Authentic Texan
By J. Carol Richards
Brett Christoffel is a man on a mission. He is the founder and CEO of All Y’alls Foods, a mission-driven plant-based protein company that will delight and nourish you with bold flavors that elevate meatless to a new level. Brett is a true Texan raised in a meat-centered society but suffered from depression for a decade. He decided to try a natural approach to his problem instead of the popular drugs. Within four months after using ground flaxseed for the omega 3’s, he was able to reverse his depression.
Brett diligently researched the correlation between what we eat and how our bodies react to particular foods. The answer seemed to be a radical change in his diet. “I realized that everything I thought I knew about health, nutrition, disease, cures, and healing was inaccurate.” He enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and opened a raw, organic, vegan smoothie bar. He wrote a book called Nutritional Truths, which included how animals like the rhinos and elephants, who lived on simple diets of grass and plants, thrived as mammals. On a visit to the zoo with his wife in 2016, he suddenly realized that because of his love for these animals, he had to give up meat and, on that day, went vegan in 2018.
All Y’alls Foods is a new twist on traditional Texas proteins with products that rival their meat equivalent in four tempting flavors of jerky and then bacony bits with more protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron than beef and no cholesterol.
With its robust and savory flavor, the Black Pepper and Sea Salt jerky is versatile enough to enhance soups, stews, breakfast scrambles, or quesadillas. The Black Pepper Sea Salt is bold with a gentle hint of pecan smoke flavor.
The South Texas Plains inspired the Prickly Pear Chipotle jerky, a spicy mix of sweet prickly pear and chipotle peppers. The finely roasted peppers make this a blend of Texas sweet and heat.
The Prickly Pear Teriyaki jerky has an exotic sweetness with a deep umami of teriyaki perfect for snacks or use it to lift salads, in stir-fries, or add a gourmet touch to sandwiches and pizza with hints of ginger and garlic.
One of the more unique flavors is the Cinnamon Churro jerky, inspired by the Big Bend Country of Texas and reminiscent of a churro pastry. Top popcorn, add it to your trail mix, or include it on a charcuterie board with fresh fruit. Cinnamon Churro jerky is a perfect addition to homemade granola bars, pancakes, waffles, and yogurt, or you can infuse it into oatmeal cookies for a blast of flavor.
Perhaps the most popular product at All Y’alls Foods is their It’s Big Crunchy Bacony Bits Y’all. Ready to eat and full of bacon flavor, use these bacon bits in meatloaf, mac and cheese, with eggs, pancakes, burgers, or BLT. They are full of protein, thick and meaty without the meat, and the crunch and flavor are as big as Texas.
All of the products from All Y’alls Foods are certified non-GMO and gluten-free. They are also certified vegan by BeVeg, an international organization that actually visits the facilities they certify. Everything is no or low added sugar and lower sodium than most and is made from whole, non-GMO soybeans. A portion of the sales goes to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, which rescues farm animals who get to live out their full lives to enjoy a life of rest and relaxation under the big Texas sky. In addition, All Y’alls Foods offers a cookbook created by Hannah Kaminsky with forty incredibly easy and delicious recipes.
Luna’s Story
In the heart of Texas, where vast cattle-filled fields stretch as far as the eye can see, Luna the Longhorn was born with a spark of life in her eyes. Raised initially through a school agriculture program, Luna’s early days were filled with the typical experiences of a young longhorn. Yet, she always felt a bit different from her peers – more curious, more empathetic, and with a strong desire to live free from a bovine’s typical fate, slaughter.
One fateful day at the auction, Luna’s path took an unexpected turn. A compassionate couple noticed the twinkle in her eyes and her gentle nature, so they purchased and rescued her, deciding she should live her full life cared for and loved. They took her to a new home, where she flourished amidst fields of green grass and springtime bluebonnets. It was here that Luna discovered her true calling.
Luna has become an ambassador for a new, more compassionate way of life. She embodies the pioneering spirit of Texas while championing a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. With her charming demeanor and relatable story, she quickly wins the hearts of those who see her as a reflection of their own resilience. Luna shares tales from her upbringing, offering tips and encouraging others to embrace sustainable living. More than just a mascot, she is a symbol of transformation and kindness, resonating deeply with those navigating the journey toward a more compassionate, sustainable future.
