Do Air Up water bottles deliver on their promise? In our extensive testing, we found that they indeed transform the taste of water into the flavors of their pods. One standout was the mango-passionfruit pod, which delivered a juicy burst of "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were mixed, with some finding it tasted artificial.

As we dove into the data and tester feedback, it became clear that individual preferences played a significant role in the experience. People perceive scents differently, influenced by personal associations and variations in their sense of smell. Some testers didn't feel compelled to reach for the Air Up water bottle after testing, while others considered it an innovative addition to their hydration routine.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another noted, "It's not a gimmick. On days when I struggle to drink plain water at home, the Air Up bottle makes it more enjoyable." Ultimately, your experience with Air Up depends on how you perceive and enjoy scents.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Air Up emerged as a brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, a pair of innovative German university students who, during their academic pursuits, delved into the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It's of Great Importance, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This paradigm-shifting book challenges established beliefs by highlighting the pivotal role of the sense of smell in the perception of flavor. Empowered by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to bring their inaugural Air Up prototype to fruition, guided by the mission of "Bridging Neuroscience and Innovative Design." Their overarching objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often synonymous with poor nutrition. This cutting-edge water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 unique Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variants—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be tailored with an array of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Delve into the alchemy of taste perception with Air Up, where science meets flavor. Air Up highlights the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of detecting a staggering 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the magic ingredient that makes Air Up special. It's how we introduce 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip you take is enriched with this 'flavored' air, and your nasal receptors do the rest, turning it into taste. Remarkably, your water remains unaltered in terms of actual flavor. It's like experiencing flavor through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll witness the transformation of scent into a tantalizing taste experience.

Embark on a sensory journey with Air Up using these instructions. Start by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and securing the mouthpiece with the straw. Position the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring it's activated. When you sip from Air Up, embrace the scented air bubbles as they travel through the straw, delighting your senses with taste.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How we tested Air Up

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 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 claims that each of its pods is designed to enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with enticing scents. Additionally, the company advises consumers to take note of the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's vibrancy may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Storing 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 investigation, we found that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended period without being used, the scent gradually dissipated, resulting in 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 a more extended lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Join us in uncovering the durability, weight, and comfort aspects of Air Up water bottles. We've conducted a thorough examination of the lightweight plastic version and compared it to the robust stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Through comprehensive drop testing, we've assessed how well both materials can endure multiple drops onto hard concrete surfaces, highlighting their individual strengths and weaknesses. These real-world trials provide essential insights into their durability.

Our leak testing procedures focused on evaluating the bottles' ability to maintain a watertight seal when placed horizontally with tightly secured lids. Explore the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel options.

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

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

The Air Up water bottle prompts the question: is it a worthwhile addition to your daily routine? This unique bottle caters to those who appreciate the taste of flavored water and find it easier 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 with staying properly hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, especially if they consider plain water dull." If you have a busy lifestyle and find it challenging to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up might be the solution you've been seeking.

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). As one tester pointed out, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Budget-conscious individuals should also take note, as regularly purchasing flavor pods can impact your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may become an ongoing expense. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers recommending Air Up, it appears to have garnered widespread appeal.

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