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.
Did you know winter wheat is planted in the fall and meant to stay dormant until spring?
Colleen is out in the fields in Montana where unusually warm winter temperatures are changing how farmers think about timing and risk. She explains whatโs happeningโand why the weather mattersโin todayโs video.
Feb 18
This February, weโre celebrating regenerative agricultureโand the retailers who help make it accessible. ๐พ
Weโre proud to partner with Erewhon in SoCal, where you can find our Regenerative Oatmeal made with oats grown using farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
If youโre local, keep an eye out next time you shop and learn how your everyday food choices can help support a healthier planet.
Feb 16
โค๏ธ Love Your Heart This Valentineโs Day โค๏ธ
February is American Heart Month, a national observance since 1964 dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD)โthe #1 killer in the U.S. Itโs a time to focus on heart-healthy habits like nourishing food, movement, stress management, and regular health check-ins.
One simple way to care for your heart? Start with breakfast.
Oatmeal is a heart-healthy whole grain backed by decades of researchโand recognized by the FDA since 1997 for its cholesterol-lowering benefits.
๐ How oatmeal supports heart health:
Lowers LDL (โbadโ) cholesterol thanks to soluble fiber called beta-glucan
Reduces heart disease risk by helping keep arteries clearer
Supports steady blood sugar levels, important for metabolic and heart health
Helps with weight management by keeping you fuller longer
Provides antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits
๐ก Heart-healthy oatmeal tips:
Choose whole oats like rolled or steel-cut
Top with fruit, seeds, or nuts instead of added sugars
Make it a regular habit. Daily oats can lead to meaningful cholesterol reductions in just weeks
This Valentineโs Day, whether youโre caring for yourself or someone you love, remember:
Supporting heart health doesnโt have to be complicated -whole foods go a long way.โค๏ธ๐ฅฃ
Feb 13
Big news! ๐ Our Organic & Gluten-Free Regenerative Certifiedยฎ Old Fashioned Rolled Oats have officially landed at Gelsonโs.
These oats do more than fuel your mornings, they help our farms thrive by rebuilding soil health. ๐ฑ
Plus, theyโre Purity Verified for heavy metals, glyphosate, and 500+ toxins, so you can feel good about every bowl.
Feb 9
๐ฑ Why regenerative and why U.S. farmers
In this video, our CEO & founder Colleen Kavanagh shares why regenerative oats mattered to her and why it was important that the benefits stayed here in the U.S.
As regenerative practices gained attention, Colleen wanted to make sure American farmers were the ones being supported and rewarded for nurturing the soil and restoring the land.
๐ฅ Hear Colleen share why this commitment has guided our regenerative work from the start.
Feb 6
Healthy soil isnโt just about climate metricsโitโs about people.
At the 2025 ASBN Business, Policy and Purpose Conference, Nick Beck highlighted how soil health intersects with rural prosperity, local decision-making, and civic engagement.
When sustainability is embedded in community and culture, it has the power to last. Thatโs the kind of food system we believe is worth working toward.
Feb 4
Weโre thrilled to be heading to Denver for the #KeHESummer Show!โ
From February 4โ5, weโll be showcasing our products, connecting with industry partners, and sharing whatโs new.โ
โ
๐ Visit us at Booth #257โ
โ
Looking forward to great conversations and meaningful connections throughout the show.
Feb 2
โฐ Last Chance! Our Month of Clean Breakfast Giveaway Ends Soon!
Donโt miss your chance to win a ZEGO breakfast bundle and enjoy a month of clean, thoughtfully sourced breakfast.
Transparency isnโt just a January theme – itโs what we do every day. This month, weโre highlighting it to show how much it matters in the foods we make.
To enter, comment on the original giveaway post:
1๏ธโฃ Like that post โค๏ธ
2๏ธโฃ Follow @zegofoods
3๏ธโฃ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account โ please donโt share personal information with any other page.
โ
Hurryโget your entries in on the original post before time runs out! Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 31
Transparency mattersโespecially when it comes to keeping oats pure and gluten-free.
At ZEGO, transparency doesnโt stop at the farm. It continues every step of the way, long after our oats arrive.
Our farmers follow rigorous growing practices like crop rotation (so gluten-containing grains arenโt grown in the same fields), seed purity (starting with seed free from wheat, barley, and rye), isolation strips (physical buffer zones between fields), and regular field inspections to protect the integrity of the crop from seed to truck.
Once a truckload of oats arrives at ZEGO, the work continues.
We are a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility, and every incoming load goes through multiple layers of verification:
We visually inspect samples and perform seed counts, which means identifying and counting any foreign grains to confirm purity.
We pull 3 random samples from the front, middle, and end of every truck, and from 5 different locations on each pallet, to ensure truly representative testing. We send those 3 samples to the Idaho Grain Inspection Service where they inspect every seed and report to us if they find any wheat, barley, or rye. In addition, we conduct strip testing (rapid gluten detection tests) on every load.
Our oats move through our dedicated gluten-free receiving, storage, cleaning, and milling equipmentโalways.
We test all oats to ensure they are below 10 ppm gluten, and internally we aim for 5 ppm or less to exceed GFCO certification standards.
All of this is done for one reason: to provide the safest oats possible and peace of mind you can trustโevery bowl, every time.
Jan 31
๐พ Farmers We Admire: Nate Powell-Palm
Weโre launching a new series spotlighting the farmers who inspire us โ those shaping a more resilient, regenerative, and transparent food system.
Our first feature is Nate Powell-Palm (@powellpalm_organics), founder of Cold Springs Organics. A native Montanan, Nate got his start in Gallatin County 4-H and founded Cold Springs Organics while still in high school. Today, itโs an 800+ acre certified organic grain, cattle, and milling operation.
โAs an organic farmer, transparency is the lifeblood of my business. Iโd argue itโs also the primary motivator for organic farmers overall: consumers want to know whatโs in their food โ and we are eager to tell them. That creates a unique relationship between growers and eaters in our community.
When customers seek out certified organic products, theyโre seeking transparency โ an honest assurance their food is safe, with systems in place to guarantee that trust. Iโve admired Zego for making organic certification the foundation of their brand, and for the work theyโve done to identify the best sources for their trusted, tested ingredients.โ
Beyond the field, Nate is a leading voice for transparency in organic agriculture. As former Chair of the National Organic Standards Board, heโs advocated for strong enforcement, clear standards, and accountability โ because trust in the USDA Organic seal depends on a rigorous, transparent process.
When heโs not farming or working on better policy, Nate and his team are expanding their milling operation outside of Belgrade, MT โ investing in the land and the people who steward it.
This is the kind of leadership we admire. ๐ฑ
More Farmers We Admire coming soon.
Jan 31
GIVEAWAY ๐ A Month of Clean Breakfast
Transparency isnโt just a trend – itโs something we live by every day. This January, weโre highlighting it to kick off the new year and show how much it matters in the foods we make.
Weโre celebrating by giving one winner a month of clean breakfast with a ZEGO bundle, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and transparency from seed to bowl.
To enter (1/29โ1/31):
1๏ธโฃ Like this post โค๏ธ
2๏ธโฃ Follow @zegofoods
3๏ธโฃ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
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 โ please donโt share personal information with any other page.
Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 29
Next stop: #KeHeSummerShow โจ
๐ Feb 4โ5
๐ Booth #257
Come say hello and discover how simple, carefully sourced ingredients can also be seriously delicious. Weโd love to connect!
Jan 26
๐พFibermaxxing – What is it? Should I be fibermaxxing?
What is fibermaxxing? Itโs a social media trend all about trying to meet and exceed the recommended daily value of fiber in your diet.
๐We think this is a great idea, because most people donโt get enough fiber in their diet! High fiber foods, like fruits and vegetables, seeds and legumes – and even oats – can help your GI system work itโs best and it can help you feel fuller longer!
๐ฅฃFocus on natural, nutrient dense foods over supplements. Women need about 25-28 grams of fiber daily. Thankfully our ZEGO oat products have 4-5 grams of dietary fiber per 1/3 cup serving! Starting your day with a bowl of ZEGO oats is a great way to add fiber to your diet.โจ
But a word of warning, if you donโt really eat a lot of fiber now – take it slow! If you add a ton of fiber in your diet all at once, you might have some unexpected negative side effects – bloating, gas, constipation, etc.
If you have any questions about how you can increase your fiber, or FIBERMAXX, consult a registered dietitian or your gastroenterologist!
Jan 23
What happens when one chemical is removed from farming?
In this video, ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why that question matters more than most labels suggest and why transparency requires looking at the full system.
Press play to hear her perspective.
What questions do you wish food labels answered more clearly?
Jan 19
Happy International Hot & Spicy Food Day! ๐ฅ๐ค
These Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls arenโt overly spicy, but the cinnamon, ginger, and just a hint of cayenne give them a cozy, warming bite with a little kick. Think fudgy, chewy, chocolateyโwith depth and balance.
Perfect for an afternoon snack or a make-ahead treat youโll actually look forward to.
And thanks to ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli, they donโt just deliver a protein boost, they also bring the benefits of fiber and iron, making these feel just as good as they taste.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls
Makes ~16โ18 balls
Ingredients:
โข 1ยฝ cups ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli
โข 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
โข โ
cup sunflower seed butter (or favorite nut butter)
โข โ
cup agave nectar
โข ยผ cup unsweetened cocoa
โข 1 tsp vanilla extract
โข ยฝ tsp sea salt
โข 2 tsp cinnamon
โข 1 tsp ground ginger
โข ยผ tsp cayenne pepper ๐ถ๏ธ
Instructions:
1๏ธโฃ Mix all ingredients except the muesli until smooth.
2๏ธโฃ Stir in the Cinnamon Twist Muesli.
3๏ธโฃ Chill for 30 minutes.
4๏ธโฃ Scoop, roll, and enjoy!
๐ง Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4โ5 days.
Jan 16
Winter Fancy Faire has officially wrapped, and weโre heading home feeling energized. โจโ
Connecting with retailers, partners, and fellow food lovers who care deeply about transparency, quality, and delicious food is always a reminder of why we do this work. Thank you for such a great show. ๐ค
Jan 15
We hear this often: people stop eating oats not because they want to, but because they canโt be sure theyโre safe.
Transparency means more than a label. It means showing how food is grown, handled, and testedโso people can make informed decisions, especially those living with celiac disease.
Throughout January, weโll be sharing a closer look at our transparency process and the steps we take to ensure our foods are truly safe because transparency isn`t an extra; it`s essential.
Jan 12
Weโre heading to sunny San Diego โ๏ธ๐ด
ZEGO will be at Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13, and weโd love to see you there!
๐ Booth #2011
Stop by to connect with our team, learn more about our farmer-first approach, and explore whatโs new.
If youโre attending, be sure to swing by and say hello! ๐๐พ
Jan 8
Transparency shouldnโt be optional. It should be the standard.
In this clip, our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why ZEGO is committed to raising the bar for food transparency. From expanded testing to full access to results through QR codes on every package, we believe people deserve to know exactly whatโs in their food and whatโs not.
With growing concerns around contamination and heavy metals, access to clear, honest information matters more than ever. Because when people have access to real information, they can make choices that truly support their health and their families. ๐
Jan 5
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
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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 Double Protein Oats 5 bag case$44.95 — or subscribe to save 5%
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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
