Whether it’s Brussels sprouts at Christmas, pumpkins at Halloween, or hot cross buns at Easter, there are certain foods that are inextricably tied to festive occasions. Why do people crave specific flavours at set times of the year? And how are brands tapping into their long-lasting appeal?

When imagining the prospect of a nation without chocolate, many Britons would break the law or leave home altogether rather than go without their fix. Despite the power it has over their lives, celebratory media narratives of sweet things have unwittingly lessened the stigma around sugar's addictiveness.

Whether it’s a mystery teabag or new make-up, an element of surprise comes packaged within many subscription boxes. Canvas8 spoke to Aditya Gupta, a PhD candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to understand how surprise impacts the experience of self-gifting.

Over half of Britons struggle to find the time to eat as healthily as they’d like, with some resorting to a bag of crisps or chocolate bar from a vending machine when rushed and hungry. Healthy Nibbles offers an alternative, packing its machines with artisanal, healthy, and allergy-friendly snacks.