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.
🌱 Just 2 days to go!
The countdown to Newtopia Now 2026 is on, and ZEGO is excited to be there alongside GoodNow Foods. Stop by Booth #1812 to connect with our team and learn how transparency, traceability, and Purity Verified® standards are helping build greater trust in the food system.
📍 Booth #1812 | August 18–20 | Denver, CO
💚 We’re looking forward to meeting the brands, innovators, and advocates shaping the future of conscious food. Let’s work together to create a food system that empowers consumers with confidence and transparency.
#NewtopiaNow #Transparency #Traceability #PurityVerified #ConsciousProducts #ZEGOFoods
Aug 15
Did you know oats go through a “milk stage”? 🌾
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. 🌱
It’s a reminder that there’s 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
What’s really in your food? 👀
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know what’s in their food and where it comes from. 🌱
Hear our founder @colleen_kavanagh_z share how ZEGO Foods is raising the bar for food transparency and consumer trust. 🎙️ 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.
📖 Read the blog and 🎙️ watch the podcast through the link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #PurityVerified #KnowYourFood
Aug 13
🌱 Let’s shape the future of conscious food together.
ZEGO is excited to be at @newtopianow 2026 alongside GoodNow Foods! Visit us at Booth 1812 and connect with our team as we explore how transparency, traceability, and Purity Verified® testing are helping raise the standard for trustworthy food.
📍 Booth 1812 | August 18–20 | Denver, CO
💚 We can’t wait to meet the brands, innovators, and advocates driving positive change in food. Together, we’re creating a future where consumers have greater confidence in what they eat.
#NewtopiaNow #PurityVerified #TrustThroughTransparency #zegofoods #newtopianow2026
Aug 11
Join the movement toward a more transparent food future. 🌱
We’re 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.
📍 Booth #1812 | August 18–20 | Denver, CO
💚 We can’t wait to connect with the people helping shape what’s next in conscious food.
#NewtopiaNow #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods
Aug 7
🌾 𝗢𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀
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. 💚
#ZEGOFoods #OatFacts #DidYouKnow #KnowYourFood #FoodScience
Aug 5
💚 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!
We’re honored to be featured in @eatingwell ‘s ”7 Best Cereals to Reduce Heart Disease Risk.” Thank you to registered dietitian @sheridietitian for including ZEGO and sharing how fiber-rich whole grains can support heart health.
We’re proud to be part of the conversation around nutritious, transparent food choices that help people feel confident about what’s on their plate.
Read the full story: Link in Bio 💚
#EatingWell #HeartHealth #HealthyBreakfast #WholeGrains #Zegofoods
Aug 4
🌱 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. 🌾
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. 💚
#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 friends—long before Cybele joined ZEGO as CCO. A little foreshadowing of what was ahead. ❤️
Jul 31
🧇 Waffles made with muesli? Absolutely.
ZEGO Organic Muesli isn’t just for the cereal bowl—it 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 it’s made in our top-14 allergen-free facility, it’s an easy way to bring more variety to an allergy-friendly breakfast routine.
A delicious new way to use muesli beyond the cereal bowl. 🍓
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
🥄 Overnight oats, made even easier.
ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal Blends combine our organic Purity Protocol gluten-free oats with seeds, fruit, spices, and other flavorful ingredients—so 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 ⅔ cup ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal with 1½ cups milk of choice and ⅛ 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? 🥣✨
#zegofoods #overnightoats #glutenfreeoats #healthybreakfast
Jul 22
🍫 A homemade twist on the old-fashioned chocolate peanut butter cup—made 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:
• ⅔ cup pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or your favorite nuts
• ⅔ cup seed or nut butter
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
• 2 tsp flaky salt
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, optional
• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Cacao nibs or flaky salt for topping, optional
Directions:
◆ Mix the seed or nut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
◆ Add ZEGO Pure Protein, seeds or nuts, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well.
◆ Chill for 30 minutes.
◆ Roll into 16 bites and dip in melted chocolate.
◆ 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. 🌻
Jul 17
Good taste runs in the family. Archer’s dad Darin makes Gheelish, one of our favorite gluten-free snack brands—and Archer starts his day with ZEGO. 💛🥣
Jul 15
Goodness you can hold in your hands. 💛
Every bag of ZEGO Muesli is thoughtfully crafted with YOU in mind—from 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 Verified®, you can feel confident about what you’re bringing to the table.
Discover our Muesli flavors and learn more about our food-safety standards at the 📣 link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #Muesli #AllergyFriendly #GlutenFree #PurityVerified
Jul 13
🍓🥣 The perfect summer snack: cool, crunchy, and easy to customize.
ZEGO’s 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 toppings—or set up a parfait bar and let everyone build their own.
Tip: Toast the muesli first for extra crunch!
A few combinations we love:
🫐 Blackberry yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh berries
🍑 Vanilla yogurt + fresh peaches + Cinnamon Twist Muesli
🍎 Cinnamon-spiced yogurt + Apple Cranberry Muesli + diced apples + honey
🥥 Coconut yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh mango + agave
What summer flavor combination would you create? 😋
#SummerSnacks #ParfaitIdeas #OrganicMuesli #NutFree #ZEGOFoods
Jul 10
B-roll from #FancyFood. 😬
@specialtyfoodassociation #wefancy
Jul 9
💪 Want an easier way to get more protein at breakfast?
Many nutrition experts recommend aiming for 30–50g 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.
🌾 ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats naturally contain 2x the protein of typical rolled oats, plus 20–40% more fiber, making them a satisfying foundation for overnight oats, oatmeal, smoothies, and baking.
Why we love them:
💪 Naturally double the protein
🌱 USDA Organic & regeneratively grown in the western U.S.
🌾 More fiber for lasting energy
✨ Purity Verified® 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:
✔️ Pour boiling water over the oats and let sit for 15 minutes before refrigerating.
✔️ Or soak them with yogurt.
✔️ Or add ⅛ 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.
💬 What’s your favorite overnight oats combination?
#ProteinBreakfast #OvernightOats #OrganicOats #zegofoods #PurityVerified
Jul 6
🇺🇸☀️ It’s going to be a HOT Fourth of July weekend…
Skip the sugar bomb and cool down with a popsicle that actually fuels you. 🍓💥
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.
❤️ Allergy-friendly
🌾 Certified gluten-free
✨ Purity Verified® ingredients
Ingredients
🥣 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
🌱 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powder
💧 1 cup water
🍓 1 cup diced strawberries, plus extra sliced strawberries
🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
🍯 4–5 tbsp honey or agave (or to taste)
🌼 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1️⃣ Blend the water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.
2️⃣ Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3️⃣ Place sliced strawberries into your popsicle molds.
4️⃣ Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight (or at least 4–6 hours).
5️⃣ Enjoy!
Perfect after the pool. 🏖️
Perfect after a workout. 💪
Perfect while watching the fireworks. 🎆
Save this recipe for the holiday weekend! 🇺🇸🍓
#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. 🗽
The countdown is on! If you’ll be at the Summer Fancy Food Show, come visit ZEGO at the GoodNOW CPG Collective Booth (#1150), where we’ll be showcasing our Purity Verified™ organic oats alongside an incredible portfolio of innovative food brands.
📍 Booth #1150
📅 June 28–30
📍 Javits Center
Whether you’re looking for clean-label ingredients, transparency, or innovative organic oat solutions, we’d love to meet you.
See you in the Big Apple!
#SummerFancyFoodShow #wefancy #goodnowcpg
📷 Shared from @specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 25
