Two Friends, One Shake, and a World of Change: Nutribrands’ 18-Year Legacy
A practical solution to nutrition that delivers results.
Nutribrands' story began with two friends, Dr. Anton Janse van Rensburg and Jacques de Bruin, who witnessed the stark reality of malnutrition firsthand during an outreach to the Middle East. Inspired to act, they teamed up to address this global issue.
They identified a critical need for accessible, wholesome nutrition, especially in third-world countries where options were scarce, and in first-world countries where quality supplements were expensive. They saw an opportunity to create a single, versatile product that could serve both groups without breaking the bank.
Their goal was a nutrient-rich formula that would be safe for expecting mothers and children, useful for sports enthusiasts, a vitality boost for the elderly and affordable. After thorough research and testing, using their own families as guinea pigs, they launched Nucleo in 2007, founding Nutribrands.
Today, malnutrition remains a global issue, not just from food scarcity but also from the poor nutritional values of grains, vegetables, and fruit. Commercial farming and mass production have lowered food quality, while processed and fast foods damage gut health, affecting nutrient absorption and contributing to chronic illnesses like allergies and cancer, even in children. Wholesome, organic foods are ideal but often hard to access or afford, with studies showing organic foods can be 47% more expensive than conventional ones (Cost of Organic Food).
Our bodies need healthy and wholesome nutrition because it’s the fuel that keeps us thriving. It powers everything from sharp thinking to steady heartbeats, boosting our overall well-being with energy and resilience. More than just sustenance, it strengthens our immune system, arming it to fend off diseases like colds, infections, and even chronic conditions such as diabetes. By nourishing our cells and balancing our gut, wholesome nutrition acts like a shield, helping us not just survive, but flourish against life’s health challenges.
18 years after its humble beginnings, Nutribrands remains committed to accessible nutrition for everyone. Now serving thousands of South Africans, it’s a testimony of the founders' vision: a practical solution to nutrition that delivers results. From a small idea born on an outreach, to a thriving company, Nutribrands continues to bridge the malnutrition gap, one shake at a time.
To read more about Nutribrands and their flagship product, Nucleo, have a look at our About Us page.