According to Air Up, each of its pods is engineered to enrich approximately 1.3 gallons of water with captivating scents. The company also highlights the importance of checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's potency may decrease over time, providing the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. It is crucial to store 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 observations revealed that if the pods remained attached to the water bottle for an extended duration without use, the fragrance gradually dissipated, leading to 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 an extended lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two enterprising German university students, founded Air Up during their academic pursuits after reading Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. Shepherd's book challenges traditional notions by highlighting the pivotal role of the sense of smell in flavor perception. This revelation inspired Jüngst and Jäger to develop their first Air Up prototype, driven by the motto "Neuroscience meets design." Their mission is clear: to promote better health worldwide by addressing the issue of poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. The iconic Air Up water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 unique flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, allowing for personalization with a range of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Peer into the future of flavor perception with Air Up, where scent takes the lead. Air Up underscores the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of discerning a remarkable

1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the future of taste, and Air Up is at the forefront of this revolution. It's how we infuse 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip is a futuristic flavor experience, with your nasal receptors transforming 'flavored' air into taste. Astoundingly, your water remains unchanged in taste, but your palate embarks on a sensory journey through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll witness the future of flavor perception unfold before your senses.

Elevate your sensory experience with Air Up by mastering these easy steps. Begin by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and attaching the mouthpiece with the straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring it's activated. When you sip, embrace the enchanting path of scented air bubbles through the straw, elevating your taste perception.

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. 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

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

Delve into the world of the Air Up water bottle as we assess its durability, weight, and comfort features. We've explored how the lightweight plastic version contrasts with its heavier stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Our drop testing procedures subjected both materials to a series of drops onto hard concrete, unveiling their respective strengths and weaknesses. The results shed light on the bottles' resilience when faced with real-world conditions.
Leak testing was another crucial aspect of our evaluation, where we examined the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when positioned on their sides with tightly sealed lids. Discover the differences between the plastic and stainless steel bottles in this regard.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort factor of the Air Up water bottle, particularly focusing on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Ease of cleaning, including the advantages of the stainless steel model, was also a key consideration.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

The Air Up water bottle begs the question: is it a worthwhile addition to your daily routine? This distinctive bottle caters to those who appreciate the taste of flavored water and find it easier to meet their hydration goals with a hint 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 with staying adequately hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, particularly those who consider plain water uninteresting." 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 looking for.

However, it's essential to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who consume substantial amounts 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 considerations also come into play, as regularly purchasing flavor pods can affect your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be a recurring expense. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers recommending Air Up, it seems to have won 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