Last Updated on April 27, 2022 by Colleen
Join Colleen and Evolve CPG founder Gage Mitchell as they talk about food and politics and how consumers must drive the change to a cleaner food system.
From the Podcast Recap at EvolveCPG.com
“The general trend towards healthier living and better information about nutrition has many layers, with one of the main tenets being an increase in transparency from food brands about the ingredients used and their sources.
Today we are joined by Colleen Kavanagh, the CEO and Co-Founder of ZEGO Foods, to talk about how the company is enabling its customers to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and supporting achievement on multiple levels.
Colleen shares some of her personal journey with nutrition and how this led into her career, the important shifts in the industry in recent years, how public policy fits into the picture, and the central theme of transparency at ZEGO! So, for a great check-in on the present and future of the world of healthy foods, be sure to listen in with and see what Colleen has to say!’
Key Points From This Episode:
- How customer action can quickly impact the industry and make a meaningful change!
- Advice from Colleen around the legalities of going to market and a safe marketing plan.
- Colleen’s background and how her own celiac disease diagnosis led her getting into nutrition.
- ZEGO Foods’ process to becoming a B-Corporation and the processes around certification.
- Pesticides and diseases; the research that has illuminated the dangers of what we consume.
- The launch of ZEGO Foods and how Colleen formulated the vision for the company.
- Concerns about safety and assurances related to allergies and ingredients lists.
- The centrality of the testing process at ZEGO Foods and bringing these practices up to speed.
- Information on A Better Course, Colleen’s school nutrition program!
- Thinking about the next few years at ZEGO; the two current goals of the company.
- How local work in San Francisco deeply impacted Colleen’s philosophy.
Join the movement toward a more transparent food future. ๐ฑ
Weโre excited to be at @newtopianow with GoodNow Foods. Stop by Booth #1812 to meet the ZEGO team and discover how transparency, traceability, and Purity Verified standards are helping build greater trust in food.
๐ Booth #1812 | August 18โ20 | Denver, CO
๐ We canโt wait to connect with the people helping shape whatโs next in conscious food.
#NewtopiaNow #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods
Aug 7
๐พ ๐ข๐ฎ๐ ๐ณ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐
While other grains bloom out in the open, oat flowers stay hidden inside the hull. That tiny detail is one reason oat breeding takes so much care, precision, and patience.
Pretty cool for a breakfast staple. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #OatFacts #DidYouKnow #KnowYourFood #FoodScience
Aug 5
๐ ๐๐ถ๐ด ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐!
Weโre honored to be featured in @eatingwell โs โ7 Best Cereals to Reduce Heart Disease Risk.โ Thank you to registered dietitian @sheridietitian for including ZEGO and sharing how fiber-rich whole grains can support heart health.
Weโre proud to be part of the conversation around nutritious, transparent food choices that help people feel confident about whatโs on their plate.
Read the full story: Link in Bio ๐
#EatingWell #HeartHealth #HealthyBreakfast #WholeGrains #Zegofoods
Aug 4
๐ฑ Good things are growing.
Our oat fields have safely cleared the critical flowering stage, bringing us one step closer to harvest and one step closer to the nutritious foods you know and love. ๐พ
Moments like these remind us that great food starts long before it reaches your table. It starts with healthy soil, dedicated farmers, and a commitment to growing food the right way.
Here`s to strong crops and a promising harvest ahead. ๐
#FarmToTable #Oats #RegenerativeAgriculture #HealthySoil #SustainableFarming #HarvestSeason #FieldUpdate #GrowWithNature #CleanFood #ZEGO
Aug 2
Throwback to 2022, when ZEGO Founder & CEO @colleen_kavanagh_z and @cybelepascal were already friendsโlong before Cybele joined ZEGO as CCO. A little foreshadowing of what was ahead. โค๏ธ
Jul 31
๐ง Waffles made with muesli? Absolutely.
ZEGO Organic Muesli isnโt just for the cereal bowlโit also makes a delicious base for homemade gluten-free, nut-free waffles.
Made with organic Purity Protocol oats, seeds, and naturally sweet dates, our muesli adds flavor, texture, and a little crunch without added sugar. And because itโs made in our top-14 allergen-free facility, itโs an easy way to bring more variety to an allergy-friendly breakfast routine.
A delicious new way to use muesli beyond the cereal bowl. ๐
Find the recipe and more ways to use ZEGO Muesli at https://zegofoods.com/gluten-free-vegan-pancakes-waffles-muffins/
#zegofoods #glutenfreewaffles #nutfreebreakfast #organicmuesli #allergyfriendly
Jul 24
๐ฅ Overnight oats, made even easier.
ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal Blends combine our organic Purity Protocol gluten-free oats with seeds, fruit, spices, and other flavorful ingredientsโso most of the work is already done for you.
Choose Cinnamon & Spice for a warm, cozy bowl or Blueberry Lemon Poppy for something bright and fruity.
To make:
1. Combine โ
cup ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal with 1ยฝ cups milk of choice and โ
teaspoon salt.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Stir in the morning and add your favorite toppings.
An easy breakfast, ready when you are. Which blend are you making first? ๐ฅฃโจ
#zegofoods #overnightoats #glutenfreeoats #healthybreakfast
Jul 22
๐ซ A homemade twist on the old-fashioned chocolate peanut butter cupโmade with your favorite seed or nut butter.
These chocolate-dipped protein bites have a rich, creamy center, a little crunch, and 4g of protein per bite. Choose sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or use your favorite nut butter that works for your household, for a homemade take on the classic chocolate peanut butter cup.
Ingredients:
โข โ
cup pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or your favorite nuts
โข โ
cup seed or nut butter
โข 2 tbsp vanilla
โข 2 tbsp maple syrup
โข 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
โข 2 tsp flaky salt
โข 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, optional
โข Melted chocolate for dipping
โข Cacao nibs or flaky salt for topping, optional
Directions:
โ Mix the seed or nut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
โ Add ZEGO Pure Protein, seeds or nuts, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well.
โ Chill for 30 minutes.
โ Roll into 16 bites and dip in melted chocolate.
โ Sprinkle with cacao nibs or flaky salt, then refrigerate until set.
Store in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go treat.
Choose the ingredients that work for your dietary needs, and enjoy every chocolate-covered bite. ๐ป
Jul 17
Good taste runs in the family. Archerโs dad Darin makes Gheelish, one of our favorite gluten-free snack brandsโand Archer starts his day with ZEGO. ๐๐ฅฃ
Jul 15
Goodness you can hold in your hands. ๐
Every bag of ZEGO Muesli is thoughtfully crafted with YOU in mindโfrom the simple, organic ingredients to our commitment to exceptional food safety and transparency.
Enjoy it straight from the bag, pack it for the trail, pour it into a bowl with your favorite milk, layer it with yogurt and fruit, or sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl for a deliciously satisfying crunch.
However you eat it, ZEGO Muesli makes wholesome nourishment easy to take anywhere.
And because every ZEGO product is Purity Verifiedยฎ, you can feel confident about what youโre bringing to the table.
Discover our Muesli flavors and learn more about our food-safety standards at the ๐ฃ link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #Muesli #AllergyFriendly #GlutenFree #PurityVerified
Jul 13
๐๐ฅฃ The perfect summer snack: cool, crunchy, and easy to customize.
ZEGOโs organic nut-free muesli makes a delicious parfait for breakfast, snack time, or a light summer treat. Layer it with yogurt, fresh fruit, and your favorite toppingsโor set up a parfait bar and let everyone build their own.
Tip: Toast the muesli first for extra crunch!
A few combinations we love:
๐ซ Blackberry yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh berries
๐ Vanilla yogurt + fresh peaches + Cinnamon Twist Muesli
๐ Cinnamon-spiced yogurt + Apple Cranberry Muesli + diced apples + honey
๐ฅฅ Coconut yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh mango + agave
What summer flavor combination would you create? ๐
#SummerSnacks #ParfaitIdeas #OrganicMuesli #NutFree #ZEGOFoods
Jul 10
B-roll from #FancyFood. ๐ฌ
@specialtyfoodassociation #wefancy
Jul 9
๐ช Want an easier way to get more protein at breakfast?
Many nutrition experts recommend aiming for 30โ50g of protein in your first meal to help support stable energy, muscle health, and balanced blood sugar throughout the day.
One simple way to get there? Start with a better oat.
๐พ ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats naturally contain 2x the protein of typical rolled oats, plus 20โ40% more fiber, making them a satisfying foundation for overnight oats, oatmeal, smoothies, and baking.
Why we love them:
๐ช Naturally double the protein
๐ฑ USDA Organic & regeneratively grown in the western U.S.
๐พ More fiber for lasting energy
โจ Purity Verifiedยฎ for pesticides, heavy metals, gluten, and the top allergens
Making overnight oats?
Because our oats are raw, we recommend one of these simple prep methods:
โ๏ธ Pour boiling water over the oats and let sit for 15 minutes before refrigerating.
โ๏ธ Or soak them with yogurt.
โ๏ธ Or add โ
teaspoon sea salt to your soaking liquid.
(This simple step keeps the oats tasting delicious by preventing naturally occurring enzymes from developing a sharp flavor.)
Top with fresh fruit, nuts or seeds, cinnamon, chia, or your favorite yogurt for an easy, protein-packed breakfast.
๐ฌ Whatโs your favorite overnight oats combination?
#ProteinBreakfast #OvernightOats #OrganicOats #zegofoods #PurityVerified
Jul 6
๐บ๐ธโ๏ธ Itโs going to be a HOT Fourth of July weekend…
Skip the sugar bomb and cool down with a popsicle that actually fuels you. ๐๐ฅ
Made with real strawberries, our Organic Double Protein Oats, and Pure Plant Protein Protein Powder, these refreshing pops deliver plant-based protein, complex carbs, and real ingredients you can feel good about.
โค๏ธ Allergy-friendly
๐พ Certified gluten-free
โจ Purity Verifiedยฎ ingredients
Ingredients
๐ฅฃ 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
๐ฑ 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powder
๐ง 1 cup water
๐ 1 cup diced strawberries, plus extra sliced strawberries
๐ 2 tbsp lemon juice
๐ฏ 4โ5 tbsp honey or agave (or to taste)
๐ผ 1 tsp vanilla extract
๐ง Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1๏ธโฃ Blend the water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.
2๏ธโฃ Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3๏ธโฃ Place sliced strawberries into your popsicle molds.
4๏ธโฃ Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight (or at least 4โ6 hours).
5๏ธโฃ Enjoy!
Perfect after the pool. ๐๏ธ
Perfect after a workout. ๐ช
Perfect while watching the fireworks. ๐
Save this recipe for the holiday weekend! ๐บ๐ธ๐
#FourthOfJuly #HealthySummer #Popsicles #PlantBased #GlutenFree
Jul 3
Day 2 at Fancy Food. Come by booth #1150, grab some overnight oats and samples, and say hello!
#fancyfood #fancyfoodshow #getfancy
@specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 29
Next stop: New York City. ๐ฝ
The countdown is on! If youโll be at the Summer Fancy Food Show, come visit ZEGO at the GoodNOW CPG Collective Booth (#1150), where weโll be showcasing our Purity Verifiedโข organic oats alongside an incredible portfolio of innovative food brands.
๐ Booth #1150
๐
June 28โ30
๐ Javits Center
Whether youโre looking for clean-label ingredients, transparency, or innovative organic oat solutions, weโd love to meet you.
See you in the Big Apple!
#SummerFancyFoodShow #wefancy #goodnowcpg
๐ท Shared from @specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 25
Weโre looking forward to the UNFI East Holiday & Winter Selling Show!
Join us at Booth #766B to learn more about ZEGOโs Purity Verifiedโข Double Protein Oats (DPO), Regenerative Organic Certifiedยฎ (ROC) oats, and our full line of gluten-free organic oat products and ingredients.
If youโre walking the show floor, stop by and meet our Chief Commercial Officer, Cybele Pascal.
Weโd love to connect and talk all things oats, transparency, and regenerative agriculture.
See you in Connecticut!
#UNFISellingShow #OrganicOats #RegenerativeOrganic #PurityVerified
Jun 22
New York, weโre coming for you. ๐ฝ
Catch ZEGO and our friends at GoodNOW CPG at Booth #1150 during the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 28โ30.
See you at the Javits Center.
#WeFancy #FancyFoodShow #SummerFancyFoodShow #ZEGOFoods GoodNOWCPG
Jun 17
Fibermaxxing is taking the wellness world by storm in 2026! ๐พ Focusing on increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods is not only a trend but a lifestyle shift thatโs here to stay.
Fiber remains foundational for gut health, longevity, and metabolic wellness. It supports digestion, nurtures the microbiome, and helps maintain steady energy levels and lasting fullness throughout the day.
As more people prioritize fiber, theyโre discovering its benefits for heart health and insulin sensitivity. Increasing fiber intake can also enhance nutrient absorption, leading to overall better health outcomes.
High-fiber foods are versatile and satisfying, making them easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. They help promote fullness, which can assist with appetite management and weight control.
ZEGO is committed to fiber-rich, whole-food products. We prioritize farmer-first sourcing and minimal processing to ensure real nourishment, offering genuine, health-supportive foods.
In the journey of wellness, fiber continues to pave the way to better health. Embrace the power of fiber and feel the difference it makes. ๐
#fibermax #fibermaxxing #zego #glutenfreeoats
Jun 15
Thanks to @liv.ingwithallergies for this simple breakfast recipe featuring ZEGO Purity Verifiedโข oats.
๐ฅฃ Ingredients:
โข 1 tbsp chia seeds
โข 1/3 cup ZEGO oats
โข 1/3โ1/2 cup dairy-free milk
โข 2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries
โข Granola and additional fruit for topping
๐ซ Directions:
1. Blend blueberries and milk.
2. Combine with remaining ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
3. Top with granola and fruit before serving.
Save this one for busy mornings.
#ZEGOFoods #OvernightOats #GlutenFree #allergyfriendly #plantbased
Jun 11
-
Organic Double Protein Oats 1 bag$8.99 -
Organic Plant Based Protein Powder (15oz bag)$29.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
-
Organic Gluten-Free Muesli: Nut Free Cinnamon Twist (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
-
Organic Double Protein Oats 5 bag case$44.95 — or subscribe to save 5%
-
Organic Gluten Free Muesli: Apple Cranberry (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
-
Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blueberry Lemon Poppy 1 Bag$8.99
-
Organic Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$149.95 — or subscribe to save 5%
-
Organic Oatmeal Superfood Cinnamon Spice 1 Bag$8.99
-
Regenerative Organic Oats 1 bag$8.99
