Air Up orchestrates a sensory symphony that redefines how we taste things. Grounded in the science of olfaction, it leverages our olfactory receptors, which can detect an astonishing 1 trillion scents. Air Up explains:

"Retronasal smelling is our secret to success, allowing us to infuse plain water with the essence of flavor. Our bottles enable you to inhale 'flavored' air from our pods with every sip. This 'flavored' air is translated into taste by your nasal receptors, making your water experience incredibly flavorful without adding any actual flavors. It's akin to savoring through your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you'll embark on a journey where scent becomes a gateway to an entirely new taste dimension.

Master the art of flavor infusion with Air Up by following these expert steps. Begin by filling your water bottle to the capacity line and attaching the mouthpiece with the straw. Gently position the circular pod over the mouthpiece, verifying activation. As you take a sip, marvel at the scented air bubbles traveling through the straw, creating an enticing bubbling sound and taste sensation.

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 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 are a testament to their commitment to natural ingredients. These pods are crafted using natural flavors derived from plants, fruits, and spices, although specific intellectual property details remain closely guarded.

The brand offers a wide array of 15 flavors, from the timeless apple to the intriguing basil-lemon and the delightful orange-vanilla, all available on their website. You can explore these scents through variety packs or stock up on your favorite with three-packs. Additionally, each water bottle starter set includes a selection of flavor pods.

During our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent unanimously preferred. Testers shared their impressions, offering insights into scent strength and flavor preferences.

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

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles deliver on their promise of transforming water into flavorful experiences? Our extensive testing process affirmed that they do indeed succeed in infusing water with the flavors of their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, left a remarkable impression with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod varied, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

As we scrutinized the data and the feedback from our testers, it became evident that individual preferences and scent perception played a significant role in shaping the experience. Scent perception is an inherently subjective realm, influenced by personal associations and the unique characteristics of each person's sense of smell. Some testers did not envision incorporating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others considered it an innovative enhancement.

One tester stated, "Inhaling the scent didn't heighten the flavor for me," while another commented, "This is not just a gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle adds a layer of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your interaction with Air Up is deeply intertwined with your sensory experiences.

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?

Is the Air Up water bottle a worthwhile investment? This innovative bottle is designed for those who enjoy the taste of flavored water and find it easier to stay hydrated with a hint 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, "People who struggle with staying hydrated might appreciate this bottle, especially those who find plain water unappealing." If you lead a busy life and don't have the time to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be a game-changer.

However, it's crucial to consider that the Air Up water bottle may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who consume substantial quantities of water and need a larger bottle capacity (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). As one tester mentioned, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Additionally, budget considerations come into play, 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 endorsing Air Up, it seems 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