Air Up revolutionizes the way we experience taste by tapping into our olfactory receptors. These tiny sensors, capable of detecting over 1 trillion scents, play a pivotal role in our sense of taste. Air Up explains:

"Retronasal smelling is the key to our innovation, enabling us to infuse plain water with flavor. Our bottles allow you to consume 'flavored' air from our pods with every sip. Your nasal receptors translate this 'flavored' air into taste, enhancing your water without actually adding any flavor. It's like tasting with your sense of smell."

With Air Up, you can savor scents as flavors through the magic of retronasal olfaction.

To elevate your hydration experience, follow these simple steps: Fill your water bottle to the capacity line, then attach the mouthpiece with the straw. Place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, push it into place, and ensure it's activated. When you take a sip, scented air bubbles travel through the straw, producing a delightful bubbling sound, and voilà—your senses perceive it as taste.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

Air Up emerged as a brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, a pair of innovative German university students who, during their academic pursuits, delved into the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It's of Great Importance, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This paradigm-shifting book challenges established beliefs by highlighting the pivotal role of the sense of smell in the perception of flavor. Empowered by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to bring their inaugural Air Up prototype to fruition, guided by the mission of "Bridging Neuroscience and Innovative Design." Their overarching objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often synonymous with poor nutrition. This cutting-edge water bottle is designed to accommodate 15 unique Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variants—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be tailored 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 takes pride in using natural flavors extracted from plants, fruits, and spices to create their flavor pods. While they keep specific details related to their intellectual property a closely guarded secret, their commitment to natural ingredients is unwavering.

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

During our testing, personal preferences influenced the results, with no single scent receiving unanimous praise. Testers shared their experiences, noting variations in scent strength and flavor profiles.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

Air Up asserts that each of its pods can enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with delightful scents. Furthermore, the company recommends checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's intensity may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Keeping 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 investigations, we noted that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended duration without being used, the fragrance gradually faded, resulting in a milder "flavor" for the water. Given the per-pod price and the current online-exclusive availability, our experts expressed a desire for pods with a more prolonged lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Does the Air Up water bottle work?

Do Air Up water bottles truly live up to their promise? Our extensive testing journey revealed that they do indeed transform water into flavorful experiences with their pods. The mango-passionfruit pod, in particular, left a lasting impression with its juicy and satisfying "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were diverse, with some perceiving it as somewhat artificial.

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

One tester noted, "Inhaling the scent didn't enhance the flavor for me," while another shared, "This is not a mere gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle adds a touch of enjoyment to hydration." Ultimately, your journey with Air Up is intimately tied to your sensory perceptions.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

In our thorough assessment of Air Up water bottles, we've scrutinized their durability, weight, and comfort features. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the lightweight plastic version and its comparison to the heavier stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Through rigorous drop testing, we've evaluated the bottles' ability to withstand repeated falls onto hard concrete, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities. These real-world tests provide valuable insights into their performance.

Our leak testing examined how well the bottles retained their watertight seal when placed horizontally with tightly secured lids. Discover the differences in leak resistance between the plastic and stainless steel variations.

Additionally, we explored the comfort aspect of the Air Up water bottle, with an emphasis on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. The cleaning process also came under scrutiny, with a focus on the advantages offered by the stainless steel model.

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