups concept has now proven popular enough to continue growing in 2026.
What Fans Are Saying About the New Hearts
Initial reactions to Glow Ups Hearts suggest that shoppers are warming up to the idea—literally and figuratively. Social media comments range from surprise to excitement, with many fans calling the candy innovative and fun.
Some longtime fans also referenced previous Valentine’s Day releases, noting that last year’s blackberry-flavored black hearts were especially memorable. That nostalgia, combined with the novelty of glowing candy, has helped fuel anticipation for this year’s drop.
The growing acceptance shows that once-skeptical shoppers are now embracing candy that offers both flavor and visual flair.
Another Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups Hearts for Easter
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only holiday getting the glow treatment. Sour Patch Kids has also announced Glow Ups Eggs, set to arrive for Easter in February.
The Glow Ups Eggs will feature a mix of flavors, including blue raspberry, strawberry-watermelon, and lemonade. Like the hearts, they’ll glow under black light and come in the same shareable 8.4-ounce stand-up bag format.
This expansion signals that glow-in-the-dark candy may be more than a novelty—it could become a recurring seasonal staple.
| Variety | Holiday | Flavors | Release Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glow Ups Hearts | Valentine’s Day | Strawberry-Watermelon, Cherry | January |
| Glow Ups Eggs | Easter | Blue Raspberry, Strawberry-Watermelon, Lemonade | February |
Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups Hearts Availability
Glow Ups Hearts are expected to hit store shelves nationwide in January 2026. Like most seasonal candy releases, availability may vary by retailer, and supplies may be limited.
Shoppers interested in trying them should keep in mind:
- They are a seasonal item and may not be restocked
- Glow effect is best viewed under black light or via Snapchat filter
- Candy flavor remains classic Sour Patch Kids sour-then-sweet
Given the buzz surrounding the release, early purchases may be the safest bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Glow Ups Hearts taste different from regular Sour Patch Kids?
No. The glow effect does not change the flavor; they still deliver the classic sour-then-sweet taste.
2. Are the glowing ingredients safe to eat?
Yes. The glow comes from edible confetti made with turmeric extract.
3. Do I need a black light to see the glow?
A black light works best, but the Sour Patch Kids Snapchat filter can simulate the effect on a phone.
4. Are Glow Ups Hearts permanent?
No. They are a seasonal Valentine’s Day release.
With Glow Ups Hearts, Sour Patch Kids is proving that even a familiar candy can feel brand new when creativity and timing collide, making Valentine’s Day 2026 a little brighter—and a lot more sour-sweet.
