Water and ice go in any Owala. Hot and carbonated drinks only go in the models Owala approves (the FreeSip Twist, Owala Tumbler and SmoothSip Slider), and nothing should go in a microwave, on a boil or, for plastic bottles, in a freezer. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Drink-by-drink guide
| Drink | Stainless FreeSip family | FreeSip Twist | Owala Tumbler and SmoothSip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold water | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ice cubes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hot coffee or tea | No | Yes, with care | Yes, with care |
| Sparkling water and soda | No | Yes, open slowly | Yes, open slowly |
| Milk, protein shakes, smoothies | No (perishable) | Check care guide, wash right after | Check care guide, wash right after |
| Juice and sports drinks | Owala says to stick to water | Check care guide | Check care guide |
This table follows Owala’s FAQ: the stainless steel FreeSip, plastic FreeSip, Kids’ FreeSip and Flip bottles are not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids, while the 24 oz and 40 oz Tumbler and SmoothSip hold cold, carbonated and hot drinks. Owala’s FreeSip page also advises sticking to water in the FreeSip. Sway and FreeSip Tumbler models are not named separately, so check the care guide for your bottle.
Ice
Ice is fine and helps keep drinks cold. Owala says its stainless bottles are triple-layer insulated, so a few ice cubes do the job of a freezer. Fill with ice first, then water.
Sparkling water and soda
Not in the standard FreeSip. In a Twist, Tumbler or SmoothSip, Owala says carbonated drinks are fine, but pressure can build, so open slowly and release pressure by loosening the lid a quarter turn. Do not shake it.
Smoothies, protein shakes and milk
Owala lists perishable liquids as a no for the FreeSip family, so leave these out of it. In other models, milk-based drinks spoil quickly and leave residue in the lid, so wash the bottle and lid right after. See how to clean an Owala lid and Owala mold and smell.
Freezing
Owala’s FAQ says the stainless steel bottle is technically freezer safe but recommends ice cubes instead. It does not recommend freezing plastic Owala bottles because they can turn brittle and crack. Its FreeSip usage instructions also say not to freeze, so the safest approach is not to. If you do freeze a drink, leave room at the top, since contents expand.
Microwave and boiling
Never microwave a stainless steel Owala. Owala strongly discourages microwaving plastic ones too, because a sealed lid can let pressure build and blow open. Do not boil in an Owala.
FAQ
Can you put ice in an Owala?
Yes. Ice is the recommended way to get a very cold drink.
Can you put carbonated drinks in an Owala?
Only in models Owala approves for it: FreeSip Twist, Tumbler and SmoothSip Slider. Not in the standard FreeSip.
Can you put protein shakes in an Owala?
Owala says not to put perishable liquids in FreeSip bottles. Check the care guide for other models and wash right after use.
Can you put alcohol in an Owala?
Owala’s FAQ does not address it. Follow the same rules as for any carbonated or perishable drink for your model.
Can you freeze an Owala?
Stainless is technically safe but Owala prefers ice; plastic bottles should not be frozen.
Related guides: Can you put hot drinks in an Owala?, Is Owala safe?, How to clean an Owala
Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala FreeSip page, Owala FreeSip Twist page