Published on Aug. 12, 2025
Our soft cooler expert tested the Stanley Julienne Cooler for a whole month to see if it truly keeps things cold for 12 hours. Does it live up to the hype? Here's her verdict.
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When you hear “Stanley,” the viral Quencher tumbler probably comes to mind, but last spring, the brand dropped a surprise hit: the Julienne cooler. Since then, it’s become a go-to trendy lunchtime companion.
With 12-hour chill power, a wide doctor’s bag-style opening, dual carry options, pockets and adorable winged bear lining, it’s more than just good looks.
But does it truly keep cool for a full day and live up to the hype? I put it to the test. Here’s why it might just be your new favorite sidekick for class or day trips.
This lightweight, soft cooler is built for day trips, the office and campus.
The Stanley All Day Julienne Cooler is a lightweight soft cooler with a wide, hinge-open top that makes packing and unpacking easy. No need for an extra set of hands while you toss in ice or wrestle bulky Tupperware.
It comes in three sizes: the 7.4-quart Mini, the 12-quart Midi and the 20-quart Max. All share the same sleek design and promise to keep contents cold for up to 12 hours. The Mini wins on color variety and is especially popular for school and work lunches.
I went with the Julienne Midi, which holds up to 20 cans. I figured it would be a good size for day trips with one or two other people. I also took a risk on the light cream color (bold or foolish, TBD), but in person, it’s a clean, bright neutral that really pops.
Design-wise, it’s full of thoughtful touches: a zip-top lid, a front zip pocket, two stretchy side pockets (for water bottles and quick-grab items), a trolley sleeve on the back and two ways to carry: a padded shoulder strap or snap-closure top handles.
I may be long past school cafeteria days, but I now travel with a snack-obsessed toddler who demands ‘nack ‘nacks every hour, on the hour. That means a reliable, portable soft cooler to keep yogurt, fruit, cheese,and other essentials chilled and ready to go is essential.
For the past month, the Julienne Midi Cooler has been my go-to. It’s come along everywhere: zoo trips, park hangs, lawn concerts, you name it. And so far, it’s handled my summer snack hustle like a champ.
So, the big question is: Does the Julienne actually keep things cold for 12 hours? The short answer is yes.
In a controlled test with just a can of soda and a layer of ice (not exactly an optimized pack), the cooler held strong in a 70-degree environment. At the 12-hour mark, half the ice was still solid, and the internal temp stayed at a chilly 32°F.
By 16 hours, the ice was mostly melted, and the temperature had crept up to just under 34°F, but the soda was still frosty cold. I wouldn’t count on it for longer than 16 hours, but to be fair, Stanley promises 12 hours, and it absolutely delivers.
I prefer packing the cooler with ice packs to avoid soggy snacks. Two large, good-quality ones kept lunch, snacks and drinks perfectly cold on a warm summer day at the zoo with no leaks, no hauling a bulky cooler. It’s not going to give you Yeti-level ice retention (see our best cooler testing for more on this), but for day trips, long shifts or park picnics, the Julienne punches well above its weight in the chill department.
The Midi version of the Julienne packs a solid 12-quart (11.3-liter) capacity, officially said to hold 20 cans. I comfortably fit 12-15 cans with ice without overstuffing. If you swap ice for slim ice packs, there’s room for even more—about 12 cans on the bottom and another 8 stacked on top.
When it comes to food, there’s easily enough space to pack lunch, drinks and snacks for two, no problem. I love the stretchy outer pockets for easy, quick grabs from the bottom of a stroller or back of a wagon when my toddler is one bite away from a meltdown.
What really sets the Julienne apart from other soft coolers is its lightweight build. It’s just 1.79 pounds! That makes a big difference when you’re already juggling a toddler, diaper bag and personal essentials. I consistently reach for this cooler over others in the same size range thanks to its portability, smart pocket layout and handy doctor’s bag-style top that stays open while you pack. It’s quick, efficient and hassle-free: exactly what you need on the go.
The Julienne Midi’s zippers and straps are sturdy, smooth and built to last. After a month of regular use (read: toddler chaos), I haven’t seen a single loose thread, torn handle or zipper snag. It holds its shape impressively well, even after being tossed into the car, wagon and stroller on repeat.
Now, about that light cream color. It definitely picks up dirt fast, especially when it’s within toddler foot range. That said, I was happy to find that a little stain remover does the trick. Food spills and grime come out easily, and the interior is water-resistant and wipes clean in seconds. Still, if your cooler is headed for locker floors, campground dirt or the daily office grind, a darker shade might be the safer bet (I’ve got my eye on the Dried Prune Mini).
Stanley didn’t stop with the Julienne. Meet its lunch-packing siblings: the All Day Madeline Cooler and the new All Day Lunch Box.
The Madeline is basically the Julienne in backpack form, perfect for hikes or hands-free day trips. It comes in two sizes (14 and 14.8 quarts) and features the same smart, stylish design.
Then there’s the All Day Lunch Box, a true lunchbox-sized option (4.2 and 6.3 quarts) with fewer color choices for now. It’s a perfect fit for Stanley’s Useful Box and great for school or work.
After testing the Stanley All Day Julienne Midi Cooler (and several other soft coolers from brands like Yeti, BruMate, and HydroFlask), I can confidently say it’s a top pick for day trips. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, simple to pack and delivers on its 12-hour cold promise. Plus, it’s stylish and more budget-friendly than many premium soft coolers.
Will it keep ice for days? Nope. But it’ll keep things cold for a full day without breaking your back, and its compact size slides neatly into tight spots like stroller baskets or lockers. For everyday adventures, it’s hard to beat.
A small, super-trendy cooler with impressive chill power
You can shop the Julienne and the rest of Stanley’s cooler lineup directly on their site, or through retailers like Target and REI. The Julienne Midi sells for $140, while the Mini retails for $100 and the Max for $180.
Whether you want a soft cooler or an old-school metal lunchbox, Stanley has something to fit your style and needs.
The new Stanley All Day Lunch Box starts at $45, while the All Day Julienne Cooler starts at $100. The All Day Madeline Backpack Cooler starts at $125. There’s also the metal Classic Lunch Box for $55.
The Julienne Coolers range in height from 9.84 inches (Mini) to 13.4 inches (Max). The Julienne Midi is 12.2 inches tall. If you’re packing a Stanley thermos, here’s what fits:
Stanley Mini Coolers are trending largely because of the brand hype, but also because their stylish design, compact size and real-world practicality keep the momentum going.
They’re not just trendy, they’re durable, well-made and actually keep your items cold for hours.
Our shopping editor, Mary Henn, has spent the last two years testing different soft and hard coolers. In response to our readers’ increased interest in coolers, she has tested as many soft coolers as possible. When warm weather is near, she continuously tests more coolers and related items, including the best cooler accessories, to help consumers make informed decisions based on real-life testing before they buy.
Elise is a home cook and recipe developer known for family-friendly dishes, trendy bakes and entertaining ideas.
