Flowers, jewelry, candy, or elaborate gestures are all common ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While those food, beverages, and other gifts might be portrayed on screen as the ultimate romantic celebration, the Ferrero Valentine’s Day Index reveals the real truth. It is time to skip the fiction and focus on the approachable reality.
From the fairy tale moment with the happily ever after to the Lifetime romantic movie that leaves everyone grabbing the tissues, those make-believe moments are far from every day reality. Even if some people might long for those moments to be their romantic goals, the truth is most people are not looking for the grand gesture. Valentine’s Day is more about spending time with the person, not the money spent.
The 2025 Ferrero Valentine’s Day Index revealed a wide array of interesting facts. From preferring chocolate as a sweet treat to skipping the big dinner out on February 14, the reality is that people are focused on the person, not the grand total.
Jim Klein, Chief Customer Officer, Ferrero USA shared, "Valentine's Day is synonymous with sharing joy and showing affection for those that are near and dear to us, and chocolate gifting remains a big part of that tradition. As one of the leading chocolate companies in the U.S., we're proud of the part we play in helping people celebrate the holiday when they give a box of Ferrero Rocher, a jar of Nutella, or other confectionary treats to their loved ones to make their day special."
The Ferrero Valentine’s Day Index says this conversation should be tabled on February 14
In addition to preferring a quiet night in or a home cooked dinner on Valentine’s Day, the Ferrero survey said that “52% of women believe that proposals on Valentine's Day are overrated.” Even though it seems unlikely someone would say no to that question on the 14th, it might be better to plan another memorable moment. It is always preferrable to be thoughtful versus cliché.
That finding, along with the other items, bring the focus back to an overall sentiment. It is the thoughtfulness behind the gesture, not the grandness, that matters.
For example, buying a box of Fannie May chocolates because that brand was founded in Chicago, because that is where the couple fell in love, shows thoughtfulness. Having a plate of those Pixies at the end of the meal makes all the stories of walking by the Bean or the chilly winds off of Lake Michigan come flooding back. Memories are always more important than dollars spent.
What is the real story behind the Ferrero Valentine’s Day Index? Food makes connections and life is sweeter because of it.