Air Up asserts that each of its pods can enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with delightful scents. Furthermore, the company recommends checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's intensity may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Keeping 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 investigations, we noted that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended duration without being used, the fragrance gradually faded, resulting in a milder "flavor" for the water. Given the per-pod price and the current online-exclusive availability, our experts expressed a desire for pods with a more prolonged lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two visionary German university students, founded Air Up after their exploration of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. Shepherd's book challenges traditional beliefs by underscoring the critical role of the sense of smell in flavor perception. Inspired by these insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to create the first Air Up prototype, guided by the motto "Neuroscience meets design." Their overarching goal is to enhance global health by addressing poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. This innovative water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 distinctive flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, offering personalization options with a variety of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

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

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

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles really work? Our rigorous testing revealed that they do indeed deliver on their promise, infusing water with the flavors of their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, stood out with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod varied, with some finding it a bit artificial.

As we analyzed the data and feedback from our testers, it became evident that personal preferences and scent perception played a pivotal role. Scent experiences can be highly individual, influenced by personal associations and the uniqueness of each person's sense of smell. Some testers didn't foresee incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others found it to be an innovative addition.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another noted, "This is far from a gimmick. On days when plain water doesn't appeal to me, the Air Up bottle makes hydration more enjoyable." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is shaped by your sensory perception.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our comprehensive testing of the Air Up water bottle, we've uncovered essential insights about its weight, drop resistance, leak prevention, comfort, and ease of cleaning. From the lightweight plastic version to the heftier stainless steel model, we assessed their weight differences.

When it comes to drop testing, we examined how the plastic and stainless steel bottles fared when dropped from a height onto hard concrete. The results revealed their resilience, with each material type displaying its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Our leak testing scrutinized the bottles' ability to remain watertight when laid on their sides with tightly secured lids. The outcomes varied between the plastic and stainless steel variants, providing valuable information for potential buyers.

Additionally, we explored the comfort factor of the Air Up water bottle, evaluating its mouthpiece and ease of sipping. The convenience of cleaning these bottles also came under our scrutiny, with a focus on the stainless steel model's advantages.

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