Courtesy of Stanley
- Stanley tumblers had a surge of popularity in 2022 with many calling it the new "it" portable drinkware.
- Stanley is beating out drinkware from other brands that previously dominated the market.
- Here are the beloved water bottle brands that are now falling by the wayside.
As more consumers move away from single-use plastics and toward a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, the reusable water bottle market is reaping the benefits — especially beloved brands like Stanley.
The market was valued at nearly $9 billion in 2021, and it's expected to reach close to $12 billion by 2028, according to a 2022 study done by market intelligence company SkyQuest. Stanley is cashing in on that growth: In February 2022, Stanley was named the fastest-growing equipment accessories brand, with sales growing by 275% in 2021, the company told the New York Times earlier this year.
In recent months, Stanley's 40-ounce tumblers — which retail for between $40 and $50 — have become the internet's latest obsession, thanks to their sleek design and ability to keep drinks chilled for long periods of time.
Before these colorful tumblers took over your TikTok, these are the six brands that dominated the reusable water bottle market.
Courtesy of Hydro Flask
TikTokers have begun poking fun at Hydro Flasks — once an immensely popular Gen Z trend touted by VSCO girls — now that they've been dethroned by Stanley tumbler users.
However, the lack of interest may transcend social media. This month, Hydro Flask's parent company, Helen of Troy, announced a third-quarter 10% decline in net sales, according to a press release.
The 32-ounce Wide Mouth water bottle — listed as a bestseller — retails for $44.95.
Courtesy of Nalgene
In 2021, plastic water bottles accounted for 35% of revenue for the reusable water bottle industry, according to an analysis report from Grand View Research.
For years, you would be hard-pressed not to spot several Nalgene bottles, often customized with stickers or engravings, throughout the course of a day. Now that the bottles have taken a backseat, TikTokers expressed a sense of nostalgia for their respective Nalgene phases.
The 32-ounce Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle sells for $16.99.
S'well
The worldwide demand for insulated water bottles is expected to reach a value of $3.1 billion by the end of 2033, according to a January news release by market research company Fact.MR.
During its prime, S'well water bottles became a fan-favorite for its availability in a variety of colors and prints and sleek design that allowed it to easily fit in a backpack, TikTokers said.
Users say they ditched the S'well bottles because they didn't hold much water and the sleek design meant they were always dropping the metal bottle.
"I hated my swell because it would only hold like 3 sips of water," one commenter wrote.
"I always dropped it, and at the end of the year it would be all scratched and dented and would never stand up right," another user said.
The 17-ounce S'well retails for $35.
Courtesy of Amazon
Starbucks tumblers have been known to be in high-demand by supporters of the company. According to a 2019 Insider report, the brand's pineapple-themed cup was being resold for between $40 and $126 online.
The tumblers remain a staple among collectors and iced coffee lovers even if water drinkers are exploring other options.
The 24-ounce Starbucks Cold Cup sells for $24.50.
Courtesy of Yeti
Although Stanley tumblers are having a moment online, Yeti users are loyal to the outdoor gear brand. In a February 2022 report, Yeti boasted an 18% fourth-quarter increase in net sales.
The 20-ounce Yeti Rambler Tumbler retails for $35.
Courtesy of CamelBak
Although the value of insulated metal cups is on the rise, Camelbak plastic bottles are still receiving nods from reviewers, according to a review by Insider's Alicia Betz.
According to Betz's report, Camelbak is the best brand for a plastic reusable water bottle for someone who prefers drinkware that's lightweight and budget-friendly. However, Betz wrote, it won't keep your drink as cold as the metal options on the list.
The 25-ounce Eddy+ Bottle sells for $16 on the official site.