Rebellyous Foods raises US$2.4 million to scale sustainable plant-based chicken with Mock 2 technology

Rebellyous Foods, a Seattle-based innovator in plant-based chicken, has secured US$2.4 million in funding to advance its mission of making sustainable meat alternatives affordable and accessible. The funding is an extension of the company’s Series B round. Rebellyous raised US$9.5 million in 2023.

At the heart of Rebellyous Foods' strategy is the Mock 2 system, a fully automated production line that replaces traditional batch processes with a continuous manufacturing model. Key components include a progressive hydrator and emulsification system, integrated temperature control, and automated recipe management. This setup ensures precise hydration, emulsification, and ingredient mixing, allowing for consistent output with minimal human intervention.

“The Mock 2 system redefines plant-based food production,” said Christie Lagally, Founder & CEO of Rebellyous Foods. “By focusing on affordability and scalability, we’re not just creating plant-based chicken—we’re creating the means to produce it efficiently at the scale needed to replace traditional meat.”

The system’s energy-efficient design reduces production costs by eliminating the need for chilled working environments and using internal cooling mechanisms at the equipment level. This innovation minimizes labor-intensive processes, optimizes resource use, and significantly lowers energy consumption, making sustainable production more achievable.

The development of the Mock 2 system wasn’t without challenges. Transitioning from traditional batch methods to a continuous production model required breakthroughs in just-in-time hydration and continuous mixing that preserved the texture and quality of the plant-based protein. Despite these hurdles, the result is a system capable of producing 2,500–5,000 lbs of plant-based meat per hour while maintaining consistent quality.

The system’s flexibility is another key advantage. With the same base dough used across its nuggets, tenders, and patties, Rebellyous Foods can switch between product types by simply changing forming plates. This adaptability supports innovation and responsiveness to market trends.

The Mock 2 system ensures product quality through precise digital control of recipes, temperature, and ingredient mixing. “Consistency is critical when producing at scale,” Lagally explained. “Our automated quality control measures ensure uniformity in texture, flavor, and appearance across every product.”

Additionally, the system improves worker safety by automating labor-intensive tasks and eliminating hazardous conditions common in traditional plant-based production. “Current methods are physically demanding, often requiring repetitive motions and lifting heavy loads,” Lagally noted. “The Mock 2 system not only enhances efficiency but also creates a safer, more ergonomic work environment.”

With this new funding, Rebellyous Foods aims to enhance its production capacity, expand product lines, and bring its innovative technology to new markets. The company plans to localize production by deploying Mock 2 systems closer to key markets, reducing transportation energy costs and environmental impact.

While an official life cycle assessment (LCA) is pending, Rebellyous Foods anticipates significant reductions in energy use, waste, and material requirements compared to traditional meat and plant-based production methods.

Rebellyous Foods’ focus on affordability addresses one of the most significant barriers to the adoption of plant-based foods. By lowering costs through technology-driven efficiencies, the company aims to make plant-based proteins a viable alternative to animal agriculture for both consumers and institutional buyers, such as schools and hospitals.

“Our mission is to create a world where sustainable proteins are the default choice, not just an alternative,” said Lagally. “The Mock 2 system is how we’ll achieve that.”

As the plant-based sector evolves, Rebellyous Foods stands out for its commitment to innovation, cost reduction, and scalability. With its latest funding secured, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the food industry toward a more sustainable future.