A system is described that uses data connectivity of dispensing units and an online community of users to develop, publicize, distribute, test, customize, and popularize user- and company-created, custom-formulated items. In one example, users can use “Build a Drink” software to create their own drink formulas from a palette of three or more ingredients, preferably dozens. They make custom designs for the labels on the beverage containers. Users/purchasers in the community rate and comment on drinks they try, earn rewards for community participation, and share in the profits from sales of their designer drinks. Custom-formulated items are instantly available at the whole network of dispensing units (or a subset thereof) immediately upon publication of the custom formulation and/or label design. A social network of consumers and designers share and evaluate items, and a recommendation engine suggests purchases based on data available to system.