In the world of water bottles, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab is no stranger to rigorous testing. Over the years, we've put countless bottles through their paces, assessing performance, durability, and ease of use. But when Air Up came into the picture, it was time for something special.

We assembled an 11-person testing panel, including consumers, dietitians, kitchen gear experts, an engineer, and a chemist. Together, we gathered a treasure trove of data, amassing over a hundred data points and receiving invaluable feedback. This included insights into taste perceptions, comfort during use, and changes in hydration habits.

Our Lab work was equally comprehensive, with drop and leak tests conducted on both plastic and stainless steel models. We didn't stop there; we scrutinized nine different flavor pods, rating them based on flavor quality, longevity, and strength. We also assessed the water bottle's usability in terms of filling, carrying, drinking, and cleaning.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Air Up emerged as a brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, a pair of innovative German university students who, during their academic pursuits, delved into the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It's of Great Importance, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This paradigm-shifting book challenges established beliefs by highlighting the pivotal role of the sense of smell in the perception of flavor. Empowered by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to bring their inaugural Air Up prototype to fruition, guided by the mission of "Bridging Neuroscience and Innovative Design." Their overarching objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often synonymous with poor nutrition. This cutting-edge water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 unique Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variants—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be tailored with an array of colorful accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Delve into the alchemy of taste perception with Air Up, where science meets flavor. Air Up highlights the importance of olfactory receptors, capable of detecting a staggering 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the magic ingredient that makes Air Up special. It's how we introduce 'flavored' air from our pods into plain water. Our bottles ensure that every sip you take is enriched with this 'flavored' air, and your nasal receptors do the rest, turning it into taste. Remarkably, your water remains unaltered in terms of actual flavor. It's like experiencing flavor through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll witness the transformation of scent into a tantalizing taste experience.

Embark on a sensory journey with Air Up using these instructions. Start by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and securing the mouthpiece with the straw. Position the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring it's activated. When you sip from Air Up, embrace the scented air bubbles as they travel through the straw, delighting your senses with taste.

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

How long do Air Up pods last?

Air Up claims that each of its pods is designed to enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with enticing scents. Additionally, the company advises consumers to take note of the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's vibrancy may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Storing 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 investigation, we found that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended period without being used, the scent gradually dissipated, resulting in 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 a more extended lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles deliver on their promise? Our meticulous testing process revealed that they do indeed succeed in imparting flavors to water through their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, stood out with its juicy and enjoyable "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were mixed, with some finding it somewhat artificial.

As we dissected the data and the feedback from our testers, it became evident that personal preferences and scent perception played a pivotal role. Scent experiences are inherently individual, influenced by personal associations and the unique characteristics of each individual's sense of smell. Some testers did not envision incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others regarded it as an innovative enhancement.

One tester remarked, "Inhaling the scent didn't amplify the flavor for me," while another stated, "This is not a mere gimmick. On days when plain water fails to excite, the Air Up bottle adds a layer of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is intimately linked to your sensory experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Explore the world of the Air Up water bottle through our extensive examination of its durability, weight, and ease of use. We'll provide insights into the lightweight plastic version's characteristics and compare them with the heftier stainless steel iteration.

Our rigorous drop testing subjected both materials to repeated falls onto hard concrete, revealing their resilience and potential vulnerabilities. This real-world testing sheds light on how well these bottles can withstand everyday challenges.

In our leak testing, we assessed the bottles' ability to remain watertight when laid horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Uncover the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variants.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with a focus on the mouthpiece and sipping experience. 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?

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