Advances In Manufacturing Makes Plant-Based More Viable But Will It Take Over?

After 15 years as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace
industry, Christie Lagally decided to utilize her skills to
champion plant-based foods. Barbara Castiglia spoke Lagally,
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at rebellyous foods, about
her unique career path and why plant-based foods are so important
to her.


When Lagally first went to college she attended culinary school.
She quickly learned that her gifts were not to be found in this
space and went to a more traditional school eventually graduating
with a Mechanical Engineering degree. She is now applying her
knowledge to creating plan-based foods and making them more
affordable to the general public.


When asked about her journey to today, Lagally explained that
ending up where she is now is not as random as it might appear.
Lagally has over 15 years of volunteer service for various animal
protection agencies including a 7+ year engagement as a
Washington State Council Member for The Humane Society of the
United States.


“As an advocate, I was passionate about these issues because I
care about people, I care about animals. I'd seen a lot of people
in my family particularly either sadly pass away or just suffer
very badly from diet-related diseases that we now know are
heavily impacted by what we eat and how they can even be
mitigated by changing what we eat,” stated Lagally.


She’s clearly passionate about the mission of rebellyous foods
which produces plant-based nuggets, tenders, and patties that
cook just like traditional breaded chicken products. The company
has even been able to produce nuggets for the national K12 Food
Service program allowing schools to offer a nutritious and
cost-effective chicken alternative. An added benefit, plant-based
foods offer a tasty treat without added chemicals and
preservatives including antibiotics.


Moving forward, rebellyous foods aims to continue making
plant-based meat better and cheaper by advancing manufacturing
practices and technologies to bring its products to market
throughout the U.S.