In the face of economic crises, climate anxieties, and global wars, people are seeking solace through connection. They want to be sure someone will hold their hand in the face of hardship. As a result, they have higher expectations of care and understanding from interactions with brands, social systems, and p...

People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

Britons are treating themselves to their favourite foods and snacks for a sense of indulgence and solace amid a testing cost of living crisis. Canvas8 spoke to eight people to find out when and why they indulged in comfort foods, and to talk about their attitudes towards ‘guilty pleasures’.

Dishoom, a staple of London’s restaurant scene, blends tradition with innovation by bridging a nostalgic retelling of Bombay (now Mumbai) with London’s modernity. Immersive dining, artful merchandising, and high-quality service appeal to consumers who want to expand their dynamic culinary terrain.

Kraft has introduced a plant-based version of its iconic boxed macaroni and cheese, featuring a fava beans and coconut oil recipe. Plant-based eaters are looking for vegan versions of familiar foodstuffs, and successful brands are innovating to capture declining flexitarian interest.

High street baker and retailer Greggs has launched a pledge initiative that targets two of the most significant problems facing Britons today: food poverty and the climate crisis. The initiative reduces food waste through redistribution while providing customers with affordable goods.