According to Air Up, each of its pods is engineered to enhance roughly 1.3 gallons of water with captivating scents. The company also emphasizes the importance of checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's vibrancy may diminish with time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Storing the pods in their original packaging is crucial, as they cannot be cleaned and should only be opened just before attaching them to your water bottle.

Our investigation revealed that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended duration without being used, the scent gradually dissipated, resulting in a less pronounced "flavor" for the water. Considering the per-pod price and the current online-exclusive availability, our experts expressed a desire for pods with a more extended lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Air Up was established by Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, a dynamic pair of German university students who, during their academic pursuits, found inspiration in Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Shapes Flavor and Why It's Significant, a book authored by the eminent neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This thought-provoking book challenges established beliefs by highlighting the paramount role of the sense of smell in the perception of flavor. Motivated by Shepherd's revelations, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a journey to bring their pioneering Air Up prototype to fruition, guided by the principle of "Blending Neuroscience with Innovative Design." Their overarching objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often associated with poor nutrition. This revolutionary water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 distinct Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variations—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be customized with a variety of vibrant 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, 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 commitment to natural ingredients shines through in their flavor pods. These pods are meticulously crafted using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices. While the brand keeps specific intellectual property details under wraps, their dedication to pure, natural elements is clear.

With a diverse selection of 15 flavors available on their website, ranging from apple to basil-lemon to orange-vanilla, Air Up offers something for everyone. You can explore these scents through variety packs or opt for three-packs of your favorites. Additionally, each water bottle starter set includes a curated assortment of flavor pods.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, as no single scent received unanimous acclaim. Testers provided valuable feedback on scent strength and flavor experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles truly deliver on their promise? Our thorough evaluation confirmed that they successfully infuse water with the flavors of their pods. Among the flavors we tested, the mango-passionfruit pod impressed with its juicy and delightful "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were divided, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

As we sifted through the data and feedback from our testers, it became clear that individual preferences and scent perception played a significant role in the experience. Scent perception is a highly personal matter, influenced by individual associations and the uniqueness of each person's sense of smell. Some testers did not foresee incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others regarded it as an innovative addition.

One tester stated, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another commented, "This is no gimmick. On days when I find plain water unappealing, the Air Up bottle makes hydration more enjoyable." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up hinges on your sensory experience.

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?

The Air Up water bottle raises the question: does it live up to the hype? This unique bottle is designed for those who enjoy the taste of flavored water and find it easier to meet their hydration goals 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, "Individuals who struggle to stay properly hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, especially if they consider plain water dull." If you're always on the go and don't have the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be the solution you've been searching for.

However, it's important to note that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who consume large 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 pointed out, "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 add to your expenses. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may impact your wallet. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers recommending Air Up, it appears to win 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