At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, water bottles are a frequent subject of examination. We rigorously evaluate them for performance, durability, and user-friendliness. However, when the Air Up water bottle came onto our radar, we knew it was time for a unique testing approach.

Our dedicated 11-person testing panel, consisting of consumers, dietitians, kitchen equipment experts, engineers, and chemists, embarked on a comprehensive journey. This endeavor resulted in over a hundred data points and invaluable feedback, encompassing taste perceptions, comfort during usage, and shifts in hydration habits.

In our Lab, we didn't skimp on testing. We conducted drop and leak tests on both plastic and stainless steel Air Up models. Our assessment extended to nine distinct flavor pods, which we meticulously rated for flavor quality, longevity, and strength. We also examined the water bottle's ease of use, considering aspects 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 visionary German university students, founded Air Up after their exploration of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. Shepherd's book challenges traditional notions by underscoring the critical role of the sense of smell in flavor perception. Inspired by these insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to create the first Air Up prototype, guided by the motto "Neuroscience meets design." Their overarching goal is to enhance global health by addressing poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. This innovative water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 distinctive flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, offering personalization options with a variety of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Discover the science that powers Air Up's unique flavor-enhancing system. According to Air Up, our olfactory receptors are responsible for most of our taste sensations, and they can detect an astounding 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the secret sauce behind our innovation. It's how we infuse plain water with delightful 'flavored' air from our pods. When you sip through our bottles, your nasal receptors interpret this 'flavored' air as taste, transforming your water into a flavorful experience, even though it remains unflavored."

With Air Up, you'll perceive scent as taste, creating a whole new way to enjoy beverages.

Discover the magic of Air Up with these user-friendly instructions. Fill your water bottle to the capacity line, attach the mouthpiece and straw, and place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring activation. When you sip, anticipate the pleasure of scent-flavored air bubbles traveling through the straw, transforming into taste sensations as they rise.

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 proudly claims that each of its pods can enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with enticing scents. The company also advises consumers to take note of the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's potency may decrease over time, with the freshest experience achieved when the pod is recently opened. It's essential to store the pods in their original packaging, as they are not washable and should be unsealed only before attaching to your water bottle.

Our findings revealed that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended period without use, the aroma gradually faded, leading to a less pronounced "flavor" for the water. In light of the per-pod cost and the current online-only purchasing option, our experts expressed the wish for longer-lasting pods.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

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

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?

Is the Air Up water bottle worth your consideration? This unique bottle is tailored for those who enjoy the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to stay hydrated with a burst 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, "People who struggle with staying hydrated might appreciate this bottle, especially those who find plain water unappealing." If you have a busy schedule and find it challenging to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be a game-changer.

However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the Air Up water bottle may not suit everyone, particularly those who consume significant quantities of water and need a larger bottle capacity (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). As one tester mentioned, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Additionally, consider your budget, as purchasing flavor pods regularly can impact your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be an ongoing expense. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers giving Air Up their recommendation, it appears to have garnered widespread approval.

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