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.
Cool down with a pop that actually fuels you 💥
Store-bought pops? Usually full of added sugars and… not much else.
These pops? Made with real food and packed with plant-based protein to actually do something for your body.
Here’s why we love them:
💪 Double Protein Oats give you complex carbs + 2x the protein
🌿 Pure Plant Protein Powder adds a nutty richness (with zero nuts)
🍯 Sweetened with agave, so you control the sugar
🍓 Real strawberries + lemon juice for a bright, summery vibe + vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
✅ Allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and made with our purity verified ingredients
To Make:
Ingredients:
🥣 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
🌱 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powder
💧 1 cup water
🍓 1 cup diced strawberries + extra slices
🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
🍯 4–5 tbsp agave (or sweeten to taste)
🌼 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 Pinch of sea salt
Method:
1. Blend water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.
2. Add the rest of your ingredients and blend again until smooth.
3. Drop sliced strawberries into popsicle molds.
4. Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight or for at least 4–6 hours.
5. Enjoy!
🧊 Perfect post-workout
🧃 Perfect after the pool
🥄 Honestly, just a perfect summer treat
Jun 25
BIG NEWS, Los Angeles! 🎉
We’re SO excited to announce that we’re officially on Erewhon’s shelves!
You can now find ZEGO at your Beverly Hills (and more!) Erewhon Market — stocked with our:
✔️ Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
✔️ Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blends
✔️ Organic Muesli
All #glutenfree, top allergen-free, and made with transparency you can trust.
Start your day with food that fuels and supports your well-being.
📍Available now at @Erewhon locations across LA!
Jun 23
🍑 Cinnamon & Spice Peach Baked Oatmeal ✨
This summer classic is too good not to share again. Juicy peaches, warm spices, and our Cinnamon & Spice Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blend come together in this cozy, fruit-filled baked oatmeal that’s perfect for breakfast or even dessert. 😍
Meal-prep friendly ✅
Freezer-friendly ✅
Full of flavor and nourishing ingredients ✅
Top with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt (or ice cream!) and a few fresh peach slices for the ultimate seasonal treat.
Why we love it:
Ceylon cinnamon and allspice not only enhance flavor but also provide gut-soothing antioxidants—making this a superfood you can feel great about eating!
💛 Gluten-Free
💛 Top Allergen-Free
💛 No Added Sugar in the blend, you control the sweetness
Craving a slice?
Get the full recipe on our blog — [link in bio]
Jun 20
✨ Spotlight on Superfoods: ZEGO’s Cinnamon & Spice Organic Oatmeal Blend ✨
Ceylon cinnamon and allspice don’t just bring cozy flavor to this blend—they deliver real benefits. 🌿 These antioxidant-rich spices may help soothe your gut and support steady blood sugar levels.
Why does that matter? A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants work by scavenging free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells.
The protective effects of antioxidants are still being studied globally, but one thing’s clear: real food ingredients like those in our blend are a smart and simple way to nourish your body every day.
💛 Gluten-Free
💛 Top Allergen-Free
💛 No Added Sugar
💛 Just Clean, Nutrient-Rich Fuel
Jun 16
Parfait perfection! 🍓✨
We whipped up this dreamy parfait using our Cinnamon Twist Muesli, creamy coconut yogurt, coco whip, and fresh strawberries — simple, delicious, and packed with goodness.
Did you catch the latest update from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)? Strawberries just landed at #2 on their Dirty Dozen list again, reminding us how important it is to choose organic whenever possible — especially with berries and other thin-skinned fruits.
That’s why we’re proud that our muesli is USDA Organic and purity tested by 3rd party labs — made to pair perfectly with your clean eating choices. 💚
Jun 13
Where’s ZEGO? We’re excited to share that ZEGO is now available at Sprouts Farmers Market in Atlanta, GA! 🎉
You can now find our Purity Verified oats and allergy-friendly muesli on shelves—perfect for quick breakfasts, safe snacks, and fueling your day with clean, nourishing ingredients.
If you’re in the Atlanta area, swing by Sprouts and check us out!
Jun 11
Need a sunny snack that’s packed with plant-based protein and tropical flavor?☀️🥥
These Coconut Bliss Protein Balls are bursting with mango, lemon, and ginger for the perfect summer bite. They’re gluten-free, nut-free, and powered by our clean, Purity Tested ZEGO Pure Plant Protein.
🧡 Coconut Bliss Protein Balls
✨ 1/4 C. ZEGO Pure Plant Protein
✨ 1/2 C. Sunflower Seed Butter
✨ 1/4 C. Maple Syrup
✨ 2 tsp. Ground or 1 tsp. fresh Ginger
✨ Zest of 1 Lemon
✨ 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
✨ 1/2 C. Crushed Freeze-Dried Mango and/or Pineapple
✨ 3/4 C. Shredded Coconut
✨ Splash of Vanilla Extract
Mix wet ingredients and protein powder until smooth. Stir in mango and coconut. Chill for 20–30 minutes, roll into balls, and store in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long 😉).
Perfect for poolside snacks, post-workout bites, or a quick breakfast on the go!
Jun 9
When you find a product that actually works for your body—it’s a game changer.
This review says it best:
💬 “I feel confident about what is and isn’t in this protein powder thanks to their strict testing and standards.”
Our protein powder isn’t just clean—it’s versatile too. From smoothies to baking to oatmeal, it blends like a dream (and plays nice with your gut).
✅ No nuts or top allergens
✅ No unnecessary additives
✅ No guesswork—just third-party test results you can trust
You shouldn’t have to choose between clean ingredients and functionality. With ZEGO, you get both.
What’s your favorite way to use it?
Jun 4
What Are Mycotoxins—and Why Does ZEGO Test for Them?
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold that can grow on food crops like oats, dried fruits, and spices—especially in warm, damp, or humid conditions. These molds can develop before or after harvest, and unfortunately, most mycotoxins are chemically stable, meaning they can survive food processing.
At ZEGO, we take this risk seriously.
🌾 We periodically test our oats for aflatoxin, one of the most well-known and concerning mycotoxins. While we don’t test for every type of mycotoxin, aflatoxin serves as a proxy—if conditions aren’t conducive to its growth, they’re unlikely to support other types of mycotoxins either. This approach helps us ensure safety while keeping products affordable.
🌾 Our oats are hulless, which are naturally lower in mycotoxins compared to hulled varieties.
🌾 We also roll our oats, a process that helps reduce potential contamination even further.
🌾 And we store our oats in cold, carefully controlled environments to prevent mold growth after harvest.
We design every part of our supply chain with your health in mind. Because safe, clean food should be the standard—not the exception.
Have questions? Send us a DM or let us know in the comments below!
Jun 2
“It’s time we realize that food is a form of healthcare.” — Dr. Mark Hyman
This quote really resonates with us.
Food has the power to heal, to nourish, and to support our bodies in ways we’re still learning to fully appreciate. Whether you’re navigating celiac disease, food allergies, or simply trying to eat more mindfully, choosing safe, nourishing ingredients matters.
This Celiac Awareness Month—and every month—we’re reminded that access to clean, trustworthy food isn’t just a preference. It’s a necessity.
May 29
🌿 Why ZEGO Protein is a Smart, Safe Choice for Celiacs & Those with Food Allergies 🌿
Looking for a clean, allergy-friendly protein powder that actually supports your health? Our Organic Pure Plant Protein might be just what you’ve been searching for.
✨ Celiac Safe & Allergy-Friendly: Made from a single ingredient—organic sacha inchi seeds—this product is naturally gluten-free and free from the top allergens. And it is produced in a facility that is free from gluten and the top 14 allergens, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contact.
💪 Complete Protein with Superior Amino Acids: With 6g of protein per just 1 Tbsp serving, it has the best balance of all 9 essential amino acids compared to pea, rice, soy, or hemp protein powders.
🔥 Naturally Made, Not Chemically Processed: Our seeds are sun-dried and cold-pressed—no industrial enzymes, chemicals, or intense processing. Just simple methods to preserve the nutrition nature intended.
🌰 Nutty Flavor, Nut-Free: It has a roasted, nutty taste (but is 100% nut-free!) and a slightly coarse grind to retain its natural fiber—perfect for blending into smoothies, stirring into oats, or baking into your favorite treats.
🧬 Minimal Processing = Maximum Nutrition: Our gentle process protects the plant’s natural nutrients so you’re getting clean fuel your body can actually use.
Free from top allergens, full of real nutrition—no fillers, no junk, just peace of mind in every scoop.
May 28
🌾 Where’s ZEGO? We’re thrilled to share that you can now find our Purity Verified Organic Double Protein Oatmeal at California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach! 🙌
This local favorite is known for its wide selection of gluten-free products—and now, that includes ZEGO! 💚
Whether you’re visiting the coast or lucky enough to live nearby, stop in to stock up on your favorite high-protein, allergy-friendly oats.
✅ Organic
✅ Gluten-Free (Purity Protocol)
✅ Glyphosate-Free
✅ Grown with care in the U.S.
Have you spotted ZEGO near you? Tag us and use #WheresZEGO so we can share!
May 23
🥣☕️ Happy International Tea Day!
We’re steeping into something new — tea-infused oats! ✨
We saw this idea floating around the internet and had to try it! We made our Cinnamon & Spice Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend by cooking it with oat milk steeped in blackberry spice tea instead of plain water. The result? A cozy, aromatic bowl with layers of flavor. 🍇🌿
Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ For 2 servings, steep 2 tea bags in your milk or water
2️⃣ Use the infused liquid to cook your ZEGO oats (or pour it over for overnight oats!)
3️⃣ Add your favorite toppings and enjoy
Want to experiment? Try it with:
🍵 Chai
🌱 Peppermint
🍋 Earl Grey
🍵 Matcha
Check our Stories for more tea-inspired oatmeal recipes — and let us know if you have tried tea-infused oatmeal before in the comments below! 💬👇
May 21
🌾 What is Purity Protocol?
And why does it matter if you’re gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, of course, but they can easily get contaminated with wheat at every step — from farm to package:
🚜 Farming: Oats are often grown near or after wheat, leading to grain mix-ups in the field.
🏭 Processing: Many facilities use the same equipment for wheat and oats.
📦 Packaging: Oats may be packed alongside gluten-containing grains.
Unlike conventional oats, which rely on machines to try to sort out gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley, ZEGO oats are grown using a more rigorous and preventative approach called Purity Protocol, a patented farming method used to prevent gluten cross-contact in the field.
Here’s how it works ⬇️
🌱 Our partner farmers save seeds from the previous year’s crop, reducing unintended cross-contact
✅ Our oats are grown from a special variety that is significantly shorter than wheat and barley.
👀 As the plants grow (but before they form grains), farm workers hand-pull any taller sprouts — removing the risk of gluten grains from entering the harvest.
🧪 Then we test each batch down to 5 parts per million (ppm)
Our dedicated facility is free from gluten and the top allergens. No peanuts, no wheat, no dairy, no tree nuts, no soy, no milk, no eggs, no sesame, no sulfites, no celery, no corn, and no mustard. Our packaging has no corn derivatives.
💚 The result?
Some of the cleanest, safest oats you can buy — grown with care to nourish and protect your family.
👉 Curious about our testing? Just scan the QR code on any ZEGO package or visit our website to see your oats’ results. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below or send us a DM!
May 19
🌾 Today is Celiac Awareness Day, part of Celiac Awareness Month, and we’re honoring the millions impacted by this serious autoimmune disease — including our founder, Colleen Kavanagh.
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition that damages the small intestine’s villi and interferes with nutrient absorption. It’s estimated to affect 1 in 133 Americans, yet many go undiagnosed for years.
In this short video, Colleen shares her personal journey — from painful, debilitating symptoms to a diagnosis that changed her life and led to the creation of ZEGO, a brand built on clean, transparent food you can trust.
💚 Here’s a few ways you can get involved and help spread awareness:
👩🏫 Share Resources – Share presentations, posters, or videos at your school or workplace. @childrensnational @foodallergy @beyondceliac @celiacdiseasefoundation are a few amazing resources with downloadable brochures, posters, and more!
🎉 Host an Event – Plan a gluten-free snack day or awareness activity in your classroom or community.
🔬 Support Research – Donate to organizations like @celiacfoundation that are working toward better treatments and a cure.
✨ And most importantly, share your story. Whether you’re living with celiac disease or supporting someone who is, your voice can help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Comment below or tag us in your post!
🎁 BONUS: Donate and Win!
As a thank-you for supporting celiac research, we’re giving away a ZEGO gift bundle to one lucky person who donates. Just leave a comment with the name of the organization you donated to on our giveaway post for a chance to win!
May 16
🎉 Philadelphia, here we come!! 🎉
We’re SO excited to be headed to the Wicked Gluten Free Expo this weekend—it’s the BIGGEST gluten-free event in the country!
Come by our booth #142 to meet the ZEGO team, sample our Purity Verified oats, muesli, and superfood blends — and learn how we go above and beyond to ensure safety for people with food allergies and celiac disease.
Tag a friend and make a day of it — we can’t wait to see you there!
✨ Booth #142
📍 Greater Philly Expo Center in Oaks, PA
🗓️ Saturday, May 17 | 10am–5pm
✨ Whether you’re gluten-free, have food allergies, or just love delicious, nourishing food, we’d love to meet you! Will you be attending the expo this year?
May 15
✨Gluten-Free Blackberry Crumble Protein Bars 😋
These allergy-friendly bars are bursting with tart berry flavor and a touch of sweetness — made from 100% plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free ingredients and no refined sugars.
Crumbly with a little crunch from the seeds in our Superfood Oatmeal Blend, these bars make the perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
💪 Protein comes from our specially selected oat variety and Organic Pure Plant Protein (made from sacha inchi seeds — no stevia, gums, or additives).
🫐 Blackberries add fiber and a boost of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as potassium and manganese — and they’re low in calories, carbs, and fat.
🌱 Fiber in oats and blackberries also aids digestion and may help support healthy blood sugar levels.
RECIPE
🍽️ Makes one 8×8 pan
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 C ZEGO Double Protein Oatmeal
• 1 1/2 C ZEGO Cinnamon & Spice Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend
• 6 Tbsp. ZEGO Organic Pure Plant Protein
• 2 C Fresh Blackberries
• 1/3 C + 3 Tbsp. Organic Maple Syrup
• 2 Tbsp. Rice Flour
• 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 1/3 C Coconut Oil, melted
• 1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2-3 Tbsp. Coconut Sugar, for topping
• 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
2️⃣ Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper
3️⃣ Add 1 1/2 C ZEGO Double Protein Oats to a blender or food processor and blend on high for about 90 seconds until it becomes a fine flour
4️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, protein powder, 1/3 C maple syrup, Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Blend, salt, coconut oil, and vanilla — mix until just combined (no dry spots!)
5️⃣ Press about 3/4 of the mixture in the pan in an even layer to form the crust
6️⃣ In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, 3 Tbsp. maple syrup, lemon juice, and rice flour — cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until bubbly and thickened. Mash lightly with a spatula.
7️⃣ Pour the blackberry filling evenly over the crust
8️⃣ Crumble the remaining crust mixture on top and sprinkle with coconut sugar
9️⃣ Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown
🔟 Let cool completely before cutting into squares (tip: pop them in the freezer for easier slicing!)
✨ Enjoy!
May 14
🎉 Food Allergy Awareness Week Giveaway! 🎉
This past Sunday kicked off Food Allergy Awareness Week, and ZEGO is proud to stand with our food allergy community. 💙
At ZEGO, supporting the food allergy community is at the heart of what we do. That’s why all our products are made in a facility free from the top 14 allergens and we’re proud to bring the community clean, worry-free food that is healthy and nutritious.
To help spread awareness and support the incredible work being done in this space, we’re hosting a giveaway!
Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Make a donation—any amount helps!—to your favorite food allergy–related organization or charity
2️⃣ Leave a comment below with the name of the organization you donated to
3️⃣ You’ll be entered to win a ZEGO Prize Pack full of our gluten-free, allergy-friendly, transparency-first products ($50+ value)! 🙌
BONUS ENTRIES:
1️⃣ Share this post to your stories for an extra chance to win
2️⃣ Share a post from your favorite food allergy-related organization or charity to your stories for an extra entry to win. (Be sure to tag @zegofoods so we see it!)
💚 Let’s give a shout out to all the amazing nonprofits working to make life safer and better for everyone living with food allergies.
—
Giveaway Terms:
Open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta, Instagram, or Facebook. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via DM. Giveaway closes 05/19/2025.
May 12
We’ve been counting down the days right along with you…
We’re thrilled to announce that our Organic Pure Plant Protein Powder is finally back in stock at zegofoods.com! 🎉
This simple-but-mighty powder is made from just one ingredient—organic sacha inchi seeds. We keep it minimally processed to preserve its nutrients, fiber, and naturally nutty flavor (with NO nuts!).
It’s clean, powerful, and crafted with integrity—just like you expect from ZEGO.
💪 Just ONE ingredient: 100% organic sacha inchi seeds
🌱 6g of complete protein per tablespoon
✅ Free from gluten + top 14 allergens
🌾 Glyphosate-tested + Purity Verified
🌍 Supports small organic farms
This is plant protein at its cleanest—and you can only get it at zegofoods.com! 🙌
May 9
📍 Where’s ZEGO? This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to feature @maysglutenfreemarket in Rhode Island! 🌟
Founded by Celeste Bremer in 2022, May’s was created to be a safe haven for those living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Today, Celeste, Guetty Antiste (aka the Empanada Assassin!), and Jay Romano continue that mission—offering a carefully curated, 100% gluten-free and allergen-friendly space where folks can shop with confidence.
💚 We’re so proud to have ZEGO on their shelves and to be part of their effort to make gluten-free eating simple, safe, and delicious—with food that tastes even better than its gluten counterparts.
If you’re local, be sure to stop in and support this incredible small business that’s doing big things for our community!
🛍️ Know another shop that should carry ZEGO? Tag them below—we’d love to connect!
May 8
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Organic Gluten Free Oats (14oz bag)$7.99 -
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 – (26 oz.)
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Regenerative Oatmeal – (30 oz.)
