Latest news with #AirUp
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The Air-Up claims to help you quit sugary drinks – I tried it to see if it works
What is the Air-Up bottle and how does it work? The Gen 2 bottle uses the company's patented Scentaste technology, not to flavour the water in the bottle, but to affect the olfactory system so your brain thinks the water is flavoured, so you're actually just smelling the scented pod at the top of the bottle. Scientists say 80 per cent* of what we perceive as flavour is actually derived from what we're smelling, so when you take a sip from the bottle, your brain will think you're drinking a fruity drink but it's actually just water. The idea is that by using this method, you'll drink more water and fewer calorific sugary drinks. Ideal if you're the kind of person who loathes the taste of plain water and would rather sip juice or fizzy drinks throughout the day. The pods come in a range of flavours from kola and watermelon to peach and iced coffee and you can purchase them individually or sign up for a subscription. The bottle's creators say this works out cheaper than buying sugary drinks – half the price in fact, at 33 pence per litre of water. Of course, that depends on how much fizz, squash or juice you typically drink in a week but experts say you should really only have one sugary drink a week to avoid ill health in the future. Does the Air-Up bottle actually work? I trialled the Gen 2 bottle for a week and tested different flavour pods with it. The pods themselves certainly delivered a hit of flavour but my brain wasn't exactly tricked into thinking I was sipping a Diet Coke due to the lack of flavour profile on my tastebuds. Still, the science did check out because the water didn't taste plain. Pairing the more far-out flavours, like chocolate orange, with my water felt a little strange due to the distinct lack of cupcake-flavoured drinks in my day-to-day diet, but it was a novel experience. The pods are made from 100 per cent natural sources like fruits, spices and herbs. So apparently even the bubblegum flavour isn't synthetic. The fruit flavours hit the spot and felt more like I was drinking squash or a fizzy drink while only sipping water throughout the day. So obviously with no sugar and no calories, you could count this as a win. The bottle itself was easy to put together and fill up from a tap, filter jug or with sparkling water for a faux-soda hit. And it was easy to take apart and clean. The only thing that I wasn't as keen on (and perhaps other health-conscious shoppers might not be either) was the plastic bottle. Air-Up has good sustainability credentials and the plastic bottles are made from 50 per cent recycled materials using renewable energy. However, if I can avoid it, I prefer not to drink from plastic water bottles. The good news is that Air-Up does sell a steel version of its bottle, which would do a much better job of keeping your drink cold too. The mouthpiece is sporty and chunky and made from food-safe silicone which gives it a nice flexibility. However, because the straw is so large and because the bottle is angled, it felt like I was using a lot of energy to suck the water through it. This is probably personal, but I prefer a slimmer straw. What was great and what stands the bottle apart from many others of this kind was the screw-on cap which prevented 100 per cent of leaking incidents when the bottle was turned upside down or on its side in a bag while on the move.
Asharq Al-Awsat
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Asharq Al-Awsat
That Water Bottle You're Carrying Says a Lot More than 'Hydration'
If you like to stay hydrated no matter where you go, chances are you´ve got a reusable water bottle or two. Or 10. (The collectors know who they are.) Whether you´re a tech enthusiast, fashion trendsetter, hiker, commuter or just an eco-conscious consumer, there´s a bottle out there for you. There are bottles that sterilize themselves. Bottles that remind you when to drink. Bottles designed for sustainability. And bottles transformed by a paintbox of colors and imagery into mini artworks. Hydration´s become more than a necessity. It´s got a personality. Kit Dillon, a writer for Wirecutter, says four things make a good water bottle: "It´s the right size. It´s leakproof. It feels good. It insulates well." Which one works for you depends on what you use it for, he says. Eva Bleyer, who tests kitchen appliances for the Good Housekeeping Institute, agrees. Some people go for a favorite sipping straw while others value a comfortable carrying handle. For collectors, social media feeds light up with the launch of new colors and patterns, The AP news reported. "While I can confidently recommend which ones performed best in our tests, choosing the right water bottle is incredibly personal," she says. It´s all a far cry from the mundane mugs of yesteryear. An early maker of light, plastic water bottles was Nalge, in Rochester, New York, which found that the unbreakable containers it was making for science laboratories in the ´60s were being used by employees on backpacking trips. The Nalgene reusable water bottle soon went on the market. Hundreds of plastic and bioplastic versions from various makers have been joined over the decades by stainless steel and aluminum versions, with as many iterations of the lids - straws, screw-ons, flip-ups. The tech keeps evolving, says Bleyer. "I´ve seen and tested everything from filtering water bottles to the Air Up, which uses flavor pods to enhance the taste, as well as newer options that carbonate your water or track your sips." Some examples: Self-cleaning bottles could be helpful in countries or wilderness areas where water quality is questionable. Philips' GoZero UV Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle got top ratings in Men´s Health magazine´s testing lab for self-cleaning bottles. Its month-long battery life might make it useful for off-grid camping or trekking. LED technology automatically sanitizes the bottle every two hours, or whenever you push the cap button. The LARQ PureVis 2 is another self-cleaning water bottle. The company says the plant-based filter in the lid removes chlorine, forever chemicals (PFAS) and bacteria. The bottle also tracks your consumption. It´s made it into the Museum of Modern Art´s design store and is part of their spring new product collection. The HidrateSpark Pro comes with a Bluetooth tracker to keep you updated on consumption, based on your age, weight, activity level and other factors you code into the app. Low tech but reliable: Wirecutter has put the Hydro Flask on their "best" list since they started testing water bottles in 2014, citing simple yet dependable features like good insulation, sturdy steel construction, wide or narrow mouth options, and dishwasher-cleanability. New color and design drops generate the kind of buzz that fashion drops get. Owala´s FreeSip bottles usually go for about $25-$40, but limited-edition designs can sell in the $400 range. A Valentine´s Day pattern, and a St. Patrick´s Day pattern called "Clover the Rainbow" that was released on leap day 2024 (Feb. 29) are now on eBay for over $200. S'well has collaborated with illustrator Steffi Lynn, known for her cheery, youthful prints and murals that feature upbeat messages like "What´s the Best That Could Happen?" and "Have a Nice Day," and also with Crayola for a series of bottles that look like giant crayons. New patterns for the brand include a deep, moody floral called Midnight Botanical. S´well also offers customization, perhaps for an event, team or a gift for a special someone. Italian company YouBottles did a collab with Banksy; the artist´s "Girl with Balloon" and "Flower Thrower" murals are a couple of the patterns. Color trend giant Pantone has its own collection of BPA-free bottles in eight vibrant colors, including aubergine, red, yellow and greenery. Snazzy carry bags for your water bottle include insulated ones that keep the drink cold or hot. PackIt has one with a crossbody strap in sturdy nylon. Versions come in sunflower or starry-night prints, and feature a phone pouch attachment. WanderFull´s bag has made "Oprah´s Favorite Things" list twice. The bag, available in colorful puffer-coat fabric, comes with a nylon crossbody strap. There´s a vegan leather version as well, with an additional chain strap for dressier occasions.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
That water bottle you're carrying says a lot more than 'hydration'
If you like to stay hydrated no matter where you go, chances are you've got a reusable water bottle or two. Or 10. (The collectors know who they are.) Whether you're a tech enthusiast, fashion trendsetter, hiker, commuter or just an eco-conscious consumer, there's a bottle out there for you. There are bottles that sterilize themselves. Bottles that remind you when to drink. Bottles designed for sustainability. And bottles transformed by a paintbox of colors and imagery into mini artworks. Hydration's become more than a necessity. It's got a personality. Bottle basics Kit Dillon, a writer for Wirecutter, says four things make a good water bottle: 'It's the right size. It's leakproof. It feels good. It insulates well.' Which one works for you depends on what you use it for, he says. Eva Bleyer, who tests kitchen appliances for the Good Housekeeping Institute, agrees. Some people go for a favorite sipping straw while others value a comfortable carrying handle. For collectors, social media feeds light up with the launch of new colors and patterns. 'While I can confidently recommend which ones performed best in our tests, choosing the right water bottle is incredibly personal,' she says. Hydro history It's all a far cry from the mundane mugs of yesteryear. An early maker of light, plastic water bottles was Nalge, in Rochester, New York, which found that the unbreakable containers it was making for science laboratories in the '60s were being used by employees on backpacking trips. The Nalgene reusable water bottle soon went on the market. Hundreds of plastic and bioplastic versions from various makers have been joined over the decades by stainless steel and aluminum versions, with as many iterations of the lids – straws, screw-ons, flip-ups. Smart sips The tech keeps evolving, says Bleyer. 'I've seen and tested everything from filtering water bottles to the Air Up, which uses flavor pods to enhance the taste, as well as newer options that carbonate your water or track your sips." Some examples: Self-cleaning bottles could be helpful in countries or wilderness areas where water quality is questionable. Philips ' GoZero UV Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle got top ratings in Men's Health magazine's testing lab for self-cleaning bottles. Its month-long battery life might make it useful for off-grid camping or trekking. LED technology automatically sanitizes the bottle every two hours, or whenever you push the cap button. The LARQ PureVis 2 is another self-cleaning water bottle. The company says the plant-based filter in the lid removes chlorine, forever chemicals (PFAS) and bacteria. The bottle also tracks your consumption. It's made it into the Museum of Modern Art's design store and is part of their spring new product collection. The HidrateSpark Pro comes with a Bluetooth tracker to keep you updated on consumption, based on your age, weight, activity level and other factors you code into the app. Low tech but reliable: Wirecutter has put the Hydro Flask on their 'best' list since they started testing water bottles in 2014, citing simple yet dependable features like good insulation, sturdy steel construction, wide or narrow mouth options, and dishwasher-cleanability. Hydration, but make it fashionable New color and design drops generate the kind of buzz that fashion drops get. Owala's FreeSip bottles usually go for about $25-$40, but limited-edition designs can sell in the $400 range. A Valentine's Day pattern, and a St. Patrick's Day pattern called 'Clover the Rainbow' that was released on leap day 2024 (Feb. 29) are now on eBay for over $200. S'well has collaborated with illustrator Steffi Lynn, known for her cheery, youthful prints and murals that feature upbeat messages like 'What's the Best That Could Happen?' and 'Have a Nice Day,' and also with Crayola for a series of bottles that look like giant crayons. New patterns for the brand include a deep, moody floral called Midnight Botanical. S'well also offers customization, perhaps for an event, team or a gift for a special someone. Italian company YouBottles did a collab with Banksy; the artist's 'Girl with Balloon' and 'Flower Thrower' murals are a couple of the patterns. Color trend giant Pantone has its own collection of BPA-free bottles in eight vibrant colors, including aubergine, red, yellow and greenery. Bags for the bottled bevs Snazzy carry bags for your water bottle include insulated ones that keep the drink cold or hot. PackIt has one with a crossbody strap in sturdy nylon. Versions come in sunflower or starry-night prints, and feature a phone pouch attachment. WanderFull's bag has made 'Oprah's Favorite Things' list twice. The bag, available in colorful puffer-coat fabric, comes with a nylon crossbody strap. There's a vegan leather version as well, with an additional chain strap for dressier occasions. ___ New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Associated Press
That water bottle you're carrying says a lot more than ‘hydration'
If you like to stay hydrated no matter where you go, chances are you've got a reusable water bottle or two. Or 10. (The collectors know who they are.) Whether you're a tech enthusiast, fashion trendsetter, hiker, commuter or just an eco-conscious consumer, there's a bottle out there for you. There are bottles that sterilize themselves. Bottles that remind you when to drink. Bottles designed for sustainability. And bottles transformed by a paintbox of colors and imagery into mini artworks. Hydration's become more than a necessity. It's got a personality. Bottle basics Kit Dillon, a writer for Wirecutter, says four things make a good water bottle: 'It's the right size. It's leakproof. It feels good. It insulates well.' Which one works for you depends on what you use it for, he says. Eva Bleyer, who tests kitchen appliances for the Good Housekeeping Institute, agrees. Some people go for a favorite sipping straw while others value a comfortable carrying handle. For collectors, social media feeds light up with the launch of new colors and patterns. 'While I can confidently recommend which ones performed best in our tests, choosing the right water bottle is incredibly personal,' she says. Hydro history It's all a far cry from the mundane mugs of yesteryear. An early maker of light, plastic water bottles was Nalge, in Rochester, New York, which found that the unbreakable containers it was making for science laboratories in the '60s were being used by employees on backpacking trips. The Nalgene reusable water bottle soon went on the market. Hundreds of plastic and bioplastic versions from various makers have been joined over the decades by stainless steel and aluminum versions, with as many iterations of the lids – straws, screw-ons, flip-ups. Smart sips The tech keeps evolving, says Bleyer. 'I've seen and tested everything from filtering water bottles to the Air Up, which uses flavor pods to enhance the taste, as well as newer options that carbonate your water or track your sips.' Some examples: Self-cleaning bottles could be helpful in countries or wilderness areas where water quality is questionable. Philips' GoZero UV Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle got top ratings in Men's Health magazine's testing lab for self-cleaning bottles. Its month-long battery life might make it useful for off-grid camping or trekking. LED technology automatically sanitizes the bottle every two hours, or whenever you push the cap button. The LARQ PureVis 2 is another self-cleaning water bottle. The company says the plant-based filter in the lid removes chlorine, forever chemicals (PFAS) and bacteria. The bottle also tracks your consumption. It's made it into the Museum of Modern Art's design store and is part of their spring new product collection. The HidrateSpark Pro comes with a Bluetooth tracker to keep you updated on consumption, based on your age, weight, activity level and other factors you code into the app. Low tech but reliable: Wirecutter has put the Hydro Flask on their 'best' list since they started testing water bottles in 2014, citing simple yet dependable features like good insulation, sturdy steel construction, wide or narrow mouth options, and dishwasher-cleanability. Hydration, but make it fashionable New color and design drops generate the kind of buzz that fashion drops get. Owala's FreeSip bottles usually go for about $25-$40, but limited-edition designs can sell in the $400 range. A Valentine's Day pattern, and a St. Patrick's Day pattern called 'Clover the Rainbow' that was released on leap day 2024 (Feb. 29) are now on eBay for over $200. S'well has collaborated with illustrator Steffi Lynn, known for her cheery, youthful prints and murals that feature upbeat messages like 'What's the Best That Could Happen?' and 'Have a Nice Day,' and also with Crayola for a series of bottles that look like giant crayons. New patterns for the brand include a deep, moody floral called Midnight Botanical. S'well also offers customization, perhaps for an event, team or a gift for a special someone. Italian company YouBottles did a collab with Banksy; the artist's 'Girl with Balloon' and 'Flower Thrower' murals are a couple of the patterns. Color trend giant Pantone has its own collection of BPA-free bottles in eight vibrant colors, including aubergine, red, yellow and greenery. Bags for the bottled bevs Snazzy carry bags for your water bottle include insulated ones that keep the drink cold or hot. PackIt has one with a crossbody strap in sturdy nylon. Versions come in sunflower or starry-night prints, and feature a phone pouch attachment. WanderFull's bag has made 'Oprah's Favorite Things' list twice. The bag, available in colorful puffer-coat fabric, comes with a nylon crossbody strap. There's a vegan leather version as well, with an additional chain strap for dressier occasions. ___
