In the world of water bottles, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab is renowned for its comprehensive evaluations. Over time, we've scrutinized numerous bottles, weighing their performance, durability, and user-friendliness. However, when the Air Up entered our radar, we knew we had something unique to explore.

Our formidable 11-person testing panel, comprised of consumers, dietitians, kitchen equipment experts, engineers, and chemists, embarked on a mission to gather extensive data. This endeavor yielded over a hundred data points and invaluable feedback. From assessing taste perceptions to gauging comfort during usage and monitoring shifts in hydration habits, we left no stone unturned.

Within our Lab, we conducted meticulous drop and leak tests on both plastic and stainless steel Air Up models. Our scrutiny extended to nine distinct flavor pods, meticulously rating them based on flavor quality, durability, and intensity. We also evaluated the water bottle's ease of use, considering factors such as filling, carrying, drinking, and cleaning.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Air Up, a groundbreaking venture, was founded by Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two forward-thinking German university students. Their journey began when they delved into the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. Shepherd's book challenges conventional wisdom by emphasizing the role of the sense of smell in shaping flavor perception. This revelation led Jüngst and Jäger to create the very first Air Up prototype, driven by their mission to merge neuroscience with design and combat poor nutrition, especially inadequate hydration. The viral Air Up water bottle boasts compatibility with 15 distinct flavor pods and comes in both plastic and stainless steel versions, which can be personalized with a wide range of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Experience the unique connection between scent and taste with Air Up's groundbreaking approach. Air Up highlights the role of olfactory receptors, capable of identifying an impressive 1 trillion scents. The brand explains:

"Retronasal smelling is the bridge that makes Air Up exceptional. It's how we introduce 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip is a sensory journey, as your nasal receptors interpret 'flavored' air as taste. Surprisingly, your water remains true to its original flavor, while your palate explores new dimensions through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll discover the remarkable synergy between scent and taste.

Experience a symphony of scent and taste with Air Up following these instructions. Start by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and connecting the mouthpiece with the straw. Position the circular pod over the mouthpiece, verifying activation. When you sip, enjoy the harmonious journey of scented air bubbles through the straw, transforming into taste sensations.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is in the flavor pods?

According to Air Up, their flavor pods are crafted using natural extracts from plants, fruits, and spices. While they keep specific details related to their intellectual property under wraps, their commitment to natural ingredients is evident.

Air Up offers a diverse range of 15 flavors, from classic apple to intriguing basil-lemon and refreshing orange-vanilla. You can explore these scents through variety packs or opt for three-packs of your favorite flavor. Each water bottle starter set also includes a selection of flavor pods.

During our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent emerging as a unanimous favorite. Testers shared their insights, highlighting varying scent strengths and flavor profiles.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

According to Air Up, each of its pods is engineered to enrich approximately 1.3 gallons of water with captivating scents. The company also highlights the importance of checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's potency may decrease over time, providing the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. It is crucial to store the pods in their original packaging, as they are not washable and should only be unsealed just before attaching them to your water bottle.

Our observations revealed that if the pods remained attached to the water bottle for an extended duration without use, the fragrance gradually dissipated, leading to a less pronounced "flavor" for the water. Our experts, considering the per-pod cost and the current online-only purchasing option, expressed a desire for pods with an extended lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles truly live up to their promise? Our extensive testing journey revealed that they do indeed transform water into flavorful experiences with their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, left a lasting impression with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were diverse, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

As we delved into the data and feedback from our testers, it became evident that individual preferences and scent perception played a significant role in shaping the experience. Scent perception is a subjective realm, influenced by personal associations and the nuances of each person's olfactory sensitivity. Some testers did not envision integrating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others considered it an innovative addition.

One tester noted, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another shared, "This is not a mere gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle adds a touch of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your journey with Air Up is intimately tied to your sensory perceptions.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our in-depth analysis of the Air Up water bottle, we've examined its durability, weight, and comfort characteristics. We've explored how the lightweight plastic version compares to the heavier stainless steel model in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've assessed the bottles' ability to endure repeated falls onto hard concrete, revealing their individual strengths and vulnerabilities. These real-world trials provide valuable insights into their resilience.

Our leak testing procedures scrutinized the bottles' capacity to remain leak-free when positioned horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Discover the variations in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel options.

Additionally, we delved into the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, focusing on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Cleaning and maintenance considerations, including the advantages of the stainless steel variant, are also explored.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

The Air Up water bottle poses a question: is it a worthwhile investment? This distinctive bottle caters to those who savor the taste of flavored water and find it more enticing to meet their hydration goals with a dash of flavor.

Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, the Nutrition Lab Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, believes, "Individuals who struggle to stay adequately hydrated would appreciate this bottle, especially those who deem plain water uninspiring." If you lead a busy life and lack the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be the solution you've been seeking.

However, it's important to note that the Air Up water bottle may not suit everyone, particularly those who consume large quantities of water and require a more capacious bottle (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). As one tester remarked, "I wish it were available in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Consider your budget as well, as regularly purchasing flavor pods can add up in cost. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may impact your finances. Despite these considerations, seven out of 11 testers recommended Air Up, indicating its appeal to the majority.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

ref: Air Up Water Bottle Review: We Tested the Water Bottle That "Flavors" Water Via Scent