While Stanley Cups may have taken the world by storm, people have recently taken to TikTok to talk about another water under the Owala brand.
Recently, people have discovered that they look like a koala drinking from the brand's water bottle, as it covers their nose and the lid gives them the appearance of the animal.
The discovery led some to speculate that the appearance of users drinking the bottle is the reason behind the water bottle's Koala name.
A video with over 16 million views by @juliajoczys says: “Apparently it's called Owala because when you drink it you look like a koala.”
Many people left comments about how much they loved the concept. “Now I just want to walk like this with mine,” one comment read.
Another commenter agreed, writing: “OMG! Now I want one because koalas are adorable.”
“Okay, I'm obsessed with my Owala and now I'm even more obsessed…” wrote a third commenter.
Other commenters joked that this would be what made people switch to the Owala water bottle instead of the popular Stanley mug.
“Me watching the Stanleys migrate to the back of the closet while they move out,” one commenter joked.
“We are witnessing the next Stanley,” noted another commentator.
Although, because Owala has not publicly confirmed whether that is actually where the brand name comes from, some commentators have claimed that it is just a coincidence that Owala and the koala rhyme.
“I don't think it counts as 'finding out' if it's not true in the first place,” one person wrote in the comments.
Stanley tumblers are the stainless steel water bottles that have taken over the world as they are the direct competitor of Owala. Viral tumblers, specifically their 40-ounce Quencher tumbler, are known for their variety of colors and their ability to keep drinks cold for 48 hours. The products have even become something of a status symbol: One mother claimed her daughter was bullied for owning a different brand's mug, and another woman allegedly stole $2,500 worth of Stanley products.
Amid the viral craze, some concerned customers have claimed on social media that drinking from a Stanley cup may pose certain health risks. In a series of posts shared on TikTok, people said they tested their drinking glasses for lead at home. TikTok user Lead Safe Mama, whose content aims to raise awareness about preventing lead poisoning in children, shared a video of herself testing the bottom of her Stanley glass for lead, urging that it “be removed all lead from kitchen utensils, especially items that can be used.” for a child.”
Several videos of customers testing their Stanley products for lead showed mixed results: some of their tests came back negative while others showed a color change indicating the presence of lead.
Stanley clarified whether its popular products are safe to drink in a statement to The independent, in which a Stanley spokesperson said lead is used in the manufacturing process of Stanley glasses. However, they stressed that the product must be damaged to expose the lead.
“Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation into the base of our products; sealing material includes some lead. “Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable layer of stainless steel, making it inaccessible to consumers,” the spokesperson said, adding that Stanley products meet all US regulatory requirements.
The independent has contacted Owala for comment.
