Local

Local food lab will help entrepreneurs create plant-based foods

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Have you ever tried almond or oat milk? What about meatless "meat" products?

A new food innovation lab is opening at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

It's expected to help entrepreneurs create plant-based foods, which are exploding in popularity.

[ALSO READ: Maker of meatless burger testing waters for plant-based fish]

Channel 9's Allison Latos talked to Lee Cooper, who said he and his partner created plant-based pulled barbeque that is very similar to North Carolina pulled pork barbeque.

Cooper said he hopes the new lab will help grow his business.

Watch the video to hear about how the lab will help bring jobs to Kannapolis and keep crops in North Carolina.