The plant-based beverage blends natural caffeine with gut health support and a mission for youth mental wellness
In a category long dominated by sugar-heavy and artificially enhanced energy drinks, Open Up Energy is redefining what energy can be with a plant-based Yerba Mate, zero-sugar energy drink formulated with pre and probiotics to support sustained energy and gut health.
The concept for Open Up Energy was founded by Aleez, an 18-year-old entrepreneur who relocated from Australia to the United States two years ago. Navigating a new country while balancing academics, athletics, and late-night study sessions, Aleez experienced the shortcomings of conventional energy drinks from jittery highs and crashes to bloating and artificial taste profiles.
Rather than accepting those trade-offs, Aleez took a research-driven approach, studying ingredient labels, questioning category norms, and identifying gaps in the market. His curiosity evolved into a clear vision: an energy drink that delivered reliable performance while actively supporting the body.
“I didn’t understand why energy drinks couldn’t be clean, functional, and supportive,” said Aleez.
“I knew there had to be a better way to energize without sacrificing health.”
Open Up Energy is co-founded by Reshma and Nilima, who serve as the operational and strategic backbone of the company. Working closely with Aleez, they transformed his concept into a scalable, market-ready brand-leading formulation development, operations, creative direction, and long-term growth strategy. Their leadership ensures the brand’s commitment to wellness, transparency, and purpose remains central as it grows.
At the core of Open Up’s formulation is natural caffeine from yerba mate, selected for its smooth, sustained energy without synthetic stimulants or harsh crashes. The drink is further differentiated by its inclusion of probiotic cultures and prebiotic fibre, reflecting emerging research on the gut-brain connection and its impact on focus, mood, and mental clarity.
The formulation is rounded out with B-vitamins and coenzyme Q10 to support cognitive performance and balanced energy, while monk fruit provides natural zero-calorie sweetness. Open Up is vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from artificial flavors, No lab-grown sweeteners, and synthetic additives.
Open Up’s flavor portfolio reflects this modern, health-forward approach. Rather than traditional energy drink profiles, the lineup features combinations like Orange Marshmallow, Peach Mango, and Tropical Punch, designed to evoke nostalgia.
Beyond product innovation, Open Up Energy is a purpose-driven, committing five percent of profits to youth mental health initiatives. The brand’s mission centres on encouraging openness, honest conversations, and emotional support among young people.
“Energy means nothing if young people don’t feel mentally supported,” Aleez added. “If we give them energy, we should also give them a voice.”
Open Up Energy is currently available through direct-to-consumer channels, including its website and Amazon, with plans underway for expanded retail distribution, wholesale partnerships, and branded cooler placements.
As consumers increasingly demand transparency, functional benefits and authenticity, Open Up Energy represents a new generation of energy drinks, one that blends clean ingredients, gut health, and cultural impact into a single, modern offering.
“For us, the future of energy isn’t louder, it’s healthier, kinder, more human,” says Aleez.
“Open Up is our contribution to that future.”
