When it comes to nutritious, versatile grains, millet is a hidden gemโespecially 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 ZEGOโs 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. Itโs 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 productionโand our dietsโtoward 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, weโre 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, weโre 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.
Milletโs 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.
Two Jimboโs demos, so many happy oat fans ๐
Thank you, Carmel Valley and Carlsbad! We loved meeting you and the amazing Jimboโs teams at our tasting tables last month. A few highlights:
๐ฅฃ Oatmeal cookie bites made with our Purity Protocol oats
๐ Lots of love for ingredient transparency: every bag has a QR code linking to its lab results
๐พ Several of you with celiac disease told us you were excited to enjoy oats again, and thatโs exactly why we do this
Catch us next:
๐ Jimboโs Escondido, Sat Oct 17, 10amโ2pm
๐ Allergy Summit, Oct 22โ24
Already have a bag? Scan the QR on your package and enter your Best By date to see the lab results for your lot.
#ZEGOFoods #PurityVerified #GlutenFree #AllergyFriendly #CeliacFriendly
Oct 16
๐ฅฃ Find ZEGO on shelves this October!
You can find ZEGO Double Protein Organic Oatmeal at all Andronicoโs Community Market locations and select Safeway stores in San Francisco.
When you find a bag, flip it over and scan the QR code to see the lab results for your specific batch.
๐ Found us at your local store? Tag the location in the comments to help others find us, too!
#ZEGOFoods #WheresZEGO #GlutenFreeOats #RegenerativeOatmeal #NaturalGrocery
Oct 12
๐ฑ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ: ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ
ZEGO Foods was proud to sponsor and participate in the RFSI Forum 2026 in Denver, joining leaders across investment, finance, agriculture, and food to explore ways to build a more resilient and regenerative food system. ๐
Our Founder and CEO, @colleen_kavanagh_z , joined these important conversations on how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful change. We were also excited to partner with @philosopherfoods to bring nut butter to the eventโs breakfast spread!
At ZEGO, we believe partnerships like these help bring people together around better food, support a more transparent food system, and create a healthier future for people and the planet. ๐๐พ
Thank you to the RFSI team and everyone working toward a more regenerative future!
#ZEGOFoods #RFSIForum2026 #PhilosopherFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodTransparency FoodSystemResilience
Oct 9
โTry it folks. Itโs really the Best Breakfast Ever!โ ๐ฅฃโญโญโญโญโญ
Jo P. found a new morning favorite, and we love how they make it their own! Hereโs whatโs in their bowl:
๐ Hot, creamy ZEGO Double Protein Organic Oatmeal
๐ A dollop of applesauce or a drizzle of maple syrup for a special treat
๐พ Specialty raw rolled oats, grown by U.S. farmers
โ
Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals, and gluten-free (<5 ppm)
Whatโs your go-to oatmeal topping? Tell us in the comments! ๐
Shop link in bio
#ZEGO #ContainsPeaceOfMind #PurityVerified #OatmealLove #RealReviews
Oct 8
๐ฑ What do oats and chickpeas have in common? They can help support healthier soil when grown together in thoughtful crop rotations.
Oats use nitrogen from the soil as they grow and build protein. Chickpeas and other legumes have a unique ability to help replenish nitrogen in the soil through a natural process called nitrogen fixation.
One of the most fascinating signs of this process happens underground. Legume roots can develop small nodules that indicate the plant is actively working with soil microbes to support nitrogen cycling. ๐ฟ
It`s a powerful reminder that healthy food starts long before harvest. What happens beneath the surface helps support resilient soil, thriving crops, and a stronger food system.
At ZEGO, we believe better food begins with understanding where it comes from, how it`s grown, and the health of the soil that makes it possible. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #RegenerativeFarming #FoodTransparency
Oct 7
In August, Colleen stood in Jody`s oat field on the Manuel farm, and we have been waiting to show you these photos since.
National Farmers Day is next Monday, so this week belongs to the people who grow the food in your bowl. When we say know what`s in your bowl, it starts with knowing who planted it.
Swipe through the visit, and tell Jody hello in the comments.
#zegofoods #farmerswelove #nationalfarmersday #knowwhatsinyourbowl #oatfarm
Oct 5
Healthy soil. Stronger harvests. Better food.
On our Montana farm tour, we saw how thoughtful farming practices help support healthier growing systems. Crop rotation, including planting lentils and chickpeas alongside oats, helps naturally replenish soil nutrients and promote long-term soil health. It`s one example of how farmers work with nature to build more resilient food systems.
At ZEGO, we believe better food starts at the source, with transparency every step of the way.
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #FoodTransparency #OrganicFarming
Sep 25
๐ฅฃ Simple. Protein-packed. Made for busy mornings.
Breakfast is evolving, and more people are looking for foods that are quick, simple, nourishing, and made with ingredients they can trust.
Thatโs why we created ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats. ๐
With nearly double the digestible protein of typical oats, 20โ40% more fiber than standard rolled oats, and Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals; gluten-free (<5 ppm). Itโs a simple way to bring more nutrition and peace of mind to your morning bowl.
The best part? Make it your own with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, nut butter, or yogurt. ๐๐ฏ๐ฅ
๐ Read our latest blog: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #DoubleProteinOats #ProteinBreakfast #FoodTransparency #PurityVerified
Sep 19
Edacious FoodData just launched, and ZEGO LLC is proud to be included!
We tested with Edacious and are proud to share our results publicly and be part of a platform that`s finally showing the real variability that exists across the foods we all eat.
Check out our page, and explore the platform: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #Edacious #FoodData #FoodTransparency #FoodTraceability
Sep 17
๐ Food transparency is gaining momentum.
Californiaโs proposed โNon-Ultra-Processedโ seal could be another step toward a future where consumers have greater access to meaningful food information and independent verification.
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know whatโs in their food. Thatโs why our Purity Verifiedยฎ program makes testing information easy to access. Simply scan the QR code on your package to see the information behind the food you choose.
Curious about what this proposal could mean for the future of food transparency? Read our latest blog article: LINK IN BIO
#FoodTransparency #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods #KnowYourFood #PeaceOfMind
Sep 16
๐๐ซ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ + ๐ฏ๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ + ๐น๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ป = ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐น๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ! This creamy, refreshing smoothie packs in plant-based protein, greens, and a delicious burst of blueberry-lemon flavor. โจ
Matcha Blueberry Lemon Protein Smoothie
๐ฅ 1 cup gluten-free plant-based milk
๐ฅฌ 1 cup baby spinach
๐ 1 banana
๐ซ ยฝ cup blueberries
๐ช 2 tbsp ZEGO Sacha Inchi Protein Powder
๐พ 3 tbsp ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
๐ต 1ยฝ tsp matcha powder
๐ง ยฝ cup ice
Blend everything on high for 30+ seconds until smooth. Add more milk for your desired texture, pour, and enjoy! ๐
Save this recipe for your next morning smoothie! โจ
#ZEGOFoods #MatchaSmoothie #ProteinSmoothie #SmoothieRecipe #HealthyRecipes
Sep 11
๐ ๐ช๐๐๐ฅ๐โ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข? ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐! ๐๐
Weโre so excited to announce that ZEGO is rolling out across the Chicagoland area at Jewel-Osco! ๐
You can now find some of your ZEGO favorites on shelves, including:
-Double Protein Oatmeal
-ROC Oatmeal
-Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
-Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Oatmeal
From the city to the suburbs, weโre thrilled to be bringing ZEGO to more shoppers across the Chicago area. ๐๐ฑ
So the next time youโre shopping at Jewel-Osco, keep an eye out for ZEGO! ๐
๐ธ Find us? Snap a photo, tag @ZEGOFoods, and show us where you spotted us!
Chicago, weโre so happy to be here. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #WheresZEGO #JewelOsco #PurityVerified #BreakfastMadeBetter
Sep 9
๐ Food transparency is gaining momentum.
New federal proposals related to GRAS ingredients and ultra-processed foods reflect a growing conversation about giving consumers better access to information about their food. At ZEGO, we believe people deserve meaningful, transparent information so they can make informed choices with confidence.
๐ Read more on the ZEGO blog – link in bio
#FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #KnowYourFood #ZEGO
Aug 28
๐พ A milestone for ZEGO!
Our first regenerative organic oat harvest is underway in Havre, Montana. ๐ฑ
After years of drought and grasshopper damage, this crop is looking especially promising. As part of our commitment to gluten-free oats, we walked the fields to verify they were free of gluten-containing grains and were encouraged by how clean they looked. As with any organic farm, there are some weeds, including bindweed, alfalfa, and amaranth, but they can be easily cleaned out during processing.
Grateful for partners like Jody Manuel of Prairie Ranch Farm and Paul Lightfoot of Patagonia Provisions as we work together to strengthen a more transparent and resilient food system. ๐
#RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicOats #Montana #ZEGOFoods
Aug 26
Newtopia Now 2026 @newtopianow was a good one! ๐ฑ
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the ZEGO Foods booth and spent some time with us alongside GoodNow! We loved meeting so many people, sharing our products, and being part of such a great community.
A special thank you to @nanajoesgranola, @celiacandthebeast, and @collegeceliackc for connecting with us and helping make the event even more memorable. ๐
Until the next one! ๐ฑ
#ZegoFoods #NewtopiaNow #GoodNow #PlantBased #PeaceOfMind
Aug 20
Whatโs driving the organic produce boom? ๐ฑ
A recent Naturalist Podcast conversation with Nancy Coulter Parker and Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company, explored themes we care deeply about: transparency, consumer trust, supporting farmers, and understanding where food comes from.
As consumers ask more questions, transparency is becoming essential. Weโre proud to be part of the movement toward a more trustworthy food system. ๐พ
๐ Link in bio to read and watch.
#ZEGOFoods #OrganicFood #FoodTransparency #OrganicProduce #FutureOfFood
Aug 17
Did you know oats go through a โmilk stageโ? ๐พ
Before an oat becomes the grain we know, it passes through a stage where a milky substance forms inside the hull after pollination. Next comes the dough stage, before the oat fully matures.
Right now, the crop needs the right balance of heat and moisture to thrive. ๐ฑ
Itโs a reminder that thereโs a lot happening behind every oat and that understanding how food is grown helps us all make more informed choices.
#ZEGOFoods #Oats #KnowYourFood #FoodTransparency #oatfarming
Aug 14
Whatโs really in your food? ๐
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know whatโs in their food and where it comes from. ๐ฑ
Hear our founder @colleen_kavanagh_z share how ZEGO Foods is raising the bar for food transparency and consumer trust. ๐๏ธ On About Road to Retail @road2retail , she discusses what it takes to build a brand that stands out through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to helping consumers know what`s in their food.
๐ Read the blog and ๐๏ธ watch the podcast through the link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #PurityVerified #KnowYourFood
Aug 13
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
