As consumer habits increasingly favor trend-driven purchases, everyday items are cycling in and out of popularity faster than ever. Owala, a reusable water bottle, has emerged as one of the few products to sustain attention beyond a single viral moment. 

Owala entered the reusable bottle market in March 2020 under Utah-based company Trove Brands, as detailed on the brand’s website. Broader consumer growth became more visible in the years that followed.  By mid-2024-2025, retailers like Amazon and Target sought consistent restocking demand, emphasizing the brand’s popularity. 

In a TikTok video posted by @juliajoczys, she joked that drinking from an Owala makes users look like a koala — a realization that quickly gained attention online. As of Feb. 24, 2026, the video currently has 27.9 million views and 2.3 million likes. 

Owala’s popularity reflects a broader consumer shift toward products that combine trend appeal with long-term durability. While it’s not a guarantee that a product’s trend lasts indefinitely, its ongoing popularity implies that its value extends deeper than visual appeal. 

While social media may have impacted Owala’s fame, sustained popularity depends on more than algorithm-based attention. Consumers may initially purchase a product because it is trending but continued use often depends on performance. The Owala’s insulation, leak-proof lid, and durability play a significant role in whether the bottle remains part of daily routines long after the initial purchase. 

Emily Somar, a Owala user, acknowledges that Owala’s popularity feels different from past water bottle trends like Stanley or Hydro Flask, which were often tied to specific aesthetics, explaining that Owala has not been labeled as part of a single fashion identity. 

“Owalas were popularized as a cheaper alternative to other brands of these water bottles that ended up becoming even more popular go their quality and cute coloring,” said Emily Somar. 

However, perspectives differ on whether its growth was driven more by product value or by online consumerism. 

“The owala popularity is definitely more driven by social media, people tend to follow trends and get what everyone else has, take Stanley’s for example…,” said Itzel Reyes, who carries an Owala daily. 

Although Reyes noted that social media tends to drive consumer trends, she emphasized that the Owala bottle is very functional.        

One of those functions includes its strong insulation performance. For individuals enduring long activities, temperature consistency is an important factor when purchasing a water bottle.  

Many stainless-steel bottles promise temperature control, but Owala consistently ranks highly in independent testing for keeping drinks cold for extended periods. In testing conducted by Good Housekeeping, Owala bottles were noted for maintaining cold temperatures compared to other water bottles included in the testing. 

“As an athlete that’s very important to me because it’s annoying drinking lukewarm water during practice but that’s something I don’t have to worry about with my handy dandy Owala,” said Jocelyn Flores, a student athlete. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the bottle is leakproof. The bottle’s leakproof design helps prevent spills inside backpacks, work bags, or gym bags. According to Business Insider, the lid is designed to prevent leaks, using both a release button and a locking loop to keep the spout secure, even when the bottle is turned upside down. For individuals enduring long activities, temperature consistency is an important factor when purchasing a water bottle. 

Unfortunately, when put to the drop test, Owala’s did not succeed completely. Good Housekeeping writes, “it dented a little on the bottom and leaked after being dropped three times from a height of three feet.” 

However, Good housekeeping noted that it did not break, unlike other water bottles they tested. 

For some people, the cost is the biggest hesitation.  

“If Owala lowered their prices, it would absolutely be even more popular, I think one of the only factors that limits people from getting them is unfortunately how expensive they are,” Reyes said. 

Although, she said that the upfront cost may feel pricey, she felt that the purchase feels fulfilling over time. 

Durability and long-term use may justify the cost.  

A reusable bottle that lasts several years reduces the need for replacements and single-use plastic purchases. Environmental studies from organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency emphasize the benefits of reusable containers in reducing plastic waste. If a product is both sustainable and long-lasting, its popularity may reflect practicality rather than trend culture alone. 

A reusable bottle that lasts several years reduces the need for replacements and single-use plastic purchases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that reducing and reusing materials helps decrease overall waste and conserve resources. If a product is both sustainable and long-lasting, its popularity may reflect practicality rather than trend culture  

Owala’s popularity reflects a growing interest in products designed to last, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace a bottle that already works. Owala’s popularity reflects a broader consumer shift toward products that combine trend appeal with long-term durability. While it’s not a guarantee that a product trend lasts indefinitely, its ongoing popularity implies that its value extends deeper than visual appeal.