When it comes to nutritious, versatile grains, millet is a hidden gem—especially for the gluten-free and allergy-friendly community. This ancient grain is not only good for you but also supports sustainable farming practices. Thanks to partnerships like the Collaborative Integrated Value Chain (CIVC), millet is poised to take its rightful place on your table.
Be sure to watch the short video below featuring Colleen Kavanagh, where she shares why millet is such an important crop and how ZEGO’s partnership with CIVC is helping bring it to your table.
Millet is a small-seeded grain classified as an “ancient grain.”
Known for its resilience, proso millet requires less water than traditional staples like rice and corn. It thrives in various U.S. climates, including those prone to drought, making it a climate-friendly crop.
Why Millet Matters to the Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Community
Millet is naturally gluten-free and free from the top allergens, making it a safe and inclusive option for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or food allergies. Its mild flavor and versatility allow it to be used in everything from flour for baking to a hearty base for porridge, salads, or bowls.
Nutritionally, this grain is a powerhouse. It’s high in protein, rich in fiber, and contains essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, making it a valuable addition to any diet. For those looking for clean, nutritious, and allergen-friendly options, millet ticks all the boxes.
Why Aren’t We Eating More of this Ancient Grain?
Historically, millet was a staple crop in many parts of the world. However, over time, farming subsidies in the U.S. shifted agricultural production—and our diets—toward wheat and soy. This shift pushed grains like millet out of the mainstream, leaving it underutilized despite its many benefits. Unfortunately, this also means small-scale farmers who grow millet often struggle to find buyers; and larger mills typically prioritize high-volume crops.
How ZEGO and CIVC Are Bringing Millet Back
At ZEGO, we’re committed to partnering with farmers to reintroduce millet into the market. Our work with CIVC is a key part of this effort. Through this partnership, we’re supporting farmers in growing organic, gluten-free millet as part of their rotational crop practices. This approach improves soil health, reduces heavy metal uptake in plants, and promotes sustainable farming.
This collaboration also allows us to develop the infrastructure needed to process and dehull millet. This ensures we can deliver purity-verified, U.S.-grown millet flour that meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Millet’s versatility makes it ideal for baking bread, making pancakes, or serving as a nutritious main or side dish. Are you ready to get cooking with this healthy, gluten-free grain? Visit our friends at Snacktivist Foods for some creative and delicious millet recipes!
Stay tuned for updates as we bring purity-verified, U.S.-grown millet products to your pantry soon!
Colleen Kavanagh
Colleen has dedicated over 20 years of her career to improving the federal nutrition programs on the local, state, and federal level in her work for Congress, the School Nutrition Association, California Food Policy Advocates, and her own nonprofit project called A Better Course. Frustrated with the inability of federal action to bring truly healthy food to those in need. she started her food company ZEGO in 2013 to focus on food purity and nutrition density. Through ZEGO, she encourages consumers to advocate for themselves and ask the brands they love to measure and report the purity of their food.
⏰ Last Chance! Our Month of Clean Breakfast Giveaway Ends Soon!
Don’t miss your chance to win a ZEGO breakfast bundle and enjoy a month of clean, thoughtfully sourced breakfast.
Transparency isn’t just a January theme – it’s what we do every day. This month, we’re highlighting it to show how much it matters in the foods we make.
To enter, comment on the original giveaway post:
1️⃣ Like that post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account — please don’t share personal information with any other page.
✅ Hurry—get your entries in on the original post before time runs out! Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 31
Transparency matters—especially when it comes to keeping oats pure and gluten-free.
At ZEGO, transparency doesn’t stop at the farm. It continues every step of the way, long after our oats arrive.
Our farmers follow rigorous growing practices like crop rotation (so gluten-containing grains aren’t grown in the same fields), seed purity (starting with seed free from wheat, barley, and rye), isolation strips (physical buffer zones between fields), and regular field inspections to protect the integrity of the crop from seed to truck.
Once a truckload of oats arrives at ZEGO, the work continues.
We are a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility, and every incoming load goes through multiple layers of verification:
We visually inspect samples and perform seed counts, which means identifying and counting any foreign grains to confirm purity.
We pull 3 random samples from the front, middle, and end of every truck, and from 5 different locations on each pallet, to ensure truly representative testing. We send those 3 samples to the Idaho Grain Inspection Service where they inspect every seed and report to us if they find any wheat, barley, or rye. In addition, we conduct strip testing (rapid gluten detection tests) on every load.
Our oats move through our dedicated gluten-free receiving, storage, cleaning, and milling equipment—always.
We test all oats to ensure they are below 10 ppm gluten, and internally we aim for 5 ppm or less to exceed GFCO certification standards.
All of this is done for one reason: to provide the safest oats possible and peace of mind you can trust—every bowl, every time.
Jan 31
🌾 Farmers We Admire: Nate Powell-Palm
We’re launching a new series spotlighting the farmers who inspire us — those shaping a more resilient, regenerative, and transparent food system.
Our first feature is Nate Powell-Palm (@powellpalm_organics), founder of Cold Springs Organics. A native Montanan, Nate got his start in Gallatin County 4-H and founded Cold Springs Organics while still in high school. Today, it’s an 800+ acre certified organic grain, cattle, and milling operation.
“As an organic farmer, transparency is the lifeblood of my business. I’d argue it’s also the primary motivator for organic farmers overall: consumers want to know what’s in their food — and we are eager to tell them. That creates a unique relationship between growers and eaters in our community.
When customers seek out certified organic products, they’re seeking transparency — an honest assurance their food is safe, with systems in place to guarantee that trust. I’ve admired Zego for making organic certification the foundation of their brand, and for the work they’ve done to identify the best sources for their trusted, tested ingredients.”
Beyond the field, Nate is a leading voice for transparency in organic agriculture. As former Chair of the National Organic Standards Board, he’s advocated for strong enforcement, clear standards, and accountability — because trust in the USDA Organic seal depends on a rigorous, transparent process.
When he’s not farming or working on better policy, Nate and his team are expanding their milling operation outside of Belgrade, MT — investing in the land and the people who steward it.
This is the kind of leadership we admire. 🌱
More Farmers We Admire coming soon.
Jan 31
GIVEAWAY 🎉 A Month of Clean Breakfast
Transparency isn’t just a trend – it’s something we live by every day. This January, we’re highlighting it to kick off the new year and show how much it matters in the foods we make.
We’re celebrating by giving one winner a month of clean breakfast with a ZEGO bundle, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and transparency from seed to bowl.
To enter (1/29–1/31):
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident to enter. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account — please don’t share personal information with any other page.
Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 29
Next stop: #KeHeSummerShow ✨
📍 Feb 4–5
📍 Booth #257
Come say hello and discover how simple, carefully sourced ingredients can also be seriously delicious. We’d love to connect!
Jan 26
🌾Fibermaxxing – What is it? Should I be fibermaxxing?
What is fibermaxxing? It’s a social media trend all about trying to meet and exceed the recommended daily value of fiber in your diet.
💚We think this is a great idea, because most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet! High fiber foods, like fruits and vegetables, seeds and legumes – and even oats – can help your GI system work it’s best and it can help you feel fuller longer!
🥣Focus on natural, nutrient dense foods over supplements. Women need about 25-28 grams of fiber daily. Thankfully our ZEGO oat products have 4-5 grams of dietary fiber per 1/3 cup serving! Starting your day with a bowl of ZEGO oats is a great way to add fiber to your diet.✨
But a word of warning, if you don’t really eat a lot of fiber now – take it slow! If you add a ton of fiber in your diet all at once, you might have some unexpected negative side effects – bloating, gas, constipation, etc.
If you have any questions about how you can increase your fiber, or FIBERMAXX, consult a registered dietitian or your gastroenterologist!
Jan 23
What happens when one chemical is removed from farming?
In this video, ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why that question matters more than most labels suggest and why transparency requires looking at the full system.
Press play to hear her perspective.
What questions do you wish food labels answered more clearly?
Jan 19
Happy International Hot & Spicy Food Day! 🔥🤎
These Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls aren’t overly spicy, but the cinnamon, ginger, and just a hint of cayenne give them a cozy, warming bite with a little kick. Think fudgy, chewy, chocolatey—with depth and balance.
Perfect for an afternoon snack or a make-ahead treat you’ll actually look forward to.
And thanks to ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli, they don’t just deliver a protein boost, they also bring the benefits of fiber and iron, making these feel just as good as they taste.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls
Makes ~16–18 balls
Ingredients:
• 1½ cups ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli
• 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
• ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter (or favorite nut butter)
• ⅓ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️
Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients except the muesli until smooth.
2️⃣ Stir in the Cinnamon Twist Muesli.
3️⃣ Chill for 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Scoop, roll, and enjoy!
🧊 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Jan 16
Winter Fancy Faire has officially wrapped, and we’re heading home feeling energized. ✨
Connecting with retailers, partners, and fellow food lovers who care deeply about transparency, quality, and delicious food is always a reminder of why we do this work. Thank you for such a great show. 🤍
Jan 15
We hear this often: people stop eating oats not because they want to, but because they can’t be sure they’re safe.
Transparency means more than a label. It means showing how food is grown, handled, and tested—so people can make informed decisions, especially those living with celiac disease.
Throughout January, we’ll be sharing a closer look at our transparency process and the steps we take to ensure our foods are truly safe because transparency isn`t an extra; it`s essential.
Jan 12
We’re heading to sunny San Diego ☀️🌴
ZEGO will be at Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13, and we’d love to see you there!
📍 Booth #2011
Stop by to connect with our team, learn more about our farmer-first approach, and explore what’s new.
If you’re attending, be sure to swing by and say hello! 👋🌾
Jan 8
Transparency shouldn’t be optional. It should be the standard.
In this clip, our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why ZEGO is committed to raising the bar for food transparency. From expanded testing to full access to results through QR codes on every package, we believe people deserve to know exactly what’s in their food and what’s not.
With growing concerns around contamination and heavy metals, access to clear, honest information matters more than ever. Because when people have access to real information, they can make choices that truly support their health and their families. 💚
Jan 5
Experts predict that fibermaxxing -intentionally increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods- will continue to shape wellness trends in 2026. 🌾
Fiber remains foundational as more people focus on gut health, longevity, and metabolic wellness. It supports digestion, feeds the microbiome, and helps promote steady energy and lasting fullness throughout the day.
Protein is also staying strong as a key wellness priority. Consumers are looking for high-quality protein sources that fit into everyday meals and snacks, support muscle health, and contribute to satiety, especially when paired with fiber from whole foods.
Another major trend shaping food choices is GLP-1 support. As more people use GLP-1 medications, nutrient density has become even more important. Fiber- and protein-rich foods can help support fullness, digestive comfort, and consistent nourishment, making it easier to meet nutritional needs while managing appetite.
At ZEGO, these aren’t passing trends. We focus on whole-food sources of fiber and protein, farmer-first sourcing, and minimal processing to bring truly nourishing foods to market.
Because when it comes to wellness, real food still leads the way. 💚
Jan 1
2025 was one for the books 💚✨
From Winter Fancy Food and Natural Products Expo West to a perfect Spokin’s Galentine’s Day Pilates pop-up event, from launching our Regenerative Organic Oats to showing up at events like the National Restaurant Show, Newtopia Now, International Baking Expo, FNCE, and FAACT, 2025 was full of connection, growth, and momentum.
We loved hitting the road for demos at Erewhon, Raley’s, and Sprouts and sharing our delicious products. And of course, connecting with farmers and food leaders at the Montana Organic Association Conference reminded us why this work matters so much.
We’re so grateful for every partner, retailer, farmer, and customer who made this year possible. Here’s to continuing to grow, innovate, and bring truly nourishing food to more tables in 2026. 🌾✨
Dec 31
New Year, Same Healthy You Sale
Kick off the year with more protein, more fiber, and more of what your body loves. For a limited time, we’re offering a case deal on our Double Protein Oatmeal — buy a full case (5 bags) and get one bag FREE.
That means you’ll receive 5 bags for the price of 4 when you purchase a case.
Whether your goal is more plant-based protein, fibermaxxing, or just love a good deal on oatmeal, this is the perfect time to stock up!
Offer valid through 1/3/2026. Case purchase required.
Dec 30
Our New Year’s resolutions 🌾✨
As we step into the new year, we’re recommitting to the values that guide everything we do at ZEGO:
• Transparency, continuing to provide traceable, easily accessible purity data so you always know what’s in your food
• Put farmers first, supporting pricing models that work for farmers, help expand organic and regenerative acreage, and strengthen rural farming communities.
• Champion U.S. farmers, sourcing from domestic growers and investing in regional supply chains that build resilience and reduce risk.
• Contribute to healthier soil, advancing regenerative and organic practices that restore soil, protect water, and support biodiversity.
• Bring truly nourishing food to market, creating products that are safe, thoughtfully sourced, and made to help people be their best selves.
We believe the future of food is transparent, farmer-focused, and rooted in care for people and the planet. Here’s to a year of better food and better systems -together. 💜🌱
Dec 29
Of course we made oatmeal cookies (and oat milk!) for Santa 🎅🍪
Wishing our ZEGO community a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, good food, and joyful moments around the table. 💜🌲
However you’re celebrating, we hope your day is sweet and your bowls (and cookie plates!) are full.
Dec 24
Happy Holidays from all of us at ZEGO ✨
As the year winds down, we’re grateful for our farmers, partners, and this thoughtful community that believes in safe food, transparency, and caring for people and the planet.
However you’re celebrating this season – gathered around the table, enjoying a quiet morning, or cooking something warm and nourishing – we’re wishing you comfort, joy, and a healthy start to the new year. 🌾🥣
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Dec 22
Big news from Erewhon 📸✨
Our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal has officially debuted at Erewhon locations in Southern California and we couldn’t be more excited! 🌾💙
These oats are U.S. farmer-grown, Traceable Purity Verified, and produced with practices that build soil health and support regenerative agriculture, because how food is grown matters.
If you’re shopping Erewhon in SoCal, keep an eye out for our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and let us know when you spot it!
Dec 20
We wanted to take a moment during this busy holiday season to thank you all for believing in our mission – everyone deserves to know what’s in their food.
We’ve teamed up with @purity_coffee for a giveaway that’s aligned with our mission of purity and transparency!
Purity Coffee is a fantastic partner to talk about purity – they are lab tested and confirmed free from pesticide residues, mold and mycotoxins! Purity Coffee is free from additives and top allergens. They are also regeneratively grown and of course, USDA certified organic. Their high standards are what sets Purity Coffee apart from other coffee.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because ZEGO also tests for pesticide residues, mold, mycotoxins, and heavy metals often found in grains like oats. Our high standards are what sets us apart from other oats and we’re so proud to serve our product in homes just like yours.
One lucky winner will receive two bags of Purity Coffee whole beans and a set of ZEGO oatmeal bags, including our Double Protein Oats and Regenerative Organic Oats.
To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @purity_coffee @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend you’d love to have over for brunch to share a cup of coffee and warm bowl of oatmeal.
Giveaway ends 12/25 at 5pm PT. Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident to enter. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account.
Dec 19
