In the turbulent economic environment, money is losing its value. Consumers are reevaluating their spending across sectors. With a looming crisis of trust in financial institutions, how are people managing their budgets? And how can brands navigate the complex relationship between value and cost?

Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Milk Bar have teamed up to offer nationwide distribution for the bakery’s popular Bagel Bomb – offering the snack across the US for the first time. As dietary rhythms shift towards grazing, people are looking for more snackable versions of their favorite foods.

Economic anxiety among Gens Z and Y is prompting many of them to indulge in small purchases for a daily dose of escapism, self-care, and rejection of hustle culture – all part of a delayed gratification strategy. This approach to consumption is being reflected on TikTok via 'little treats' posts.

As many Americans rethink their shopping and eating habits to save money, what do their thrifty grocery baskets look like? And which snacks and treats will they never give up? Canvas8 spoke to eight people from across the US about their food and drink budgets amid the cost of living crisis.

Faced with double-digit inflation, Britons are tightening their belts and cutting back on non-essential spending – but treats aren’t totally out of the question. From affordable luxuries to stripped-back hedonism, how can brands cater to this balancing act between luxury and saving?