Why the concern about lead in insulated cups?
In the past, some brands of insulated drinkware have been found to use a small lead sealing dot on the bottom of their stainless steel bottles. This lead is typically covered by a protective cap or coating, and as long as the seal remains intact, consumer exposure is unlikely. However, if the base of the cup is damaged and the coating wears away, the lead can become exposed. This potential health risk has prompted many consumers to question the safety of various insulated bottle brands, including Owala.
Owala's commitment to lead-free manufacturing
Owala has proactively addressed these concerns by stating that its products are and always have been lead-free. Unlike some competitors, Owala uses a different, innovative soldering method for its vacuum insulation process that does not contain lead. This approach was a conscious decision made from day one to ensure customer safety.
In addition to its own public statements on its website and social media, Owala's lead-free claims have been supported by independent testing. For instance, a 24-ounce Owala cup was tested by consumer advocate Lead Safe Mama in 2022 and was found to be free of lead. Owala's use of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel further solidifies its commitment to producing a safe product.
Other safety considerations for Owala products
Beyond being lead-free, Owala emphasizes its dedication to consumer health in several other ways:
- BPA-Free Materials: All Owala products, including those made from plastic, are certified to be BPA (Bisphenol-A) and phthalate-free. Owala explicitly states that they do not use chemical copycats either.
- Dishwasher Safety: The lids of Owala's stainless steel products are top-rack dishwasher safe, while the stainless steel cups should be hand-washed to preserve their finish and insulation. Plastic bottles are fully top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Safe for Various Beverages: Certain Owala products, like the FreeSip stainless steel bottle, are not recommended for hot, carbonated, or perishable liquids. However, the tumblers and SmoothSip collections are designed to hold both hot and cold drinks.
Owala vs. other insulated water bottles
As consumer concerns about lead and other chemicals grow, it is helpful to compare different brands. Owala's lead-free manufacturing is a key differentiator against some competitors. The table below outlines how Owala compares with other popular brands regarding lead and BPA status, based on available information.
| Brand | Uses Lead in Manufacturing | Owala Confirmed Lead-Free | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owala | No | No | |
| Stanley | Yes (in sealing pellet) | No | |
| Hydro Flask | No (since 2013) | Yes | |
| Yeti | Yes (in sealing pellet for some products) | No | |
| Klean Kanteen | No | Yes | |
| MiiR | Yes (in sealing pellet) | No | |
| LifeStraw | Yes (in sealing pellet) | No |
Note: Information on competitors is based on publicly available data and may be subject to change.
Conclusion
For consumers concerned about lead exposure from insulated drinkware, the research overwhelmingly indicates that Owala cups and water bottles are safe. The company has a long-standing policy of using a lead-free solder for its vacuum insulation, a decision made since its founding to prioritize customer health. This is further supported by independent testing and media reports. While a vigilant approach to product safety is always recommended, Owala has provided clear reassurance on this particular issue.
For more information on Owala's safety standards, you can visit the OwalaLife blog directly.
