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

What is Air Up?

Air Up, the brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, emerged from their exploration of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This influential book challenges conventional beliefs by emphasizing the dominant role of the sense of smell in flavor perception. Empowered by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to breathe life into their inaugural Air Up prototype, driven by the mission of "Uniting Neuroscience with Innovative Design." Their objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, a common aspect of poor nutrition. This avant-garde water bottle accommodates 15 distinctive Air Up flavor pods and is offered in two variations—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be tailored with a spectrum of vibrant 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

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 exemplify their dedication to natural ingredients. These pods are carefully crafted with natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices, although the specifics of their intellectual property are closely guarded.

The brand's website boasts a selection of 15 flavors, ranging from classic apple to innovative basil-lemon and indulgent orange-vanilla. You can explore these scents through variety packs or stock up on your favorites 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 receiving unanimous praise. Testers provided insights into scent strength and their personal flavor preferences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

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

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?

Is the Air Up water bottle the right choice for your hydration needs? This unique bottle is tailored for those who savor the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to meet their daily hydration goals with a burst 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 to stay properly hydrated may find this bottle beneficial, particularly those who consider plain water uninspiring." If you have a hectic lifestyle and don't have the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up might be the solution you've been seeking.

However, it's essential to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who consume substantial 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 remarked, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Budget-conscious individuals should also take note, 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 giving Air Up their recommendation, it appears 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