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.
🌱 What does “Purity Verified” really mean? 🌱
On the front of every ZEGO package, you’ll see the words Purity Verified and a QR code. But what does that stand for – and why does it matter?
✅ Every ZEGO product is tested by a third-party lab for:
• Heavy metals
• Glyphosate
• 500+ other agricultural toxins & contaminants
✅ We then publish those results and make them easily accessible through the QR code on each package. That way, you don’t just have to trust us – you can see the proof for yourself.
Why is this important? Because you deserve complete transparency about what’s in your food. And because we believe that when more brands adopt Purity Verification, we can build a healthier food system and planet together. 🌍✨
📲 Next time you grab a ZEGO product, try scanning the QR code – your peace of mind is only a click away.
Sep 5
🌱 It’s Organic Month! 🌱
At ZEGO, organic isn’t just a label — it’s part of our commitment to your health and the planet.
📌 What is Organic?
Unlike other certifications, only organic is federally regulated, ensuring that food is produced without toxic pesticides, GMOs, synthetic additives, or antibiotics — while advancing animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and a healthier planet.
📌 How is Organic Food Grown?
Organic farming nurtures the soil, protects pollinators, and supports biodiversity.
📌 Why Organic Matters
For your health: fewer chemicals, more natural nutrients, and peace of mind.
For the planet: healthier soils, cleaner water, and less environmental impact.
✨ With ZEGO, every product is not only organic but also Purity Verified — we test for glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins so you can trust what’s on your table.
Let’s celebrate Organic Month together — because food should be good for you and the earth. 🌎💚
Sep 3
THANK YOU to everyone who visited our booth at @newtopianow! Newtopia Now is a trade show where retailers – like your favorite grocery store 🛒- come to search for new products! We met with some great retailers, and we hope that it leads to getting our products on a store shelf near you soon! We also met with #glutenfree influencers and dietitians and health coaches. We love that they ❤️ our double protein oats and our new regenerative oats that focus on 🇺🇸 US soil health! It was our pleasure meeting everyone who stopped by. See you at an event near you soon!
Aug 30
One of our customers put it best:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really have been enjoying this protein powder, mixes well into shakes as well as baking. Really clean ingredients, highly recommend.”
The secret is simple: ZEGO Pure Protein = 100% sacha inchi seeds. Nothing else.
This unique seed naturally provides the most balanced amino acid profile of all plant proteins—better than pea, rice, soy, or hemp. The result? Clean, complete protein that fuels your body and blends seamlessly into anything from smoothies to baked goods.
Aug 25
🌱🥛 Happy World Plant Milk Day! 🥛🌱
Oat milk is one of the most sustainable plant-based milk options—creamy, versatile, and better for the planet. Making it at home means no additives, gums, or hidden sugars, plus less waste from shipping and packaging. 💚
This year, we’re celebrating with a tasty Chocolate-y Oat Protein Milk recipe—smooth, rich, and packed with clean nutrition.
✨ Chocolate Oat Protein Milk Recipe ✨
Ingredients:
¼ cup ZEGO Double Protein Oats
Approx. ⅓ cup boiling water
Small pinch of salt
2 cups water
½t vanilla
2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
2 tbsp cacao powder
3–4 medium pitted Medjool dates
Method:
Place oats in a small heat-safe bowl or cup.
Pour boiling water over oats (about ⅓ cup) and let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
Add soaked oats, water, salt, vanilla, ZEGO Pure Protein, cacao powder, and dates to a high speed blender.
Blend for 30–60 seconds until smooth.
Enjoy straight or use in smoothies, baking, or coffee.
💡 Tip: For easier blending, soak the dates in warm water beforehand.
👉 Visit our website for the original Plain Oat Milk Recipe!
Aug 22
We’re only as good as our seeds, our farmers, and our soil health.
See the full video on our newest blog post. See link in bio!
Aug 21
✨ We’re so excited to be a part of Newtopia Now—the destination for new product innovation in the natural and organic space!
Come find us at Booth #649 to discover ZEGO’s Purity Verified, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly foods. 🌱
Newtopia Now brings together brands, retailers, buyers, and industry leaders to explore new opportunities and shape the future of conscious products. We’re thrilled to share how ZEGO is raising the bar for safety, nutrition, and transparency.
📍 Booth #649 — we’d love to see you there!
Aug 19
🎉 Back-to-School Giveaway Alert! 🎉
It’s back-to-school season, and we’re celebrating with a special giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a 1-year Thrive Market membership + $50 credit to stock up on back-to-school essentials, including ZEGO’s Double Protein Oats, Mueslis, and Superfood Oatmeal blends—all with no added sugar! 🛒🥣
Thrive Market makes it easy to find healthy, allergy-friendly options that are perfect for quick, nutritious breakfasts and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the busy school year. 🙌
How to enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow [@ZEGOFoods] and [@ThriveMarket]
3️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments who loves healthy breakfasts! (As many as you like, each separate comment with a tag counts as an entry)
4️⃣ Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us for an extra chance to win!
Don’t forget to check our stories throughout the week for even more chances to win! The winner will be chosen and contacted via DM on 9/22, so don’t miss out on your chance to fill your pantry with ZEGO’s no-sugar-added, gluten-free essentials! 🎒🍽️
Good luck! 💚
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated, or associated with Instagram. Entrants must be over the age of 18.
Aug 15
🌱 Why Farming Practices Matter
At ZEGO, we believe how your food is grown is just as important as what’s in it. As our founder Colleen Kavanagh says:
“Consumers need to be able to see the metrics for why farming practices make a difference in the health of their food.”
That’s why we work with farmers who follow regenerative and purity protocol practices. Regenerative farming focuses on building healthy, living soil—rich with organic matter, microbes, and nutrients—so it can grow crops naturally higher in nutrition. Healthy soil also captures carbon, reduces erosion, and supports biodiversity, helping heal the planet while nourishing your body.
And because transparency is key, every ZEGO package has a QR code so you can see our third-party lab test results for heavy metals, allergens, pesticides, and more.
When you know the story of your food, you can choose options that are better for your health, the soil, and our shared future. 🌾💚
Aug 12
Tart cranberries + dark chocolate + plant protein = your new lunchbox (or desk drawer) favorite. 🍒🍫💪
These chewy granola bars are packed with fiber, flavor, iron, and protein from ZEGO’s Organic Cranberry Muesli and Sacha Inchi Pure Protein Powder. You’ll get a little crunch from the seeds, but the real star is that sweet-tart cranberry paired with dark chocolate.
Perfect for a wholesome grab-and-go snack that tastes amazing and keeps you going.
To Make Cranberry Chocolate Protein Granola Bars:
Ingredients
1 bag ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesli
1/4 cup ZEGO Pure Protein (Sacha Inchi)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup sunflower butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup dark chocolate morsels
Method
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Press evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 15–20 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
Let cool completely, then lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.
🟢 Free from the top allergens
🟢 Purity Verified for over 500 toxins
Perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or a protein-rich snack on the go. If you make them, tag us — we’d love to see your bars! 📸
Aug 8
Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Everyday Wellness 🌾💪
Sure, fiber helps with digestion—but that’s just the beginning. This mighty nutrient does a whole lot more for your body than you might think.
✨ What makes fiber so powerful?
🥣 Nourishes your gut with prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome
❤️ Supports heart health by helping manage cholesterol
⚡ Helps you stay satisfied longer and supports steady energy
🧠 Oat B-glucan fiber is linked to improved immune, brain, and gut health—yes, really!
💫 May even support healthy aging and longevity
And guess what? Just one serving of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli packs 5g of fiber—that’s 17% of your daily needs in one delicious bowl.
💡 How to enjoy it:
🔥 As a warm, cozy oatmeal
😋 Soaked overnight with your favorite milk
🥄 Crunchy cold cereal with fruit on top
🍪 Baked into cookies, muffins, or fiber-boosted protein bites
And with Purity Verified testing for over 500 toxins, you can trust that every bite is clean and safe.
Your gut (and heart, and brain…) will thank you. 💚
Aug 6
📍Where’s ZEGO? We’ve landed in Rio Rancho, New Mexico! 🌵
You can now find our Organic Double Protein Oats on shelves at Market Street — ready to power your breakfast with plant-based protein and zero added sugar.
🥣 Gluten-Free
🌾 Purity Verified for over 500 toxins (including glyphosate)
💪 2x the protein of traditional oats
🚫 No nuts, free from the top allergens
Live nearby? Snap a pic when you spot us and tag @zegofoods — we’d love to see our oats in the wild!
Aug 4
🚜 Behind the Scenes in Montana! 🏗️
Come along for a look inside our new facility in Belgrade, Montana, where ZEGO is building a future for clean, allergy-friendly, organic, and regenerative grains.
🎥 In today’s video, our founder Colleen walks you through the space we’re renovating — from the grain silos that hold oats, millet, and buckwheat, to the brand-new equipment we’ll use to clean, dehull, and process these ancient grains on site.
This project is part of a USDA grant-funded initiative to bring small-grain processing to a region that desperately needs it. Right now, organic millet from nearby Wyoming is being buried because there’s no local way to prepare it for market. We’re changing that — for farmers, for the food system, and for you.
➡️ Once up and running, this facility will help us maintain our standards while expanding access to gluten-free grains.
💬 We’d love to hear what you think! What part of the tour surprised you most? Are there any ancient grains you’re excited to see us bring to market?
Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
Aug 1
Blueberry Cookie Crumble Parfait 🍪🍇
Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? This parfait layers coconut yogurt, juicy blueberries, and crumbled Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies—made with our Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blend.
These breakfast cookies are gluten-free, plant-based, and made with no added sugar—perfect for snacking or layering into something extra special like this! 🌿
✨ Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blend
⅓ cup almond butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free)
3-4 overripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
To Make
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Mix bananas, almond butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl.
Stir in salt and ZEGO oatmeal blend until just combined.
Scoop onto sheet with a large cookie scoop, flatten slightly with fork or spatula.
Bake for 12–15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.
Makes about 18 cookies.
🌞 Pro tip: Make a batch and keep them in the freezer for quick snacks, lunchbox add-ins, or parfait layering all summer long.
Jul 31
✨ CUSTOMER LOVE ✨
Jacqueline B. calls our Cinnamon Twist Muesli her go-to breakfast — and we get why!
“This is the best tasting and healthiest muesli I have had. It’s also so nice to have something high protein in the morning and that I know is also free of dangerous chemicals like glyphosate.”
Our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli is not only delicious and high in protein — it’s also Purity Verified, meaning we test it for glyphosate and over 500 other toxins.
Enjoy it hot like oatmeal, cold like cereal, as overnight oats, or baked into homemade granola bars. However you serve it, you’ll know it’s clean, allergy-friendly, and made with your health in mind.
🌾 Organic
🚫 Glyphosate-Free
💪 High Protein
🥣 Gut-Friendly
Jul 29
Who doesn’t love a chai latte—and in the summer, an iced chai latte just hits the spot.
This overnight oats recipe brings those cozy, spiced flavors into a fuss-free breakfast that’s full of flavor and all the good stuff. 🌞✨
We used our Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Oatmeal Blend, which isn’t just delicious—it’s loaded with benefits:
🌾 β-glucan fiber for gut, brain, and immune health
🌿 Ceylon cinnamon + allspice for antioxidants + blood sugar support
☀️ Vitamin D2 for immune and cognitive function
Add a scoop of ZEGO Pure Protein and you’ve got a satisfying, make-ahead breakfast that helps keep you full, focused, and energized.
—
To Make Overnight Chai Protein Oats
1/3 c ZEGO Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Blend
1 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
1/4 c coconut milk
1/4 c brewed black tea
1–2 tbsp maple syrup (to taste)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp fresh minced ginger
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
Mix and refrigerate overnight.
Toppings:
2 tbsp vanilla coconut yogurt
Fresh fruit
Dust of cinnamon
Optional: 1 tbsp espresso concentrate for a “dirty chai” twist ☕️
Jul 25
We’re excited to share the next chapter in our journey toward building a better, more transparent food system.
Our founder Colleen is on-site in Belgrade, Montana to introduce you to the newest part of ZEGO’s story — our acquisition (with our sister company CIVC) of the Montana Gluten Free production facility.
This move allows us to:
🌾 Vertically integrate our production
🤝 Support more allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and regenerative brands
🏭 Expand our capacity while maintaining the same high standards you trust
🎥 Watch the video to hear from Colleen and get a first look at the facility!
And stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes videos in the coming weeks to give you a closer look at how your food is grown, processed, and packaged with care. 💚
📍 Link in bio to read the full press release.
Jul 21
Trying to eat healthier?
This new Washington Post article has smart, doable tips — and one of the big ones is about protein. 👇
It’s not just how much protein you eat…
it’s when you eat it that matters, too.
💡 Remember, your body doesn’t store protein the way it stores carbs or fat. You’ve got to get enough every day—and that starts with the first meal.
Most of us load up on protein at dinner and skimp on breakfast.
But protein in the morning can help with:
✔️ Energy
✔️ Fewer cravings throughout the day
✔️ More stable blood sugar
And here’s something many people don’t know:
👉 Protein needs go up as we age.
Our bodies get less efficient at using it, which makes it even more important to eat high-quality protein throughout the day.
So what can you do?
🌱 Make some simple swaps and start your day with nutrient-dense, whole foods that naturally offer protein.
We like using oats that are naturally higher in protein and fiber than typical varieties — they’re a great way to get more nutrition from the meals you already enjoy.
🍽 Tip: Add seeds, a scoop of protein powder, nut/seed butter, or your favorite milk to boost your breakfast protein even more.
📖 Tap the link in our bio or check our stories to read the full article and learn how to optimize your protein intake at every age.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/16/protein-how-much-do-i-need/
Jul 18
🌞 Mango Smoothie Bowl with a Crunch 🌴🥭
This vibrant mango smoothie bowl gets a major upgrade with a sprinkle of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli on top — and it’s more than just a pretty garnish.
Here’s why our muesli is the perfect smoothie bowl topper:
✨ Made with a special variety of oats that naturally deliver more protein, iron, and fiber
🌱 Packed with crunchy seeds instead of nuts — making it safe for those with nut allergies
💧 Eco-friendly — seeds require 90% less water to grow than tree nuts
Delicious, nutritious, allergy-friendly, and better for the planet? That’s a topping you can feel good about.
👉 What’s your favorite smoothie bowl combo? Tell us below or tag us in your creation — we’d love to see how you muesli!
Jul 16
Where’s ZEGO? Fairfax, VA 🌱
We’re proud to be on shelves at MOM’s Organic Market—a grocery store as passionate about sustainability as we are.
From their compostable produce bags to their support of organic farming, MOM’s is leading the way toward a healthier planet. And now you can find our Organic Double Protein Oatmeal and Organic Muesli in their aisles too.
Our oats are grown with care for both your body and the earth—using purity-tested, organic practices that go beyond the standard.
If you’re in the Fairfax area, stop by @momsorganicmarket and grab a bag (or two) of ZEGO. Let’s grow something good together. 🌾♻️
Jul 14
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Organic Gluten Free Oats (14oz bag)$8.99 -
Organic Plant Based Protein Powder (15oz bag)$29.99 — or subscribe and save 10%
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Organic Gluten-Free Muesli: Nut Free Cinnamon Twist (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe and save 10%
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Organic Gluten Free Muesli: Apple Cranberry (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe and save 10%
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Organic Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$129.95 — or subscribe and save 5%
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Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blueberry Lemon Poppy 1 Bag$8.99
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Organic Oatmeal Superfood Cinnamon Spice 1 Bag$8.99
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Regenerative Organic Oatmeal – (21 oz.)$8.99
