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

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

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 commitment to natural ingredients shines through in their flavor pods. These pods are meticulously crafted using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices. While the brand keeps specific intellectual property details under wraps, their dedication to pure, natural elements is clear.

With a diverse selection of 15 flavors available on their website, ranging from apple to basil-lemon to orange-vanilla, Air Up offers something for everyone. You can explore these scents through variety packs or opt for three-packs of your favorites. Additionally, each water bottle starter set includes a curated assortment of flavor pods.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, as no single scent received unanimous acclaim. Testers provided valuable feedback on scent strength and flavor experiences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

Air Up asserts that each pod is designed to infuse approximately 1.3 gallons of water with delightful scents. Additionally, the company advises consumers to check the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent may diminish over time and is at its best when fresh. It's essential to keep the pods in their packaging, as they cannot be cleaned and should only be opened just before attaching them to your water bottle.

During our investigation, we observed that if the pods remained on the water bottle for an extended period without use, the fragrance dissipated, resulting in a diminished "flavor" experience for the water. Our experts expressed a desire for longer-lasting pods, given the per-pod price and the current online-only availability.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our in-depth analysis of the Air Up water bottle, we've examined its durability, weight, and comfort characteristics. We've explored how the lightweight plastic version compares to the heavier stainless steel model in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've assessed the bottles' ability to endure repeated falls onto hard concrete, revealing their individual strengths and vulnerabilities. These real-world trials provide valuable insights into their resilience.

Our leak testing procedures scrutinized the bottles' capacity to remain leak-free when positioned horizontally with tightly sealed lids. Discover the variations in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel options.

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

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