How does air up's scent-based technology work?
The defining feature of the air up system is its clever use of retronasal olfaction, a biological phenomenon where aromas travel from the back of your mouth up to your nasal cavity. This is a different pathway from inhaling through your nose (orthonasal olfaction).
When you take a sip from the air up bottle, suction pulls plain water up through the straw. Simultaneously, air is drawn through a scent pod positioned on the mouthpiece. The air passes over the scent pod, where it picks up natural aromas extracted from fruits, herbs, and spices. This scented air travels with the water flow, creating tiny bubbles that burst in your mouth. As you swallow, the aroma travels to your brain's olfactory region, which interprets the scent as a flavor. The result is the perception of flavor, even though the water itself remains completely plain and unadulterated.
Health and wellness benefits of air up
Beyond the novelty of its flavor technology, air up offers several significant health and wellness advantages, particularly for those looking to reduce sugar intake and increase daily hydration.
Encouraging better hydration
Many people find drinking enough plain water to be a tedious task. Air up makes hydration a more appealing and engaging experience by adding a variety of flavors, which can be easily swapped out. By making the habit more enjoyable, air up users often find themselves increasing their water intake significantly. Proper hydration is essential for numerous bodily functions, from regulating temperature to boosting cognitive performance.
A healthy alternative to sugary drinks
One of the most special aspects of air up is its ability to replicate the taste of sugary beverages like cola or juice without the associated calories or artificial sweeteners. For individuals trying to cut back on soda or other sweetened drinks, air up provides a satisfying sensory replacement, helping to curb cravings and foster healthier drinking habits. The water remains 0 calories, vegan, and free from sugar or additives, which is confirmed by tests conducted by independent German research institutes.
A sustainable choice
Air up also addresses environmental concerns related to single-use plastics. By using a reusable bottle and relying on small, recyclable flavor pods, the system aims to significantly reduce plastic waste compared to buying bottled flavored drinks. The pods themselves are made from recyclable materials, and the company is actively working toward more sustainable materials, such as bio-based plastics.
Comparison: air up vs. traditional flavored drinks
| Feature | air up System | Traditional Flavored Drinks (e.g., soda, juice) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavoring Mechanism | Flavors water using scent and retronasal olfaction, not ingredients in the water itself. | Flavor comes directly from added sugars, sweeteners, flavorings, and other ingredients. |
| Sugar & Calorie Content | 0 sugar, 0 calories. | Typically high in sugar and calories, contributing to health issues like weight gain and dental problems. |
| Ingredients | Natural aromas extracted from fruits, herbs, and spices. Water remains pure. | Often contains artificial flavors, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. |
| Environmental Impact | Uses a reusable bottle and small, recyclable pods, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. | Contributes heavily to plastic and glass waste with each single-use bottle or can. |
| Hydration | Encourages increased pure water consumption by making it more enjoyable. | While hydrating, the high sugar content can counteract health benefits and lead to sugar crashes. |
The experience and potential drawbacks
The air up experience is not identical to drinking a traditionally flavored beverage. Because the flavor is an olfactory sensation rather than a taste bud one, the intensity is often described as subtle. For some, the gentle hint of flavor is a refreshing change, while others might find it underwhelming, especially if they are accustomed to intensely sweet drinks. The bottle also creates a slurping sound as it pulls in scented air, which some users may find annoying. Furthermore, the ongoing cost of purchasing new flavor pods is a consideration for long-term use.
Conclusion: a unique solution for better hydration
What is special about air up is its innovative and healthy approach to hydration, which leverages the science of scent to add flavor without compromising the purity of plain water. For individuals struggling to drink enough water, or those seeking a sustainable and sugar-free alternative to sweetened drinks, air up offers a compelling solution. While the experience may require some adjustment for those used to bolder flavors, its core value proposition—flavor from scent—is a game-changer in the hydration market, backed by both scientific principles and a commitment to better health and sustainability.
The origin of air up
The concept for air up was born out of a university thesis project in Germany in 2016, where founders explored how neuroscience could meet product design to influence consumer habits. This academic and scientific foundation sets it apart from many other hydration products on the market, which focus simply on adding ingredients to water. The company's subsequent growth and funding from investors, including PepsiCo, further validate the potential of this unique approach to flavored hydration.
Visit the official air up website for more information on their products.
