Many students appeared to love their Stanley cups last year, but have now swiftly abandoned them for the trendier and currently more in demand Owala water bottles. Certain brands of water bottles make more appearances in the classroom compared to others. These brands take turns being the most popular product and preferred mode of drinking water. 

Currently, Owala has been that popular brand among students, dethroning last year’s Stanley cups. Even though Owala is noticeably more trendy now, Stanley still has some loyal customers at South. 

“I like my Owala because I feel like it doesn’t get germs in it…I like my Stanley because I drink more water when I use it,” junior Sadie Stewart-Ingersoll said.

“Stanleys are better than any water bottle you can find,” senior Gianna Stanton said, “they’re superior to any water bottle because they’re larger and they keep water a lot cooler than most [water bottles].”

Not all students have this same preference for various reasons. 

“I think that Owalas are better than Stanleys because they have better colors…they look really cute,” junior Stella Ham said. 

The vibrant and colorful design of Owala is not its only reason for success among customers. “I prefer [Owala] because it has the option to sip your water or to chug it,” Ham said. 

Tendency to tip and leak is a common topic of discussion when it comes to Stanley cups. “I like Owalas better than Stanleys because they don’t spill everywhere if you tip them a little bit,” said junior, and former Stanley owner, Karinna Kenner.

“If a [Stanley] tips your f***ed,” junior Izzy Sweet said, who owns and uses both brands of water bottle. 

It’s difficult to know when one product will be replaced with a newer and more well-liked version or what brand will be the next designer. When asked why she thinks Owala has been so favored over other brands, junior Riley Pfettscher said, “I think because they are more practical for bringing to school.” Owala water bottles are so in demand at the moment because of their practicality, functionality, and their cuteness factor. Even though these water bottles are so well accepted now, it’s never safe to say they won’t be replaced with an even newer and more favored product before the end of the school year.