In the realm 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 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

Embark on a sensory journey with Air Up, where scents and tastes intertwine. Air Up emphasizes the significance of olfactory receptors, capable of discerning more than 1 trillion scents. The brand elucidates:

"Retronasal smelling is the art behind Air Up, allowing us to infuse plain water with 'flavored' air from our pods. Our bottles enable you to savor this 'flavored' air with every sip, and your nasal receptors work their magic, turning it into taste. Surprisingly, your water remains refreshingly plain, but your palate experiences an explosion of flavor, all thanks to your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll explore a world where scent and taste become inseparable.

Learn how to infuse your water with delightful scents using Air Up. Begin by filling your water bottle to the designated line and attaching the mouthpiece and straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, confirming activation. As you sip, revel in the journey of scent-flavored air bubbles through the straw, transforming into a flavorful experience.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is in the flavor pods?

The flavorings in the pods are allegedly manufactured from natural tastes that are taken from plants, fruits, and spices, claims Air Up. The business stated that certain elements "relate to Air Up's [intellectual property] are proprietary." The brand's website now offers 15 varieties, ranging from apple to basil-lemon to orange-vanilla. You may get three packs of your favorite smell or variety packs of scents that include five of the most popular scents. A few flavor pods are also included in each water bottle beginning set. Due to individual tastes, no smell in our samples emerged as the clear winner. According to one reviewer who loves watermelon-flavored beverages, the watermelon pod smelled good.

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 work as advertised? Our comprehensive testing process revealed that they do indeed succeed in infusing water with the flavors of their pods. Among the flavors we examined, the mango-passionfruit pod left a lasting impression with its juicy and delightful "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were divided, with some finding it somewhat artificial.

As we analyzed the data and the feedback from our testers, it became clear that personal preferences and scent perception played a significant role in shaping the experience. Scent perception is a deeply personal matter, influenced by individual associations and the distinct nature of each person's sense of smell. Some testers did not foresee integrating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others considered it an innovative enhancement.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't heighten the flavor for me," while another noted, "This is no mere gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle elevates the hydration experience." Ultimately, your journey with Air Up is intimately connected to your sensory perceptions.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Join us in assessing the durability, weight, and comfort attributes of Air Up water bottles. We've conducted a detailed 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 evaluated how well both materials can withstand multiple drops onto hard concrete surfaces, highlighting their distinct qualities. These practical tests provide valuable 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 variations.

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 model, are also discussed.

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 on everyone's mind is whether it's worth the investment. This unique bottle caters to individuals who relish the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to meet their daily hydration goals with a touch 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, "Those who struggle with staying hydrated might find this bottle appealing, especially if they find plain water unappealing." If you have a busy lifestyle and lack 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 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). One tester voiced, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Budget-conscious consumers should also take note, as purchasing flavor pods regularly can impact your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be a recurring expense. Nonetheless, with seven out of 11 testers endorsing Air Up, it appears to 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