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.
🌱 Why Purity Verified Matters 🌱
We love to hear when our customers are enjoying our oatmeal! Thank you, Robert E. for sharing what you love about ZEGO! He said,
“Great taste and the highest quality. They are the only brand I know that actually tests for every contaminant and publishes the results.”
At ZEGO, “Purity Verified” isn’t just a label—it’s a promise. Our breakfast foods and protein powder are tested by a third-party lab for glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins. Then, we publish the results so you know exactly what you’re eating.
Because food should give you peace of mind—not questions. 💚
👉 Scan the QR code on the front of any ZEGO package to see the test results for yourself.
Sep 25
🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉
We’re celebrating clean, safe, and delicious food with a special giveaway! One lucky winner will receive:
🥣 A ZEGO Variety Prize Pack
✨ A ZEGO-branded Stanley Cup—perfect for keeping your favorite beverages hot or cold on the go!
Entering is easy:
– Follow @zegofoods
– Like this post 💚
– Tag a friend who loves safe, nutritious food (each tag = 1 entry!)
– Bonus: Share this post to your story for an extra chance to win! 🌟
📅 Giveaway ends October 1, 2025. Winner announced in our stories!
Good luck!
Sep 23
🎉 We’re so excited to be part of the @wickedglutenfree expo in New England! 🎉
📍 Fitchburg, MA
🗓 Saturday, Sept 20
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Stop by our table at the country’s biggest gluten-free expo to check out what ZEGO has to offer and grab exclusive coupons to use on your next purchase. 🥣✨
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore trusted gluten-free products and connect with the community. 💚
Who’s planning to attend?
Sep 19
👋 Hello from The Baking Expo (IBIE)!
We’re thrilled to be here at the world’s largest baking industry event, connecting with so many innovators, bakers, and food professionals who share our passion for raising the bar in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability.
Consider this a little slice of life from #IBIE – where inspiration is rising all around us! 🍞✨
At ZEGO, we believe every ingredient matters. That’s why we’re here showcasing our Purity Verified oats, muesli, and regenerative oats – all tested for over 500 toxins and allergens – because everyone deserves food they can trust.
💚
Sep 17
🌾 Farm Visit Spotlight 🌾
Last month, Colleen and Cybele had the joy of visiting the Romsa Brothers Farm in Wyoming, as part of our mission with CIVC [Collaborative Integrated Value Chain]! Part of CIVC`s mission is to create a supply chain pull for millet, a highly nutritious grain that is used in organic and regenerative farming as a cover crop for other grains, like gluten-free oats! 🌱 As fellow oat lovers, we all benefit from more people eating millet!
Not only does millet help with weed control and support healthy soil, it’s also naturally gluten-free, rich in fiber and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, and thrives with less water than many other grains. A win for both people and the planet. 💚
Have you ever tried millet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Sep 15
🌾💚 Celiac Disease Awareness Day | September 13
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine, making it hard to absorb nutrients and leading to long-term health challenges. For the 3 million people in the U.S. living with celiac, strict gluten-free safety is non-negotiable.
That’s why at ZEGO, we go beyond. Our oats are grown using a purity protocol — meaning from seed to harvest to packaging, we work directly with our farmers to ensure the highest standards of safety. Then, a third-party lab tests for gluten, glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins so you can trust every bite.
💡 Today and every day, we stand with the celiac community — advocating for transparency, safety, and food you can feel good about.
✨ Share this post to help raise awareness and spread the word: gluten-free isn’t a trend — it’s a necessity.
Sep 13
✨ Big News! ✨
We’re thrilled to announce that ZEGO is now available at all 27 Gelson’s Markets across Southern California! 🌴
Since 1951, Gelson’s has been known for its exceptional quality, customer care, and commitment to offering only the best. From Pacific Beach to Santa Barbara, every Gelson’s location delivers a premium shopping experience — even topping Consumer Reports as one of the best grocery stores in the nation!
We’re proud to bring our Purity Verified Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blends and Regenerative Organic Oatmeal to Gelson’s shelves — products that align perfectly with their tradition of excellence. Each ZEGO product is tested for heavy metals, glyphosate and over 500 toxins so you can feel confident you’re choosing food that’s safe, clean, and nutrient-rich.
📍 Find your nearest @gelsonsmarkets on their official website, and tag us when you spot ZEGO on the shelf!
Sep 12
🍞✨ We’re heading to IBIE 2025 – the International Baking Industry Exposition! ✨🍞
📍 Las Vegas Convention Center
📅 September 14–17, 2025
📌 Booth #7012
We’re thrilled to be part of the world’s largest @bakingexpo, connecting with leaders, innovators, and brands shaping the future of food. Stop by our booth to learn more about ZEGO’s commitment to purity verification, regenerative farming, and creating safe, nutrient-dense foods for everyone. 🌱
See you in Vegas!
Sep 10
🍑🫐Gluten-Free Blueberry Peach Oatmeal Cups – Meal Prep Made Delicious!
These oatmeal cups are perfect for busy mornings, snack time, or anytime you need a nutrient-packed treat. We love using ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blend as the base – it’s purity verified and loaded with phytonutrients, prebiotic B-Glucan fiber, adaptogens, and Vitamin D2 to support brain, gut, immune, and heart health.
Paired with antioxidant-rich peaches and optional shredded coconut for healthy fats and vitamin E, these oatmeal cups are a powerhouse of nutrition… and taste amazing!
Ingredients:
1 bag ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup oat milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ripe banana
1 cup diced peaches
(Optional) 1/3 cup coconut flakes
To Make:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
Mix oatmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Mash banana in another bowl, then add oat milk, maple syrup, flaxseed, and vanilla. Let sit 5 mins.
Fold in diced peaches and combine with dry ingredients.
Spoon into muffin cups and top with coconut (if using).
Bake 30–35 mins until set; cool completely before storing in fridge or freezer.
Enjoy with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt!
Sep 8
🌱 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
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Organic Gluten Free Oats (14oz bag)$8.99 -
Organic Plant Based Protein Powder (15oz bag)$29.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
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Organic Gluten-Free Muesli: Nut Free Cinnamon Twist (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
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Organic Gluten Free Muesli: Apple Cranberry (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
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Organic Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$129.95 — or subscribe to 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
