Join the flavor revolution with Air Up, where scents transform into delectable tastes. Air Up underscores the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of detecting over 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the heart of Air Up's innovation. It's how we infuse plain water with 'flavored' air from our pods. Our bottles ensure that every sip is a flavorful experience, with your nasal receptors converting 'flavored' air into taste. Astonishingly, your water remains unchanged in terms of actual flavor. It's a culinary adventure through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll savor scents as flavors in a true gustatory revolution.

Perfect your hydration routine with the innovative flavor infusion of Air Up. Begin by filling your water bottle to the capacity line, then attaching the mouthpiece and straw. Secure the circular pod over the mouthpiece and activate it. As you sip, immerse yourself in the scented air bubbles traveling through the straw, enchanting your taste buds.

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 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 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

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

In our thorough assessment of Air Up water bottles, we've scrutinized their durability, weight, and comfort features. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the lightweight plastic version and its comparison to the heavier stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've evaluated the bottles' ability to withstand repeated falls onto hard concrete, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities. These real-world tests provide valuable insights into their performance.

Our leak testing examined how well the bottles retained their watertight seal when placed horizontally with tightly secured lids. Discover the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variations.

Additionally, we explored the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with an emphasis on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. The cleaning process also came under scrutiny, with a focus on the advantages offered by the stainless steel model.

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 the right choice for your hydration needs? This unique bottle is tailored for those who savor the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to meet their daily hydration goals with a burst 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 to stay properly hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, particularly those who consider plain water uninspiring." If you have a hectic lifestyle and don't have the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up might be the solution you've been seeking.

However, it's essential to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who consume substantial quantities 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-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 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