Gen Z trend forecaster claims that viral Stanley cups 'are on their way OUT' - despite Target customers rioting over new Starbucks collaboration - because 'cool youths' will abandon them now that adults have adopted the trend

A Gen Z trend forecaster has claimed that the Stanley cup is 'on its way out' with the furor around the travel tumblers finally reaching its peak.

Casey Lewis, based in New York, spoke to Business Insider to discuss the 40oz 'Quencher' cups which have taken the world by storm in recent months. 

Many have branded the product as a cultural phenomenon with limited edition releases - including the Valentine's Day coloring and Starbucks collaboration - causing mayhem in stores.

But the youth consumer trends analyst believes the fad is set to come to an end now that the Stanley cup has been adopted by older generations.

A Gen Z trend forecaster has claimed that the Stanley cup is 'on its way out' with the furor around the travel tumblers finally reaching its peak (stock image)

Casey Lewis, based in New York, spoke to Business Insider to discuss the 40oz 'Quencher' cups which have taken the world by storm in recent months 

The expert said that despite the recent hysteria, the Stanley cup was reaching the end of its trend cycle 

The $45 Quencher cup - which comes with a handle and a straw - first blew up on social media in 2022 and has only grown in popularity since. 

Most recently, content creator Victoria Robino took to TikTok to showcase the hysteria among Target shoppers who were trying to get their hands on a limited edition Valentine's Day Stanley cup which came in shades of bright red or fuchsia pink.

As customers started aggressively reaching for the shelves, the store employee can be heard saying 'limit two per guest,' as the overlaid text read: 'Sold out in less than four minutes.' 

But it seems not everyone was convinced that the hype was worth it as viewers flooded to the comments.

One person wrote: 'What's the difference between that specific cup and any other insulated cup lol. It's a cup?'

'They're nice cups but I don't get it,' another wrote.

And a third added: 'Stanley definitely know what they are doing. Everyone and their mom wants one. I don't know I still can't wrap my head around paying that much for a cup.'

Despite the comments, the Stanley cup was still the most popular Christmas gift for those college-aged or younger, according to Casey who studied hours of TikTok haul videos on December 26.

Most recently, content creator Victoria Robino took to TikTok to showcase the hysteria among Target shoppers who were trying to grab a limited edition Valentine's Day Stanley cup which came in shades of bright red or fuchsia pink 

She told the outlet: 'It was not a surprise that the Stanley was a popular gift... but seeing Gen Alpha kids sobbing over water bottles is pretty surprising. At least the kids are hydrating!'

The expert said that despite the recent hysteria, the Stanley cup was reaching the end of its trend cycle.

'They are absolutely on their way out. This is peak Stanley. There's no up from here!' she said.

Casey expects that the tumblers will follow the pattern of most trends which 'start with cool youth, and then once they trickle down (to younger kids) and up (to adults), the cool youth move on.'  

Citing the once popular Drunk Elephant skincare fandom, she added: 'When young kids and tweens adopt a trend or product, teens and older Gen Z distance themselves.'

As customers started aggressively reaching for the insulated cup, the store employee can be heard saying 'limit two per guest,' as the overlaid text read: 'Sold out in less than four minutes' 

But it seems not everyone was convinced that the hype was worth it as viewers flooded to the comments

The forecaster said that the next fad could revolve around the Owala brand but concluded: 'Honestly, I think... that there won't be a next "It" water bottle because I think it's not about water bottles, really, now that tweens are into it.

'I think now the Stanley trend is more like collecting Beanie Babies. It's a flex!'

Casey echoed her sentiments on X, formerly known as Twitter, as she interacted with another user.

The original post read: 'Unrelated but every time a product booms like this, it reminds me how much humans crave belonging and community. 

'People aren't buying these cups SOLELY for the benefits of the cup itself. They want to feel like they fit "in" too. They're buying inclusion.'

Casey reposted the tweet and captioned it: 'Couldn't agree more - it has nothing to do with a water bottle.'