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?

Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two innovative German university students, founded Air Up after being inspired by Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This groundbreaking book challenges traditional beliefs by highlighting the significant role of the sense of smell in shaping flavor. This revelation ignited Jüngst and Jäger's creativity, leading to the development of their first Air Up prototype. Their mission? To unite neuroscience and design and address the global health issue of poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. This revolutionary water bottle is compatible with 15 unique Air Up flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, allowing for personalization with an array of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Peer into the future of flavor perception with Air Up, where scent takes the lead. Air Up underscores the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of discerning a remarkable

1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the future of taste, and Air Up is at the forefront of this revolution. It's how we infuse 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip is a futuristic flavor experience, with your nasal receptors transforming 'flavored' air into taste. Astoundingly, your water remains unchanged in taste, but your palate embarks on a sensory journey through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll witness the future of flavor perception unfold before your senses.

Elevate your sensory experience with Air Up by mastering these easy steps. Begin by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and attaching the mouthpiece with the straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring it's activated. When you sip, embrace the enchanting path of scented air bubbles through the straw, elevating your taste perception.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is in the flavor pods?

Air Up's flavor pods are a reflection of their commitment to natural ingredients. These pods are meticulously crafted using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices, while specific intellectual property details are kept confidential.

With 15 flavors available on their website, ranging from classic apple to intriguing basil-lemon to indulgent orange-vanilla, Air Up offers a diverse range of options. You can explore these scents through variety packs or stock up on your preferred flavors with three-packs. Additionally, each water bottle starter set includes an assortment of flavor pods.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent emerging as a unanimous favorite. Testers provided insights into scent strength and their flavor preferences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

Air Up asserts that each of its pods can enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with delightful scents. Furthermore, the company recommends checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's intensity may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Keeping the pods in their original packaging is essential, as they cannot be cleaned and should only be unsealed just before attaching them to your water bottle.

In our investigations, we noted that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended duration without being used, the fragrance gradually faded, resulting in a milder "flavor" for the water. Given the per-pod price and the current online-exclusive availability, our experts expressed a desire for pods with a more prolonged lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles really work? Our rigorous testing revealed that they do indeed deliver on their promise, infusing water with the flavors of their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, stood out with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod varied, with some finding it a bit artificial.

As we analyzed the data and feedback from our testers, it became evident that personal preferences and scent perception played a pivotal role. Scent experiences can be highly individual, influenced by personal associations and the uniqueness of each person's sense of smell. Some testers didn't foresee incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others found it to be an innovative addition.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another noted, "This is far from a gimmick. On days when plain water doesn't appeal to me, the Air Up bottle makes hydration more enjoyable." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is shaped by your sensory perception.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our detailed examination of the Air Up water bottle, we've scrutinized its durability, weight, and comfort characteristics. We've explored the lightweight plastic version and compared it to the substantial stainless steel model in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've evaluated how well both materials can withstand multiple falls onto hard concrete surfaces, highlighting their unique qualities. These real-world tests provide crucial insights into their overall durability.

Our leak testing procedures focused on assessing the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when placed horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Discover the variations in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variants.

Additionally, we explored the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with a focus on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Cleaning and maintenance considerations, including the advantages of the stainless steel model, are also discussed.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

When it comes to the Air Up water bottle, the question on everyone's mind is whether it's worth the investment. This unique bottle caters to individuals who relish the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to meet their daily hydration goals with a touch of flavor.

According to Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, the Nutrition Lab Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, "Those who struggle with staying hydrated might find this bottle appealing, especially if they find plain water unappealing." If you have a busy lifestyle and lack the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be the solution you've been searching for.

However, it's important to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who consume substantial amounts of water and require a larger bottle capacity (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). One tester voiced, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Budget-conscious consumers should also take note, as purchasing flavor pods regularly can impact your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be a recurring expense. Nonetheless, with seven out of 11 testers endorsing Air Up, it appears to 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