I am very disappointed to discover that Necco Candy Buttons are made with gelatin, and are therefore not vegetarian. While hunting for this image, I also found out that Necco is the exclusive manufacturer of candy buttons (in the U.S.), so there is no animal-free alternative. Additionally, I was shocked to read that the buttons are supposed to represent three flavors: cherry, lime, and lemon. Did any of you ever taste flavor in these things? I only get “sugar” and occasionally “paper” from them.
And another thing: Why is the mascot for Necco (New England Confectionary Co.) a kid in a ten-gallon hat? I’m just wondering.
shoes and pie 
I’m thinking the ten gallon hat is the Old Fashioned part. . .
I never went for the buttons. I prefer the wafers (but not the licorice flavor).
I’m recalling mostly the “paper” flavor…
Gelatin is sneaky stuff, it seems to get used in some of the most unlikely places.