Join us in uncovering the durability, weight, and comfort aspects of Air Up water bottles. We've conducted a thorough examination of the lightweight plastic version and compared it to the robust stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Through comprehensive drop testing, we've assessed how well both materials can endure multiple drops onto hard concrete surfaces, highlighting their individual strengths and weaknesses. These real-world trials provide essential insights into their durability.

Our leak testing procedures focused on evaluating the bottles' ability to maintain a watertight seal when placed horizontally with tightly secured lids. Explore the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel options.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, particularly focusing on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Cleaning and maintenance considerations, including the advantages of the stainless steel variant, are also examined.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

What is Air Up? It's the brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two enterprising German university students who, during their academic journey, explored the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This influential book challenges established beliefs by emphasizing the paramount role of the sense of smell in shaping flavor perception. Inspired by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to bring their inaugural Air Up prototype to life, guided by the principle of "Merging Neuroscience with Innovative Design." Their ultimate objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often associated with poor nutrition. This cutting-edge water bottle accommodates 15 distinct Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variations—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be customized with a spectrum of vibrant accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Experience the artistry of enhancing water with scent through Air Up's innovative approach. Air Up highlights the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of discerning an astonishing 1 trillion scents. The brand explains:

"Retronasal smelling is our secret ingredient, allowing us to infuse 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip is a sensory delight as your nasal receptors interpret this 'flavored' air as taste. Remarkably, your water remains unaltered in taste, but your palate experiences a burst of flavor through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll witness the fusion of scent and taste like never before.

Maximize the flavorful potential of Air Up with these step-by-step instructions. Commence by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and affixing the mouthpiece with the straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring activation. As you sip, relish the experience of scented air bubbles traveling through the straw, turning into delectable taste sensations.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How we tested Air Up

In the world of water bottles, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab is renowned for its comprehensive evaluations. Over time, we've scrutinized numerous bottles, weighing their performance, durability, and user-friendliness. However, when the Air Up entered our radar, we knew we had something unique to explore.

Our formidable 11-person testing panel, comprised of consumers, dietitians, kitchen equipment experts, engineers, and chemists, embarked on a mission to gather extensive data. This endeavor yielded over a hundred data points and invaluable feedback. From assessing taste perceptions to gauging comfort during usage and monitoring shifts in hydration habits, we left no stone unturned.

Within our Lab, we conducted meticulous drop and leak tests on both plastic and stainless steel Air Up models. Our scrutiny extended to nine distinct flavor pods, meticulously rating them based on flavor quality, durability, and intensity. We also evaluated the water bottle's ease of use, considering factors 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. According to the company, these pods are infused with natural flavors derived from plants, fruits, and spices. While they keep certain details related to their intellectual property confidential, their dedication to using pure, natural elements is evident.

On the brand's website, you'll find an enticing array of 15 flavors, ranging from classic apple to the innovative basil-lemon and the delightful 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.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent unanimously favored. Testers shared their impressions, highlighting differences in scent intensity and flavor preferences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

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

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

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

The Air Up water bottle poses a question: is it a worthwhile investment? This distinctive bottle caters to those who savor the taste of flavored water and find it more enticing to meet their hydration goals 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, believes, "Individuals who struggle to stay adequately hydrated would appreciate this bottle, especially those who deem plain water uninspiring." If you lead a busy life and lack the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be the solution you've been seeking.

However, it's important to note that the Air Up water bottle may not suit everyone, particularly those who consume large quantities of water and require a more capacious bottle (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). As one tester remarked, "I wish it were available in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Consider your budget as well, as regularly purchasing flavor pods can add up in cost. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may impact your finances. Despite these considerations, seven out of 11 testers recommended Air Up, indicating its appeal to 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