By Paige Robinson
vybey is transforming the nutrition industry with innovative meal replacement shakes and brain-boosting products, uniquely focusing on optimising both physical and cognitive wellness.
vybey, founded by Gordon Belch, Rory Paterson and Hylke Reitsma, aims to revolutionise how people approach their daily nutrition and cognitive health.
Belch, from Glasgow, saw a gap in the market for healthier meal replacement options while studying in Aberdeen.
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“As a student, I was trying to save time to stay healthy as I was involved in rugby and bodybuilding, so having the right nutrition was important,” Belch told Larder Magazine.
Belch’s journey into nutrition was not just a professional pursuit, but a personal quest for better health solutions.
This personal drive was further strengthened during his time in Australia, where he noticed a lack of healthy, low-sugar options in supermarkets.
“I started this by being a disgruntled consumer of what was available,” he added.
Brain Care and Mental Health Focus
The company’s flagship product, a nutritionally complete meal powder, boasts an impressive array of ingredients, including 26 vitamins and minerals, high protein content, and complex carbohydrates.
What sets vybey apart, however, is its focus on brain health.
“The primary brain wave came from the ingredient we used in the meal powder, which is unique to the market: lion’s mane mushroom.
“Looking at the clinical evidence in different parts of the world showed that it helped brain care and gave you more focus and concentration.” Belch explained.
This ingredient is meant to improve cognitive function and potentially protect against long-term neurological issues.
“My family have been affected by different mental health illnesses like dementia, so having to watch that and think, how can that be prevented or why did this happen?” he shared.
The company recently launched Braincare Smart Focus, an innovative coffee alternative that blends medicinal mushrooms and nootropics to boost cognitive function without caffeine-related side effects.
This product is designed to enhance memory, focus, and overall brain health, providing a comprehensive solution for those seeking to optimise their cognitive performance.
“Nootropics effectively contribute to brain optimisation and performance,” Belch said, highlighting the growing consumer interest in cognitive health.
He emphasised that vybey’s products are designed not just for those with specific health concerns but for anyone looking to safeguard their brain health from an early age.
Social Responsibility
For every online order, vybey donates a meal to Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides school meals in developing countries, demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to social responsibility.
“We’ve always questioned how we can give back, even in a small way,” Belch said.
This philanthropic effort is rooted in the founders’ Belch and Paterson’s experiences with charitable initiatives at their where they were involved in projects with the Prince’s Trust.
Global Expansion
Despite its global ambitions, with team members based in Australia, the Netherlands and other parts of the world, vybey remains proudly Scottish.
“Our home is Glasgow,” Belch affirmed.
The company has expanded into brick-and-mortar retail, securing a spot in Whole Foods UK stores, a significant milestone for vybey in establishing a stronger presence in the UK market.
Looking ahead, vybey is targeting the US market, where Belch believes there is significant potential for its brain health products.
“Nootropics and brain health are more advanced there than anywhere in the world,” he noted.
The company is currently in discussions with investors to facilitate this expansion, aiming to establish manufacturing and distribution channels in the US.
As vybey continues to grow, it’s clear that the company is not just selling nutrition—it’s selling a vision of a healthier and more focused future.
To find more about vybey’s full range, go to vybey.co.uk/
