Air Up's flavor pods are a result of their dedication to natural ingredients. They craft these pods using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices, although specific intellectual property details remain closely guarded.

The brand boasts a wide variety of 15 flavors available on their website, ranging from the classic apple to the intriguing basil-lemon and the indulgent orange-vanilla. You can explore these scents through variety packs or stock up on your top picks with three-packs. Additionally, each water bottle starter set includes an assortment of flavor pods.

During our testing, personal preferences influenced the results, with no single scent emerging as a unanimous favorite. Testers provided insights into scent strength and flavor experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two enterprising German university students, founded Air Up during their academic pursuits after reading Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. Shepherd's book challenges traditional notions by highlighting the pivotal role of the sense of smell in flavor perception. This revelation inspired Jüngst and Jäger to develop their first Air Up prototype, driven by the motto "Neuroscience meets design." Their mission is clear: to promote better health worldwide by addressing the issue of poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. The iconic Air Up water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 unique flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, allowing for personalization with a range of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Embark on a sensory journey with Air Up, where scents and tastes intertwine. Air Up emphasizes the significance of olfactory receptors, capable of discerning more than 1 trillion scents. The brand elucidates:

"Retronasal smelling is the art behind Air Up, allowing us to infuse plain water with 'flavored' air from our pods. Our bottles enable you to savor this 'flavored' air with every sip, and your nasal receptors work their magic, turning it into taste. Surprisingly, your water remains refreshingly plain, but your palate experiences an explosion of flavor, all thanks to your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll explore a world where scent and taste become inseparable.

Learn how to infuse your water with delightful scents using Air Up. Begin by filling your water bottle to the designated line and attaching the mouthpiece and straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, confirming activation. As you sip, revel in the journey of scent-flavored air bubbles through the straw, transforming into a flavorful experience.

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, our quest for evaluating water bottles is a meticulous one. We've tested countless options, scrutinizing their performance, durability, and user-friendliness. But when it came to Air Up, we went the extra mile.

Our testing panel, composed of 11 individuals from various backgrounds, was a diverse blend of consumers, dietitians, kitchen gear experts, engineers, and chemists. Together, we generated a wealth of data, amassing over a hundred data points and eliciting invaluable feedback. This encompassed everything from taste impressions to comfort during usage and shifts in hydration habits.

Within our Lab, we left no stone unturned. We subjected both plastic and stainless steel Air Up models to drop and leak tests. Our examination extended to nine distinct flavor pods, which we meticulously evaluated for flavor quality, durability, and intensity. Usability wasn't forgotten either; we assessed the water bottle's ease of filling, carrying, drinking from, and cleaning.

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

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles deliver on their promise of transforming water into flavorful experiences? Our extensive testing process affirmed that they do indeed succeed in infusing water with the flavors of their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, left a remarkable impression with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod varied, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

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

One tester stated, "Inhaling the scent didn't heighten the flavor for me," while another commented, "This is not just a gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle adds a layer of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is deeply intertwined with your sensory experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Explore the world of the Air Up water bottle through our extensive examination of its durability, weight, and ease of use. We'll provide insights into the lightweight plastic version's characteristics and compare them with the heftier stainless steel iteration.

Our rigorous drop testing subjected both materials to repeated falls onto hard concrete, revealing their resilience and potential vulnerabilities. This real-world testing sheds light on how well these bottles can withstand everyday challenges.

In our leak testing, we assessed the bottles' ability to remain watertight when laid horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Uncover the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variants.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with a focus on the mouthpiece and sipping experience. 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 arises: is it worth it? This innovative bottle is tailored for those who relish flavored water and find it easier to stay hydrated 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, suggests, "People who struggle with staying hydrated would enjoy this bottle, especially those who find plain water unappealing." If you're pressed for time and can't infuse your water with fresh produce, Air Up might be the solution you need.

However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those who consume a lot of water and require a larger bottle capacity, the Air Up's 22-ounce (plastic) or 28-ounce (stainless steel) options might fall short. One tester expressed, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Additionally, consider your budget when factoring in the cost of purchasing flavor pods regularly. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, can add up. Despite these considerations, seven out of our 11 testers endorsed Air Up, making it a winner for 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