#25: Candy Buttons

For those enchanted by ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory,’ the charming Candy Buttons, or ‘Candy Dots/Pox,’ will ring a bell. These delightful pegs of candy on paper strips hail from the nostalgic counters of yesteryears. Originating from the innovative minds at J Sudak & Son and Cumberland Valley in Brooklyn, these sweets are a timeless confectionery gem.

Necco acquired Candy Buttons in a significant expansion, skyrocketing production to over 750 million candy dots annually. These adorable treats traditionally come in three tantalizing flavors: zesty lemon (yellow), refreshing lime (blue), and juicy cherry (pink). The ingenious George Theofiel Dib is credited with inventing the machine that breathes life into these colorful morsels of joy.