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.
Experts predict that fibermaxxing -intentionally increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods- will continue to shape wellness trends in 2026. ๐พ
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 arenโt 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. ๐
Jan 1
2025 was one for the books ๐โจโ
From Winter Fancy Food and Natural Products Expo West to a perfect Spokinโs Galentineโs 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.โ
We loved hitting the road for demos at Erewhon, Raleyโs, 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.โ
Weโre so grateful for every partner, retailer, farmer, and customer who made this year possible. Hereโs to continuing to grow, innovate, and bring truly nourishing food to more tables in 2026. ๐พโจ
Dec 31
New Year, Same Healthy You Saleโ
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Kick off the year with more protein, more fiber, and more of what your body loves. For a limited time, weโre offering a case deal on our Double Protein Oatmeal โ buy a full case (5 bags) and get one bag FREE.โ
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That means youโll receive 5 bags for the price of 4 when you purchase a case.โ
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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! โ
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Offer valid through 1/3/2026. Case purchase required.
Dec 30
Our New Yearโs resolutions ๐พโจโ
As we step into the new year, weโre recommitting to the values that guide everything we do at ZEGO:โ
โข Transparency, continuing to provide traceable, easily accessible purity data so you always know whatโs in your foodโ
โข Put farmers first, supporting pricing models that work for farmers, help expand organic and regenerative acreage, and strengthen rural farming communities.โ
โข Champion U.S. farmers, sourcing from domestic growers and investing in regional supply chains that build resilience and reduce risk.โ
โข Contribute to healthier soil, advancing regenerative and organic practices that restore soil, protect water, and support biodiversity.โ
โข Bring truly nourishing food to market, creating products that are safe, thoughtfully sourced, and made to help people be their best selves.โ
We believe the future of food is transparent, farmer-focused, and rooted in care for people and the planet. Hereโs to a year of better food and better systems -together. ๐๐ฑ
Dec 29
Of course we made oatmeal cookies (and oat milk!) for Santa ๐
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Wishing our ZEGO community a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, good food, and joyful moments around the table. ๐๐ฒโ
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However youโre 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 โจ
As the year winds down, weโre grateful for our farmers, partners, and this thoughtful community that believes in safe food, transparency, and caring for people and the planet.
However youโre celebrating this season – gathered around the table, enjoying a quiet morning, or cooking something warm and nourishing – weโre wishing you comfort, joy, and a healthy start to the new year. ๐พ๐ฅฃ
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Dec 22
Big news from Erewhon ๐ธโจ
Our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal has officially debuted at Erewhon locations in Southern California and we couldnโt be more excited! ๐พ๐
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 youโre 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 whatโs in their food.
Weโve teamed up with @purity_coffee for a giveaway thatโs aligned with our mission of purity and transparency!
Purity Coffee is a fantastic partner to talk about purity โ 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, itโs 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 weโre 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:
1๏ธโฃ Like this post โค๏ธ
2๏ธโฃ Follow @purity_coffee @zegofoods
3๏ธโฃ Tag a friend youโd 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
๐ฅ From the Montana Organic Association Conference
Our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh shared a powerful message with farmers, producers, and organic leaders: the way organic food is priced today may actually be holding the industry back.
When the gap between conventional and organic is too wide, demand suffers and that limits farmersโ ability to expand organic acreage. Colleen is working on a new, farm-focused pricing model that narrows that gap and makes organic more accessible to more people, without shortchanging the growers who make it possible.
Watch the clip to hear why rethinking pricing could be one of the most important steps toward growing organic for farmers, consumers, and the future of our food system. ๐พ๐
We`d love to hear your thoughts! Do you think price is the biggest barrier to buying organic? Why or why not?
Dec 17
Looking for a warm, nourishing meal thatโs naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with real ingredients? Try this Pumpkin Ginger Sweet Potato Soup featuring homemade ZEGO Double Protein Oatmilk and Pure Plant Protein. ๐ฅฃ๐โ
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Ginger + turmeric bring anti-inflammatory benefits, pumpkin and sweet potato add fiber and minerals, and our homemade oatmilk and protein give this soup a creamy texture with a plant-powered boost. ๐ฑโจโ
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Add toasted pepitas or sprouts on top for crunch and extra nutrients.โ
Full recipe below โฌ๏ธโ
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Pumpkin Ginger Sweet Potato Soupโ
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Ingredientsโ
โข 1 cup prepared ZEGO Double Protein Oatmilk (oatmilk recipe available on our website ๐)โ
โข 2 Tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Proteinโ
โข 2 Tbsp olive oilโ
โข ยฝ large yellow onion, dicedโ
โข 2 cans pumpkin pureeโ
โข 1 large sweet potato, dicedโ
โข 2 tsp ground gingerโ
โข ยฝ tsp turmericโ
โข 3 Tbsp maple syrupโ
โข Juice from 1 lemonโ
โข 2 cups vegetable brothโ
โข Salt & pepperโ
โข Optional: cayenne pepper to tasteโ
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Optional toppings:โ
โข Toasted pepitasโ
โข Sproutsโ
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To Makeโ
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Mince garlic and dice onion. Add onion to a large soup pot with olive oil and sautรฉ until translucent, about 5 minutes.โ
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Add garlic, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.โ
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Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and diced sweet potato. Stir to combine.โ
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Cover with lid, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.โ
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Turn off heat. Add the oatmilk, lemon juice, protein powder, and maple syrup.โ
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Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.โ
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Add salt and pepper to taste.โ
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Top with toasted pepitas and/or sprouts.โ
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Enjoy this cozy, nourishing bowl! ๐๐
Dec 12
๐พ๐ This week, our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh and CCO Cybele Pascal are in Montana for the Montana Organic Association (MOA) Conference, where CIVC is a proud sponsor!
MOA plays an essential role in strengthening organic agriculture, supporting farmers, advancing education and research, promoting safe, nutritious food, and helping protect the land and wildlife that make Montana so special. Weโre honored to be part of this incredible community.
While there, our team connected with two extraordinary leaders in organic agriculture:
โจ Nate Powell-Palm @powellpalm_organics of Cold Springs Organics โ Nate started his farming journey in high school and has since built an 800+ acre certified organic grain, cattle, and milling operation. Heโs a tireless advocate for agriculture and rural prosperity. He was appointed to the National Organic Standards Board in 2019. Truly an inspiring force in agriculture!
โจ Bob Quinn, @bobquinnorganicfarmer is the Director at the Quinn Institute. After earning his PhD in plant biochemistry, Bob returned to his family farm in Big Sandy and converted all 3,000+ acres to regenerative organic farming in just three years. He also pioneered Kamut International, transforming an ancient grain into a global symbol of health and community. Bobโs commitment to regenerative farming is nothing short of remarkable.
Weโre grateful for leaders like Nate and Bob and the @montanaorganicassociation who are shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all. ๐
Dec 10
Radical transparency. Farmer-first systems. Cleaner food for everyone.
A new article dives deep into how our founder, Colleen Kavanagh, is reshaping the organic grain world, not just with ZEGOโs Purity Verified standard, but through the Collaborative Integrated Value Chain (CIVC), the regional mill and regenerative supply-chain model she now leads.
CIVC is helping farmers process oats, millet, and buckwheat locally, lowering costs, reducing toxins, and opening access to organic ingredients for brands and consumers alike.
Weโre excited for you to read the full story and get a closer look at the impact happening behind every bag of ZEGO.
๐ Link in bio.
Dec 9
If youโre shopping at @raleys, Nob Hill Foods, or Bel-Air in Northern CA or NV, donโt forget to look for our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and Double Protein Oatmeal in the GET CURIOUS innovation set! ๐พโจโ
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Weโre in 50+ select locations across the region, including Sacramento, Natomas, Elk Grove, Lincoln, Napa, Benicia, South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno. ๐โ
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Weโll only be part of the GET CURIOUS set through early January, so nowโs a great time to grab a bag while you can. โณ๐
Dec 8
Nothing makes our day like reading your experiences with our Double Protein Oatmeal. Marisa S shared:
โI love how the oats cook, very creamy. They are so tasty. I just love them and the fact that they contain more protein is a huge plus. And that they are as pure as they can get. Thank you so much!โ
Thank you, Marisa, for choosing ZEGO and supporting transparency and purity in food!
Dec 3
ZEGO recently launched our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and Double Protein Oatmeal at Raley`s in their GET CURIOUS innovation set! You can find us at 50+ select @Raleys, Nob Hill Foods and Bel-Air across northern CA and NV!
This past week our hardworking team visited Raley`s, Bel-Air and Nob Hill Foods locations in Sacramento, Natomas, Elk Grove, Lincoln, Napa, Benicia, South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno! Hurry, we`ll only be at Raley`s until the beginning of January! Head to our blog for the exact store locations.
Dec 1
When our friend Sarah Walcott said her family makes stuffing pancakes, we just had to try it.
Our healthy, delicious, stuffing recipe makes amazing savory gluten-free pancakes and waffles that you can pop in the toaster oven and enjoy with any meal.
Savory Gluten Free Pancakes and Waffles: The Recipe
Makes Approx. 8 Serving (3/4 cup)
Ingredients
1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cups ZEGO Vegan Stuffing
2-3 eggs or egg replacement
Optional: add in an extra pinch of salt and heat with some cayenne
Omnivore variation: Add bacon bits or chopped cooked sausage.
Method
Heat skillet with oil (do not let smoke)
Beat eggs with any extra spice and salt.
Stir eggs into stuffing.
Cook on medium-low like pancakes (use approx. 1/3 cup per pancake or make silver dollar sized bites) or put batter into your waffle maker (amount will depend on size).
Eat immediately with syrup for breakfast or in fried chicken and waffles or refrigerate or freeze and reheat in the air fryer, stovetop, oven, or toaster.
Find our Vegan Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe on our Blog:
https://zegofoods.com/vegan-gluten-free-stuffing-2/
Nov 29
โจ Dress up your holiday breakfast! โจ
Add a festive, sweetโtart twist to your morning bowl with this bright and cozy combo.
๐ Stir in:
โ A spoonful of cranberry sauce
โ Fresh orange zest
โ A handful of pumpkin seeds for extra crunch
Made with our Organic Double Protein Oatmeal, this bowl is naturally gluten-free, plant-based, and full of nourishing goodness to start your day strong.
A simple way to bring a little holiday cheer to your morning!
Happy Thanksgiving! ๐
Nov 27
Bring color, comfort, and allergen-friendly goodness to your holiday spread with our savory Cranberry Muesli Stuffed Acorn Squash. Made with ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesli, this dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and bursting with fall flavor. ๐๐โ
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Perfect as a Thanksgiving side or a plant-based mainโserves 6!โ
Ingredientsโ
For the Savory Cranberry Muesliโ
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1 cup ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesliโ
1 โ
cups vegetable brothโ
ยผ cup dried cranberries (plus extra for topping)โ
1 garlic clove, mincedโ
ยฝ tsp saltโ
2 Tbsp olive oilโ
Salt & pepper to tasteโ
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For the Roasted Squashโ
3 whole acorn squashโ
2 Tbsp maple syrupโ
3 Tbsp olive oilโ
Salt & pepperโ
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For the Stuffingโ
2 Tbsp olive oilโ
1 cup diced onionโ
1 garlic clove, mincedโ
1 tsp dried thymeโ
1 tsp dried rosemaryโ
3 cups fresh spinach, choppedโ
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Instructionsโ
1. Roast the Squashโ
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Preheat oven to 350ยฐF.โ
Slice each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.โ
Season the cut sides with salt and pepper.โ
Brush with olive oil and maple syrup.โ
Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for ~35 minutes, or until tender.โ
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2. Make the Savory Muesliโ
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While the squash roasts, bring vegetable broth to a low boil.โ
Add cranberry muesli, dried cranberries, garlic, salt, olive oil, and pepper.โ
Simmer for 10+ minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.โ
Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.โ
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3. Prepare the Stuffingโ
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet.โ
Add onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt.โ
Cook on medium heat until onions are translucent (about 4โ5 minutes).โ
Stir in the savory muesli and chopped spinach.โ
Cook until spinach is wilted.โ
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4. Assembleโ
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Fill each roasted squash half generously with the stuffing mixture.โ
Top with extra dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, and/or fresh thyme.โ
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Serve warm and enjoy!โ
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Itโs hearty, beautiful on the table, and easy to prepare.โ
Save this recipe for your holiday menu! ๐๐งก
Nov 26
Thereโs a lot of chatter right now about farm labor, fruit harvests, and why certain produce prices are climbing, so ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh is breaking it all down in this weekโs Food Gossip. ๐๐โ
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Colleen shares an important update from the California Farm Bureau, along with some surprising insights about this yearโs fruit harvest and what we might see next season. And yesโฆ strawberries are part of the story.โ
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Curious whatโs really going on?โ
๐ฅ Watch the new episode of Food Gossip to get the full scoop.โ
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Sources:โ
California Fresh Fruit Associationโ :
Facebook.com/calfreshfruit
California Farm Bureauโ @cafarmbureau
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#farming #organicfarms #farmlabor #foodgossip
Nov 24
Fall is the season of abundance โ ripe apples, hearty grains, warm spices, and all the cozy ingredients we love. ๐๐๐พโ
But at ZEGO, we believe abundance should never come with unwanted extras.โ
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Thatโs why every product we make is purity tested for heavy metals, glyphosate, and over 500+ agricultural and industrial toxins. And the best part? โ
Every ZEGO package has a QR code on the front that you can scan to see the third-party test results for that exact product. Total transparency, right at your fingertips.โ
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So go ahead and enjoy the warmth of fall baking, the simplicity of a morning oatmeal bowl, and the comfort of whole foodsโฆ all with confidence that ZEGO keeps transparency at the heart of everything we do. ๐พ๐ #heavymetals #autumn #oatmeal #organicoats #transparencymatters
Nov 20
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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% -
Organic Gluten-Free Muesli: Nut Free Cinnamon Twist (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10% -
Organic Double Protein Oats 5 bag case$44.95 -
Organic Gluten Free Muesli: Apple Cranberry (13oz)$9.99 — or subscribe to save 10% -
Organic Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$129.95 — or subscribe to save 5% -
Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blueberry Lemon Poppy 1 Bag$8.99 -
Organic Oatmeal Superfood Cinnamon Spice 1 Bag$8.99 -
Regenerative Organic Oatmeal – (21 oz.)$8.99