A rainbow of fancy drinks is flooding the streets of Toronto. One might be a vibrant grassy green with a layer of juicy fuchsia compote at the bottom; another sky-blue and milky, with floating islands of raspberry-flavoured pearls; yet another is a creamy espresso hue with streaks of artisanal cashew butter. These to-go beverages that cost five times a Tim Hortons double double are everywhere — and they’ve achieved ubiquity during a time when more of us are struggling to pay our bills. Is this “I deserve a little treat” culture on overdrive?

Angela Yan, owner of Toronto’s Matcha Haus, says people’s willingness to drop $10 on a special drink is actually because of strained financial times. “I think it’s easier now to meet up for a little matcha or coffee date, which is considered a sma

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