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The 12 Best Drinking Glasses of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Set your table with our favorite expert-approved drinkware

Assortment of drinking glasses we recommend displayed on a marble countertop while filled with various drinks

The Spruce Eats / Grace Kelly

A drinking glass is essential in every kitchen. You use it to replenish after your morning run and fill it with your favorite cocktail at the end of a workday. No matter your lifestyle or design taste, there are plenty of options for all drinkers—including tempered glasses, which are shock-resistant to both hot and cold beverages, and lead-free glasses that can be stacked for easy storage. There are chic crystal options for high-end sipping and durable tumblers for everyday drinking. All of these material options come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

To help you find the best drinking glasses for your needs, we consulted with experts and tested some top-rated glassware side by side. We then evaluated each set on its design, size, durability, and overall value. Dozens of various beverages were consumed in order to make sure these drinking glasses are truly ideal. From highballs to goblets and utilitarian to elegant, we've got you covered on all fronts.

Best Overall

Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Tumbler Glasses Set

Libbey-polaris-16-piece-tumbler-glasses-set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Durable quality

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Rounded bottom may take getting used to

Libbey’s all-purpose tumbler set checks off a lot of boxes: There are enough glasses to serve 16 people total, the glasses feel durable in your hand, and the curving design makes them feel far more elevated than the price tag suggests. 

This 16-piece set includes eight 17.75-ounce tumbler glasses and eight 15-ounce rocks glasses. Both sizes have a classic design, so they won't feel dated in a few years. The slightly rounded bottom gives the glass a lightweight look, though it's weighted, so it provides stability. This lead-free set is American-made, budget-conscious, dishwasher-safe, and fits into any setting.

We were fans of the generous capacity during testing—the highball can hold an extra-strong gin and tonic or water with plenty of ice to keep you cool on a hot day, and the rocks glass is ideal for a generously portioned Negroni. If you're someone who finds Collins glasses to be too large and highball glasses to be too small, this one will feel like the best of both worlds.

Libbey remains one of the best drinking glass options on the market for any occasion, and Jonathan Stanyard, who runs the bar at Seattle’s Feast, agrees. "Libbey has a huge variety of not only styles, but also levels of quality," Stanyard says. "I find most of the glasses are well-constructed and hold up in a busy environment."

Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Tumbler Glasses Set displayed on a white surface with a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 16 | Dimensions: 3 x 6.34 inches (tumbler), 3.3 x 4.23 inches (rocks glass) | Capacity: 17.75 ounces (tumbler) 15 ounces (rocks glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Red Co. Vibrant Splash Highball Glasses

Red Co. Vibrant Splash Water, Beverage Highball Glasses, 13.25 Ounce - Set of 6

Amazon

What We Like
  • Great for larger households

  • Easy to clean

  • Elegant yet functional design

What We Don't Like
  • Thin glass is fragile

Red Co.’s vibrant 13.25-ounce glasses all feature a different color on the bottom, which is great for two reasons: It adds a little fun to your glass, while not being overwhelming in design, and it's easy to tell whose glass is whose. Since the hues are infused into the bottom, it won't fade or wear out over time, either. When we added sparkling water to the glass, we liked that it made the drink shimmer ever so slightly with the color of the glass, whether red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple.

While the top of the glass feels delicate and elegant, the weighted bottom stabilizes the glass, giving it a nice feel in your hand and making it less likely to tip over when you set it down. Ripples on the bottom of the glass help manage any condensation that happens with a cold beverage on a hot day. Six glasses are included in the set, and all are dishwasher-safe. If you’re looking for consistency, Red Co. also makes matching lowball glasses and shot glasses.

Red Co. Vibrant Splash Highball Glasses displayed on a black counter with a white background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 2.75 inches x 5.75 inches | Capacity: 13.25 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Budget

Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Assorted Glassware Set

Libbey-ascent-16-piece-assorted-glassware-set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Built to last

  • Holds condensation well

What We Don't Like
  • Too large for child-sized hands

Libbey’s Ascent glassware set is a particularly appealing option if you’re stocking your glassware cabinet for the first time—perhaps after a move or for your very first apartment. There are 16 glasses in a set, including eight rocks glasses and eight rounded highball glasses. The rocks glasses hold 13.3 ounces and the highball glasses hold 16 ounces. Note the chunkier, angular base: It makes the glass feel stable in your hand. The large capacity on both the rocks and highball glasses means you can make generously-sized drinks. 

Both are excellent everyday drinking glasses, and for the price, it might be wise to stock up and use them as your go-to party glasses, as you'll never fear if you drop or crack one. In fact, we'd be surprised if one did actually crack because they're surprisingly durable. These low-effort, high-design glasses match any home design and are incredibly versatile. Use them for ice water or mix cocktails, mocktail recipes, and refreshing punches. All are dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup. We also love the curved lip, which allows water and stronger-proof drinks to flow smoothly into your mouth.

Dean Hurst, beverage director at Datz Restaurant Group in Tampa, Florida, purchases Libbey’s glasses at all the restaurants and bars he oversees. "From the tough to the elegant, Libbey reliably covers options for a wide range of styles and budgets," he says. "They hold up well to constant washing and polishing in a tight bar space." 

Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Assorted Glassware Set displayed on a blue surface

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 16 | Dimensions: 3 x 5.9 inches (tumbler), 3.5 x 3.7 inches (rocks glass) | Capacity: 16 ounces (tumbler), 13.3 ounces (rocks glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best for Cocktails

Riedel Nick and Nora Cocktail Glasses

Riedel-nick-and-nora-cocktail-glasses

Amazon

What We Like
  • Elegant

  • Affordable

  • Surprisingly sturdy

What We Don't Like
  • Noticeable seams in the stem

Riedel’s chic Nick & Nora Cocktail Glasses are bartender-approved. Anthony Escalante, bar manager and resident mixologist at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona says, “The design is a very clean, classic style, but they're also purposely built, so you can get excellent usage from the set in any bar program without having to sacrifice quality for durability.”

While they look expensive and fragile, they're actually budget-friendly and dishwasher-safe. The top of the glass is light and airy, while the base is nicely weighted. It's surprisingly resilient to drops and varying temperatures too, according to our tests. Often, Nick and Nora glasses only hold a portion of a full-size drink, but this option is slightly larger than the standard, so there's ample room for a martini. That said, there's only enough room for an olive or two.

As for design standouts, we liked the whisper-thin glass upper construction and durable base for stability. Thanks to the curve of the glass, the drink flows straight to the middle of your palate, letting the flavors of the cocktail hit in all the right places. On the contrary, there are some noticeable seams on the stem, which aren't exactly a deal-breaker. This set comes with two 4-ounce glasses.

Riedel Nick and Nora Cocktail Glasses displayed on a blue surface

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 2 | Dimensions: 3.03 x 6.02 inches | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Color Options

Our Place Night and Day Glasses

Our Place Night and Day Glasses

Our Place

What We Like
  • Discount for buying sets of 8

  • Stackable

  • Made from recycled glass

  • 100-day trial period

What We Don't Like
  • May be too small for some

Our Place has created a drinking glass that's just as stylish and functional as the brand's popular Always Pan. We love the minimalist vibe of this glassware as well as the wide variety of colors available, all of which are stunning. Choose from eight different hues—everything from deep amber Sunset to sage green Dawn; if you can't choose, there are two options for assorted colors. During testing, we noted the thickness of the glass, which helps enhance the general durability of the cups and helps them sit solidly on the table. The smaller base helps them stack nicely, as well.

They come in sets of four or eight, though the brand offers a $10 discount on the latter and a 100-day trial on all purchases. Each glass holds 12 ounces and is made using recycled glass (making them fully recyclable once they've reached the end of their lives). While the glasses aren't safe to use in the microwave or with super hot liquids, they're easy to wash in the dishwasher. Pair them with the matching Night and Day Carafe that comes with a custom-designed filtering lid and a cold brew infuser.

Our Place Day + Night drinking glasses

The Spruce Eats / Grace Kelly

Material: Recycled glass | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.8 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Heavy-Duty

Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini 7.5-Ounce Glass Tumbler

Bormioli Rocco Stackable Bodega Glasses (Set of 12)

Amazon

What We Like
  • High-end but low-effort appearance

  • Made with tough tempered glass

  • Beautiful and simple

What We Don't Like
  • Small in size

These drinking glasses are ideal for anything and everything. Even though they look light and delicate, they’re made with tough tempered glass, making them resistant to thermal shock, breakage, chips, and everyday wear. This means they also lend well to stacking. During our tests, we observed that they fit neatly inside each other for easy cleanup and storage. The minimal design will match everything in your glassware and kitchenware cabinets, including the most colorful of place settings.

These glasses come 12 to a set, and each holds 7.5 ounces of everything from wine and water to coffee and desserts. When you’re done with them, pop them in the dishwasher. The tempered finish protects them from getting cloudy.

The glass is thicker, which some folks may not love, but to us, it had the draw of a low-effort glass served on a patio in Italy. Use these to dole out Negronis, sparkling water, or your favorite house wine when friends roll up. Likewise, since these are technically the smaller version of our favorite beer glasses, they're also great for small portions of pilsner, sour ale, or IPA. The low profile and durable glass ensure these vessels are versatile, and the thicker glass also protects your hand from the chill of ice.

Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini 7.5-Ounce Glass Tumbler - Set of 12

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 12 | Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.25 inches | Capacity: 7.5 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Stackable

Duralex Picardie Clear Tumbler Set

Duralex Picardie Clear Tumbler Set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to grip

  • Tapered design

  • Very durable

What We Don't Like
  • Harder to hand wash

If you're short on storage space or just want a set of universal drinking glasses for everyday use, these stackable tumblers from Duralex are sure to fit the bill. We love their facets, which not only give the glasses a beautiful shine but also make them easier to grip.

Another bonus? They're super durable (we accidentally knocked one of them onto the concrete floor and were surprised to find it fully intact with no chips or scratches). Because they're so sturdy, you won't have to worry about them tipping over as much as other glasses, even when stacked high.

While the bottom is a little difficult to reach while hand washing, this shouldn't be a problem for those with access to a dishwasher since they're completely dishwasher safe. Overall, these drinking glasses feature a classic aesthetic that's versatile enough for practically every type of setting and occasion.

Duralex Made In France Picardie Clear Tumbler

The Spruce Eats / Grace Kelly

Material: Tempered glass | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.7 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best for Outdoors

Silipint Silicone Original Pint Glass

Silipint Silicone Original Pint Glass

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Unbreakable through years of use

  • Flexes yet sits flat

  • Withstands freezer to microwave temperatures

What We Don't Like
  • Thicker-than-expected rim

Silipint’s flexible pint glasses are outdoor-friendly for your drink and the environment since they’re made of food-grade silica, a naturally occurring alternative to plastic. The material can withstand temperatures below 58 and up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it safe for the microwave, oven, and boiling water (just avoid setting it on a direct flame or burner).

We found this pint glass to be highly packable since it flexes slightly and doesn’t crack if it gets jammed into a backpack or tossed around. Even with the flexibility, the glass is stable enough to hold its shape while you drink and doesn’t tip over when you set it down—even on a somewhat uneven surface. The thickness of the silicone aids this stability, though it does make the rim a little wider than that of other glasses.

It holds up to repeated use in all sorts of conditions, and tough remains like dried-on smoothie, garden dirt, and even sand will wash off in hot, soapy water. The pint glasses are sold individually or in sets in numerous colors and patterns and can be customized, so you may find one with the logo of your favorite bike shop or kayak outfitter. They fit nicely into most car cupholders, and you can add a straw and lid to your order for spill-free sipping when behind the wheel.

Silipint silicone original pint glass

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

Material: BPA-free silicone | Number of Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 x 6.8 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best High-End

Fferrone Dearborn Glasses

FFerrone-dearborn-glasses

Far Fetch

What We Like
  • Extremely durable material

  • Stunning in design

  • Blown by hand

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly awkward to sip from

Everyone needs a good set of glasses—you know, the kind you bring out for a celebration. Fferrone makes one of the best options to splurge on, combining vintage flair with contemporary detailing. The brand’s glasses are made in Chicago by former architect Felicia Ferrone, and while they’re American-made, the design pays homage to mid-century Italian design.

Each is carefully blown by hand from borosilicate glass without the use of molds, featuring fluted sides and a curved bottom that looks incredibly stylish perched on a table. Note the inside of the lip is also fluted. While some may find them slightly awkward to sip from, it’s an easily ignored design detail if you’re looking for a high-style glass. It has a pleasant weight and holds temperature well.

Your glass options with this brand include standard water glasses, stemless wine glasses, shot glasses, Collins glasses, and stemless Champagne flutes. While they are on the pricier side, they're made with near-indestructible borosilicate glass. If you happen to tip one over, chances are you’ll be safe from smashes. They're even dishwasher-, oven-, and microwave-safe, which is surprising for a glass at this price point and quality.

Fferrone Dearborn Glasses on a black surface with a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Glass | Number of Pieces: 2 | Dimensions: 2.36 x 6.69 inches (Collins glass), 2.76 inches x 3.94 inches (water glass) | Capacity: 13 ounces (Collins glass), 10 ounces (water glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Design

Material Full Glass Set

Material The Full Glass Set

Material

What We Like
  • Dainty yet durable

  • Stackable

  • Excellent size and shape

  • Unique appearance

What We Don't Lik
  • Stem may be breakable

Water glasses aren’t exactly the most glamorous of glasses (a coupe or martini glass will likely take that award). But these design-forward water glasses from Material certainly do a good job of elevating your standard drinking glass. The glasses come in three different colors — a smokey gray, standard clear, forest green, and lilac.

There’s a small foot at the bottom of the glass. It allows for you to hold the glass with better grip and keeps the heat of your hand away from whatever is inside the glass, reducing the chance your hand will melt ice or warm up your wine. The glasses are made with ultra-thin and highly durable borosilicate glass – resistant to thermal shock, dishwasher safe, and able to withstand everyday use. The glass is light and feels delicate in your hand, but our tester was surprised at how durable they are — after multiple uses the clarity remains and the glasses have withstand bumps.

We were particularly impressed with the size. At 12.6 ounces, it’s large enough for both generous pours of water and standard mixed drinks (like sparkling G&Ts and rum-and-colas). Or, pour a glass of wine — the curving bottom allows the glass to double as a low-effort wine glass that amplifies aromas. After testing we are sure these glasses are built for all occasions.

Material also offers a full range of matching settings to build out your kitchen with. Serve a G&T in this glass and pair it with a half-sized glass in a matching shade for water.

Material The Full Glass Set drinking glasses

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Borosilicate glass | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 4.9 inches tall | Capacity: 12.6 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best for Whiskey Drinks

Lanfula Whiskey Decanter and Glasses

Lanfula-whiskey-decanter-and-glasses

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lead-free

  • Includes matching decanter

  • Great for gifting

What We Don't Like
  • May be too heavy for some tastes

"There's a particular style of whiskey glasses that I just love the feel of," Benjamin Pozar, who helms the bar at Fogo de Chão in Bedford, Texas, says about these glasses. "The base is a square, which is twisted out. It has a fantastic weight and is great for sipping straight spirits."

Made with high-quality, lead-free crystal, the six appealing glasses and matching crystal decanter have a unique curving shape. We found the glasses to be very heavy, even when empty, giving them a nice, solid feel in hand. For the folks who want to sit in a cozy chair and sip and swirl an Old Fashioned, this weight is perfect. The lip is pretty thick, though, so it may not be ideal for a top-shelf bottle of Scotch.

If you're not one to ponder the nuances of a whiskey and prefer to sip it in a cocktail, this is certainly an excellent choice. Break it out at a dinner party for the nightcap. And for the price? It's a no-brainer set for gifting to your favorite whiskey lovers.

Lanfula Whiskey Decanter Glasses on a wood surface with a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Lead-free crystal | Number of Pieces: 7 | Dimensions: N/A | Capacity: 27 ounces (decanter), 10 ounces (glass) | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Plastic

Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set

Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Break- and spill-resistant

  • Double-walled construction is effective

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Lids and straws sold separately

Though the notion of plastic drinking glasses may bring your mind to red Solo cups, upscale plastic tumblers can come in handy for your drinking needs. Think of them as the ideal vessel for patio, porch, or picnic drinks. If you tend to break glasses (or have clumsy members in your household), plastic can be a great solution—it’s resistant to drops and spills for all al fresco drinking needs. 

Tervis is a fan favorite when it comes to plastic drinking glasses. The shatter-proof tumbler holds 16 ounces and keeps drinks hot or cold for an extended period of time. The thoughtful double-walled construction keeps the outside sweat-free, too. Each tumbler is made with BPA- and melamine-free construction. Note that these glasses do not come with lids or straws.

In our tests, we found that even though the lip of the tumbler is thicker, it's curved, allowing the liquid to flow more easily. It's also very light—a wonderful option for, say, making drinks by a pool. Even if the cup is loaded up with ice, the double-walled design kept my hand at room temperature and my drink freezing cold, just the way it should be.

The standard option is minimalist and clear, but you can also opt for a personalized cup including your initials, favorite color, or a personalized message. Whatever you decide, these durable glasses can seemingly last a lifetime.

Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set displayed on a wooden surface with a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Material: Plastic | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.4 x 6 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Final Verdict

The Libbey Polaris set is a solid choice if you want excellent glasses that last. If you’re looking for more creative alternatives, Riedel’s cocktail-specific glasses are quirky and chic, while Tervis’ tumblers are a great, durable choice for outdoor drinks.

How We Tested Drinking Glasses

Each set of drinking glasses on this list was used in the homes of our experienced product testers. We tested each drinking glass set with water and different cocktails, such as gin and tonic, to determine which ones excelled in key features like design, size, durability, and overall value. We then considered additional insights on each drinking glass' strengths and weaknesses. Our spirits expert and product tester, Kate Dingwall, also consulted with several experts to get a greater sense of what to look for in the best drinking glasses.

2 Red Co. Vibrant Splash Highball Glasses displayed on a white counter

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

What to Look for in Drinking Glasses

Ease of Cleaning

While washing glasses in a dishwasher is the easiest option, if you don’t use a lot of glassware, it’s also simple to swish, rinse, and dry your glasses, especially if you don’t fill the dishwasher every day. Consider whether it's important to you that your drinking glasses are dishwasher-safe.

Design

Consider design and material preferences in your drinking glasses, such as whether they're shock-resistant to hot liquids or stackable for easy storage. You may want to have a set of crystal options for parties, durable tumblers for drinking outdoors, or something in between for everyday use. If you have kids, it’s wise to consider whether the drinkware you choose will be easy for them to hold or sturdy enough to handle small bumps and accidents.

Versatility

Of course, you’re going to choose drinkware that you like, but if you want to limit the number of glasses you own, it’s a good idea to pick ones you can use every day with your normal plates and silverware, and perhaps even the nice dinnerware that you only bring out for special occasions.

Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Assorted Glassware Set on a mirrored surface with a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

FAQs

How do you clean cloudy drinking glasses?

If your glasses are coming out of the dishwasher cloudy, this is likely because of hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content, which leaves a buildup of calcium and minerals on your glasses. Luckily, the fix is easy. Make a quick solution with white vinegar and water (some folks use nail polish remover, as well) and use it to gently clean the glasses with a dishcloth. Alternatively, you could let the glasses soak in a bucket of vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes.

If a vinegar solution does not help remove the film, the fogginess may actually be etching caused by excessive washing. Unfortunately there’s no remedy to this, so if you want to keep your glasses in pristine condition, always wash crystal and higher-end glasses by hand.

Are drinking glasses recyclable?

This may come as a surprise, but drinking glasses are not recyclable. The majority of drinking glasses have various additives to make them safe to drink out of, which changes the melting point of the glass—so most municipal recycling facilities are not equipped to process them.

That doesn’t mean the glasses can't be upcycled. Consider donating your unwanted glasses to a local thrift shop. While they may be old for you, they may feel new to someone else.

Lanfula Whiskey Decanter and Glasses displayed in the box on a wood surface

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Kate Dingwall is an experienced spirits writer and glassware collector. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for five years, including extensive coverage on glassware. She owns a concerning amount of glassware, from art deco Karl Palda decanters to 1800s crystal coupes (and she’s happy to wax poetic about all of them) and personally tested several picks in this roundup.

Julie Laing, who provided additional reporting for this article, has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and is the author of the weekly newspaper column and food blog Twice as Tasty. She regularly carries a Silipint glass with her when headed outdoors to weed in her garden, sail on the lake, or listen to a concert under the stars. She is the author of "The Complete Guide to Pickling," which contains vinegar-based and fermented beverages.

Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.

Additional reporting by
Julie Laing
Julie Laing The Spruce Eats
Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and currently specializes in pickling, preserving, sourdough baking, and generally making good food from scratch year-round. She published her first cookbook, The Complete Guide to Pickling, in 2020.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated by
Amanda McDonald
Amanda McDonald
Amanda McDonald is a journalist living in New York City and Commerce Updates Editor for The Spruce Eats. She has written and edited health, wellness, food, and fitness content as well as recipes for multiple publications.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
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The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.

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