SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — It’s no surprise that Utah has been gaining attention in popular culture lately, with shows such as “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” as well as national food trends like Crumbl cookies and dirty sodas.
Several of the trending products on social media today were developed in Utah. View ABC4’s list of Utah-based businesses that have gained online attention, regardless of whether influencers were aware of their origins.
Owala water bottles
Twenty-five years ago, Steven Sorensen developed the BlenderBottle, a container featuring a tiny metal ball that functioned as an internal mixer. With his wife, Kim Sorenson, the pair established Trove Brands, based in Lehi, Utah. Steve Sorensen’s latest innovation is the widely popularOwala water bottle. These bottles are particularlypopular among teensand young adults at this time.
The Owala company was established in March 2020. In 2023, the Owala FreeSip hydration container was recognized as one ofThe top innovations of the year according to TIMEThis type of water bottle is most recognized for its integrated spout and straw, along with a secure lid that helps avoid leaks.
The straw people and the spout people,” said Steven Sorensen in a 2023 press release from the company. “That appeared to be an issue that required a solution. You should be able to have everything in one bottle — in a straightforward and elegant manner, not in an over-the-top way with complicated gadgets and components.
Clean and Simple Eats protein powder
Protein powder and supplements are a trending subject on social media and have seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.Clean Simple Eats, a brand established in Utah, has been gaining momentum along with the rising trend. Erika and JJ Peterson are the husband-and-wife team responsible for the company.
According to Clean Simple Eats, the Petersonslaunched the company more than ten years agoIn their own kitchen, they chose to share the knowledge gained during their wellness journey. The company is most recognized for its protein powder, but also provides products such as energy drinks and a range of nut butters.
The couple has hundreds of thousands of followers.on InstagramOver 100,000 on TikTok. Their protein powders come in a range of traditional and distinctive flavors and are frequently showcased in popular protein shake and beverage recipes on the platform.
Skullcandy headphones
As per a statement fromSkullcandy, the well-known headphones brand was created on a chairlift in Park City in 2003. The company is now based in the same city, slightly southwest of Kimball Junction. Recently, they’ve been sharing multipleviral TikTok memesabout their brand.
Skullcandy refers to itself as “the original, rebellious, lifestyle audio brand” and claims it is dedicated to “enhancing experiences and encouraging creativity on the mountains, beaches, and streets.” Recently, in March 2025, renowned skateboarder Tony Hawkbecame a brand representative for Skullcandy.
“Tony embodies all that Skullcandy represents — bold self-expression, long-term influence, and passion for the culture. He’s more than just a professional skateboarder — he’s a force of change. And this force has always been accompanied by music,” said Justin Regan, Skullcandy’s Vice President of Brand, in a March press release.
HyrdoJug water tumblers
Online, staying hydrated is very popular, which is likely why two Utah-based water bottle companies are appearing on this list. HydroJug wasfounded in 2016by Hayden and Jake Wadsworth and isheadquartered in Ogden. The original HydroJug — now referred to as the Pro Jug — was a half-gallon, lightweight plastic container, designed to minimize waste and encourage better hydration.
In the past few years, HydroJug launched their collection of stainless-steel bottles, andthe TravelerA drink container featuring a flip-top cover and an integrated handle has gained popularity on the internet. It comes in multiple colors and designs, attracting a wide range of people.
On social media, both influencers and everyday users often share updates about HydroJug’s latest designs and display their assortment of different tumbler brands, filling them with a variety of drinks or water mixtures.
Crumbl cookies
Even though Crumbl is not as much of a physical product as other brands on this list, the cookie company has managed to be present in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. In certain regions, the cookies can also be delivered.
Crumbl was founded in Logan, Utah, in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. The company grew rapidly throughout Utah and soon spread to other states. Today, in 2025, it has become a national phenomenon and has also expanded into Canada.
Social media users may be familiar with the cookies from several recent trends, including a partnership with the Kardashian-Jenner family that received varied feedback from influencers on TikTok and Instagram. They have also collaborated with artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Benson Boone to design cookies for tours and to mark new music releases.
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