Air Up claims that each of its pods is designed to enrich approximately 1.3 gallons of water with enticing fragrances. Additionally, the company advises consumers to take note of the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's potency may decrease over time, with the most vibrant experience achieved when the pod is freshly opened. It is crucial to maintain the pods in their original packaging, as they are not washable and should only be unsealed just before attaching them to your water bottle.

Our findings indicated that if the pods remained attached to the water bottle for an extended period without use, the fragrance gradually dissipated, leading to a subdued "flavor" for the water. Our experts, considering the per-pod cost and the current online-only purchasing option, expressed a desire for longer-lasting pods.

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 flavor pods are a testament to their commitment to natural ingredients. These pods are crafted using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices, although specific intellectual property details remain closely guarded.

On their website, you'll find an impressive selection of 15 flavors, spanning from classic apple to the intriguing basil-lemon and the luxurious 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.

During our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent unanimously favored. Testers shared their experiences, highlighting variations in scent intensity and flavor profiles.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles live up to their claims? Our comprehensive evaluation revealed that they do indeed succeed in infusing water with the flavors of their pods. One of the standout flavors was mango-passionfruit, offering a delightful and juicy "flavor" experience. However, the orange-vanilla pod received mixed reviews, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

As we delved into the data and feedback from our testers, it became evident that personal preferences played a significant role. Scent perception varies from person to person, influenced by individual associations and differences in olfactory sensitivity. Some testers didn't find themselves drawn to the Air Up water bottle after testing, while others hailed it as an innovative addition to their daily hydration routine.

One tester remarked, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another shared, "This is no gimmick. On days when I struggle to consume plain water at home, the Air Up bottle makes it more enjoyable." Ultimately, your experience with Air Up depends on how you engage with and appreciate scents.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our detailed examination of the Air Up water bottle, we've scrutinized its durability, weight, and comfort characteristics. We've explored the lightweight plastic version and compared it to the substantial stainless steel model in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've evaluated how well both materials can withstand multiple falls onto hard concrete surfaces, highlighting their unique qualities. These real-world tests provide crucial insights into their overall durability.

Our leak testing procedures focused on assessing the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when placed horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Discover the variations in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variants.

Additionally, we explored the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with a focus on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. 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?

Is the Air Up water bottle a worthwhile investment? This innovative bottle is designed for those who enjoy the taste of flavored water and find it easier to stay hydrated with a hint 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 lead a busy life and don't have the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be a game-changer.

However, it's crucial to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who consume substantial 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, budget considerations come into play, 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 endorsing Air Up, it seems 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