Are Stanley Cups really worth it? Here are my honest thoughts

TikTok has been responsible for a slew of internet trends, clever recipes and keeping us entertained during a night feed, but one product still doing the rounds since going viral in 2020 is the Stanley Quencher Cup, £44.99. It's essentially a large cup with a straw and is available in a rainbow of vibrant colours, however, it's reached cult status and is the non-negotiable accessory of influencers, reality stars and cool mums at the school gates. We've officially reached 'peak Stanley', but with the iconic tumblers retailing for around £45 and up, are they really worth the investment?

What is the Stanley Quencher

The viral Stanley Quencher is a 1.2-litre cup made from 90% recycled stainless steel that promises to help you reach your hydration goals with fewer refills. It handily vows to keep cold water ice cold for eleven hours (ice water up to 48 hours), thanks to the bottle's robust vacuum insulation design. The Quencher has a narrow base which will fit almost any car cup holder, an ergonomic side handle and the signature 'FlowState' lid which features a rotating cover with three positions for 'no spillages on the go'. Part of its mass appeal is its colourful exterior and with Stanley cups being available in pretty much every hue - from pastel pink to black to zingy orange, there is a Stanley cup for every mood, vibe and personality.

Are Stanley Quenchers worth it?

I've had a Stanley Cup for the last two years and although there are plenty of affordable dupes out there, you really can't beat the bonafide original when it comes to functionality. It holds plenty of water, is easy to hold and makes me feel as though I have my life truly together. It reminds me to drink enough water (I aim to finish two a day) and it's easy to guzzle down thanks to its straw. The best part? It keeps my water icy cold, which encourages me to drink even more. Reader, I've never been so hydrated in my life.

I love it so much, that I actually have acquired three colourways over the years and like to switch them around depending on my current mood (I'm normally a pastel pink girl, but currently loving the all-black Stanley for autumn.)

The downsides? It's not completely leakproof, so you can't just shove it in your handbag and hope for the best. It's also a huge bottle and when filled, it is surprisingly heavy, so it's quite the task to lug to work and back. I personally think of the Stanley Quencher as my home vessel. It's something to keep at home, though it's fine to transport to the car and back and sits snug in pretty much all car cup holders. Plus, you can also buy the most adorable straw stoppers online to help cut down on leaks.

Another point, you can't just fill your Stanley Cup with tepid water, put it in the fridge and hope for a chilled beverage. The hard-working insulated exterior ensures that the water's temperature will not budge when faced with external factors. Luckily, I have recently discovered that you can now buy a dedicated silicone ice cube tray with your Stanley Quencher in mind, and it's honestly changed the entire game. The ice cubes not only come in different sizes to fit the narrow base, but also have a hole in the middle for your straw to fit through. Sublime.

So are Stanley Cups worth it? Yes! They're a no-brainer for ensuring you actually drink enough water, the water tastes nice up to 48 hours later and they look the part. Yes, you can buy a dupe online, but considering how the Stanley cups are built to last and are exceptionally hardwearing, I recommend investing in your favourite colourway and enjoying ice-cold water forever more.

SHOP: The Stanley Quencher and accessories

Aimee Jakes was Mother&Baby's Digital Editor in 2019 and is now Bauer Media's Trending Content Editor, writing everything from fashion news to beauty launches.