Clean Living, Smart Buying: Why Health-Conscious Consumers Are Changing the Marketplace in 2026

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A psychology-driven look at the irresistible pull of compulsive buying

THE FUTURE

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By Brady Cummins

Why Unique Shoes Are So Popular: 

By Mark Frisoli

A few months ago, my family experienced a painful loss, and during that time I started noticing a trend on Instagram Reels where people were using AI to "bring back" their deceased relatives. Seeing these videos while I was grieving made me wonder whether this technology was comforting or unsettling. That moment sparke

Back in 2021, one of America’s most popular coffee maker brands, Mr. Coffee, released the Mr. Iced Coffee machine that promised coffee fanatics an inexpensive and space-saving way to brew strong, cold and flavorful iced coffee. The product, and the reusable clear plastic tumbler it came with, was an immediate hit and stores were selling out of the machine for months on end. That year, it attracted the attention of Consumer $ense contributor and avid coffee drinker, Lexi. Once she got her hands on the marvel, she wrote a glowing review about it, praising it for speed, affordability and truth in advertising. Fast forward to 2024, when a clear plastic tumbler is no longer considered trendy or stylish and big coffee chains’ utilization of mobile ordering apps and rewards programs rivals the convenience of brewing coffee at home, how does the Mr. Iced Coffee Machine stack up? I decided to find out for myself. I picked up the machine at my local Ollie’s at the end of 2023 for $10. After using it for a few months, I can confidently rank it on size, speed, and taste. Size (10/10) As a college student in a dorm with a small kitchen, focusing on the size of appliances is something that is very important to me. Even as I look toward graduation and moving into a mid-sized apartment, I value appliances that will fit into my life and kitchen counter space. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine does just this. Standing at just 13 inches tall, 8 inches long and 6 inches wide, the machine has the ability to fit in even the smallest spaces. It is made of lightweight plastic, which makes for extra easy transportation. The size of this machine cannot even compare to any Keurig brand machine. Most Keurig machines have a massive water reservoir attached to them; even the smaller machines have a reservoir attached to the back that lengthens them. This also makes them heavy, difficult to transport and the stagnant water in the reservoir makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Further, Keurig brand machines require more kitchen or pantry storage to store the cumbersome plastic pods needed to operate the machine. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine uses ground coffee and has a reusable filter, saving on both kitchen and pantry space. Speed (10/10) It’s safe to say that all of us value efficiency. More often than not, that is likely why the Starbucks or Dunkin drive thrus are so appealing as we drive on the way to work or school. But, the whole process of brewing iced coffee with the Mr. Iced Coffee machine takes under 10 minutes, which is basically equivalent to the time it takes to order, pay and wait for iced coffee at a coffee shop. The majority of the time is spent readying the machine: filling up the single serve water reservoir, putting the components of the machine together and filling your cup with ice. The actual brewing process of the coffee takes less than 5 minutes. Cleanup after brewing your cup of coffee probably takes about as long as it takes to make it. All that you need to do is hand-wash your tumbler, the filter basket and the detachable spout component. Every 3 months or so, it is recommended to clean out the whole machine by running white vinegar through the brewing process then running it with clean water before resuming making coffee. Taste (7/10) The main reason I rated the machine so high for taste is because it is completely customizable to the maker’s taste. You have total control over the strength of the coffee by adding more or less coffee to the filter. If you are like me and do not like to drink super strong and acidic coffee, you can add less coffee without experiencing heartburn or discomfort. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine comes with a book of recipes to try using different Torani syrups and creamers. This is super useful for inspiration if you are looking to try something new. However, there are some drawbacks to this. Because you have so much control over the strength and taste of your brew, it will give you a different tasting cup of coffee every time you make it. This can be good or bad; but I will say that I have not found the magic ratio of coffee grounds, ice, sugar and creamer to suit my fancy.