Uncover the flavor alchemy that sets Air Up apart, where scent takes center stage. Air Up underscores the significance of olfactory receptors, capable of identifying an astounding 1 trillion scents. The brand elucidates:

"Retronasal smelling is the cornerstone of Air Up's innovation. It's how we infuse plain water with 'flavored' air from our pods. When you sip from our bottles, your nasal receptors interpret this 'flavored' air as taste, enhancing your beverage without altering its actual flavor. It's like a symphony of scent and taste."

With Air Up, you'll experience a transformation where scent becomes an integral part of your drink.

Give your hydration a flavorful twist with these effective instructions for Air Up. First, fill your water bottle to the capacity line and connect the mouthpiece with the straw. Carefully position the circular pod over the mouthpiece and activate it. When you take a sip, enjoy the sensory delight of scented air bubbles traveling through the straw, translating into taste.

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 we tested Air Up

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 in the flavor pods?

Air Up's flavor pods are a testament to their commitment to natural ingredients. According to the company, these pods are infused with natural flavors derived from plants, fruits, and spices. While they keep certain details related to their intellectual property confidential, their dedication to using pure, natural elements is evident.

On the brand's website, you'll find an enticing array of 15 flavors, ranging from classic apple to the innovative basil-lemon and the delightful orange-vanilla. You can explore these scents through variety packs or indulge in three-packs of your favorite flavor. Additionally, every water bottle starter set includes a selection of flavor pods.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent unanimously favored. Testers shared their impressions, highlighting differences in scent intensity and 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? Our meticulous testing process revealed that they do indeed succeed in imparting flavors to water through their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, stood out with its juicy and enjoyable "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were mixed, with some finding it somewhat artificial.

As we dissected the data and the feedback from our testers, it became evident that personal preferences and scent perception played a pivotal role. Scent experiences are inherently individual, influenced by personal associations and the unique characteristics of each individual's sense of smell. Some testers did not envision incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others regarded it as an innovative enhancement.

One tester remarked, "Inhaling the scent didn't amplify the flavor for me," while another stated, "This is not a mere gimmick. On days when plain water fails to excite, the Air Up bottle adds a layer of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is intimately linked to your sensory experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Delve into the world of the Air Up water bottle as we assess its durability, weight, and comfort features. We've explored how the lightweight plastic version contrasts with its heavier stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Our drop testing procedures subjected both materials to a series of drops onto hard concrete, unveiling their respective strengths and weaknesses. The results shed light on the bottles' resilience when faced with real-world conditions.
Leak testing was another crucial aspect of our evaluation, where we examined the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when positioned on their sides with tightly sealed lids. Discover the differences between the plastic and stainless steel bottles in this regard.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort factor of the Air Up water bottle, particularly focusing on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Ease of cleaning, including the advantages of the stainless steel model, was also a key consideration.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

The Air Up water bottle begs the question: is it a worthwhile addition to your daily routine? This distinctive bottle caters to those who appreciate the taste of flavored water and find it easier to meet their hydration goals with a hint 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, suggests, "Individuals who struggle with staying adequately hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, particularly those who consider plain water uninteresting." 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 looking for.

However, it's essential 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 remarked, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Budget considerations also come into play, as regularly purchasing flavor pods can affect your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be a recurring expense. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers recommending Air Up, it seems to have won over 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