Discover the science that powers Air Up's unique flavor-enhancing system. According to Air Up, our olfactory receptors are responsible for most of our taste sensations, and they can detect an astounding 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the secret sauce behind our innovation. It's how we infuse plain water with delightful 'flavored' air from our pods. When you sip through our bottles, your nasal receptors interpret this 'flavored' air as taste, transforming your water into a flavorful experience, even though it remains unflavored."

With Air Up, you'll perceive scent as taste, creating a whole new way to enjoy beverages.

Discover the magic of Air Up with these user-friendly instructions. Fill your water bottle to the capacity line, attach the mouthpiece and straw, and place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring activation. When you sip, anticipate the pleasure of scent-flavored air bubbles traveling through the straw, transforming into taste sensations as they rise.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two innovative German university students, founded Air Up after being inspired by Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This groundbreaking book challenges traditional beliefs by highlighting the significant role of the sense of smell in shaping flavor. This revelation ignited Jüngst and Jäger's creativity, leading to the development of their first Air Up prototype. Their mission? To unite neuroscience and design and address the global health issue of poor nutrition, particularly inadequate hydration. This revolutionary water bottle is compatible with 15 unique Air Up flavor pods and is available in both plastic and stainless steel versions, allowing for personalization with an array of colorful accessories.

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 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?

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? In our extensive testing, we found that they indeed transform the taste of water into the flavors of their pods. One standout was the mango-passionfruit pod, which delivered a juicy burst of "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were mixed, with some finding it tasted artificial.

As we dove into the data and tester feedback, it became clear that individual preferences played a significant role in the experience. People perceive scents differently, influenced by personal associations and variations in their sense of smell. Some testers didn't feel compelled to reach for the Air Up water bottle after testing, while others considered it an innovative addition to their hydration routine.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another noted, "It's not a gimmick. On days when I struggle to drink plain water at home, the Air Up bottle makes it more enjoyable." Ultimately, your experience with Air Up depends on how you perceive and enjoy scents.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our comprehensive evaluation of Air Up water bottles, we've closely examined their durability, weight, and comfort features. We've provided insights into the lightweight plastic version and compared it to the substantial stainless steel alternative in terms of weight.

Through meticulous drop testing, we've assessed how well both materials can withstand multiple falls onto hard concrete surfaces, revealing their strengths and potential vulnerabilities. These real-world tests offer valuable insights into their overall durability.

Our leak testing procedures aimed to determine the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when placed horizontally with tightly secured lids. Discover the variations in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel models.

Additionally, we explored 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 addressed

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