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.
Good taste runs in the family. Archerโs dad Darin makes Gheelish, one of our favorite gluten-free snack brandsโand Archer starts his day with ZEGO. ๐๐ฅฃ
Jul 15
Goodness you can hold in your hands. ๐
Every bag of ZEGO Muesli is thoughtfully crafted with YOU in mindโfrom the simple, organic ingredients to our commitment to exceptional food safety and transparency.
Enjoy it straight from the bag, pack it for the trail, pour it into a bowl with your favorite milk, layer it with yogurt and fruit, or sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl for a deliciously satisfying crunch.
However you eat it, ZEGO Muesli makes wholesome nourishment easy to take anywhere.
And because every ZEGO product is Purity Verifiedยฎ, you can feel confident about what youโre bringing to the table.
Discover our Muesli flavors and learn more about our food-safety standards at the ๐ฃ link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #Muesli #AllergyFriendly #GlutenFree #PurityVerified
Jul 13
๐๐ฅฃ The perfect summer snack: cool, crunchy, and easy to customize.
ZEGOโs organic nut-free muesli makes a delicious parfait for breakfast, snack time, or a light summer treat. Layer it with yogurt, fresh fruit, and your favorite toppingsโor set up a parfait bar and let everyone build their own.
Tip: Toast the muesli first for extra crunch!
A few combinations we love:
๐ซ Blackberry yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh berries
๐ Vanilla yogurt + fresh peaches + Cinnamon Twist Muesli
๐ Cinnamon-spiced yogurt + Apple Cranberry Muesli + diced apples + honey
๐ฅฅ Coconut yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh mango + agave
What summer flavor combination would you create? ๐
#SummerSnacks #ParfaitIdeas #OrganicMuesli #NutFree #ZEGOFoods
Jul 10
B-roll from #FancyFood. ๐ฌ
@specialtyfoodassociation #wefancy
Jul 9
๐ช Want an easier way to get more protein at breakfast?
Many nutrition experts recommend aiming for 30โ50g of protein in your first meal to help support stable energy, muscle health, and balanced blood sugar throughout the day.
One simple way to get there? Start with a better oat.
๐พ ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats naturally contain 2x the protein of typical rolled oats, plus 20โ40% more fiber, making them a satisfying foundation for overnight oats, oatmeal, smoothies, and baking.
Why we love them:
๐ช Naturally double the protein
๐ฑ USDA Organic & regeneratively grown in the western U.S.
๐พ More fiber for lasting energy
โจ Purity Verifiedยฎ for pesticides, heavy metals, gluten, and the top allergens
Making overnight oats?
Because our oats are raw, we recommend one of these simple prep methods:
โ๏ธ Pour boiling water over the oats and let sit for 15 minutes before refrigerating.
โ๏ธ Or soak them with yogurt.
โ๏ธ Or add โ
teaspoon sea salt to your soaking liquid.
(This simple step keeps the oats tasting delicious by preventing naturally occurring enzymes from developing a sharp flavor.)
Top with fresh fruit, nuts or seeds, cinnamon, chia, or your favorite yogurt for an easy, protein-packed breakfast.
๐ฌ Whatโs your favorite overnight oats combination?
#ProteinBreakfast #OvernightOats #OrganicOats #zegofoods #PurityVerified
Jul 6
๐บ๐ธโ๏ธ Itโs going to be a HOT Fourth of July weekend…
Skip the sugar bomb and cool down with a popsicle that actually fuels you. ๐๐ฅ
Made with real strawberries, our Organic Double Protein Oats, and Pure Plant Protein Protein Powder, these refreshing pops deliver plant-based protein, complex carbs, and real ingredients you can feel good about.
โค๏ธ Allergy-friendly
๐พ Certified gluten-free
โจ Purity Verifiedยฎ ingredients
Ingredients
๐ฅฃ 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
๐ฑ 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powder
๐ง 1 cup water
๐ 1 cup diced strawberries, plus extra sliced strawberries
๐ 2 tbsp lemon juice
๐ฏ 4โ5 tbsp honey or agave (or to taste)
๐ผ 1 tsp vanilla extract
๐ง Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1๏ธโฃ Blend the water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.
2๏ธโฃ Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3๏ธโฃ Place sliced strawberries into your popsicle molds.
4๏ธโฃ Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight (or at least 4โ6 hours).
5๏ธโฃ Enjoy!
Perfect after the pool. ๐๏ธ
Perfect after a workout. ๐ช
Perfect while watching the fireworks. ๐
Save this recipe for the holiday weekend! ๐บ๐ธ๐
#FourthOfJuly #HealthySummer #Popsicles #PlantBased #GlutenFree
Jul 3
Day 2 at Fancy Food. Come by booth #1150, grab some overnight oats and samples, and say hello!
#fancyfood #fancyfoodshow #getfancy
@specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 29
Next stop: New York City. ๐ฝ
The countdown is on! If youโll be at the Summer Fancy Food Show, come visit ZEGO at the GoodNOW CPG Collective Booth (#1150), where weโll be showcasing our Purity Verifiedโข organic oats alongside an incredible portfolio of innovative food brands.
๐ Booth #1150
๐
June 28โ30
๐ Javits Center
Whether youโre looking for clean-label ingredients, transparency, or innovative organic oat solutions, weโd love to meet you.
See you in the Big Apple!
#SummerFancyFoodShow #wefancy #goodnowcpg
๐ท Shared from @specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 25
Weโre looking forward to the UNFI East Holiday & Winter Selling Show!
Join us at Booth #766B to learn more about ZEGOโs Purity Verifiedโข Double Protein Oats (DPO), Regenerative Organic Certifiedยฎ (ROC) oats, and our full line of gluten-free organic oat products and ingredients.
If youโre walking the show floor, stop by and meet our Chief Commercial Officer, Cybele Pascal.
Weโd love to connect and talk all things oats, transparency, and regenerative agriculture.
See you in Connecticut!
#UNFISellingShow #OrganicOats #RegenerativeOrganic #PurityVerified
Jun 22
New York, weโre coming for you. ๐ฝ
Catch ZEGO and our friends at GoodNOW CPG at Booth #1150 during the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 28โ30.
See you at the Javits Center.
#WeFancy #FancyFoodShow #SummerFancyFoodShow #ZEGOFoods GoodNOWCPG
Jun 17
Fibermaxxing is taking the wellness world by storm in 2026! ๐พ Focusing on increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods is not only a trend but a lifestyle shift thatโs here to stay.
Fiber remains foundational for gut health, longevity, and metabolic wellness. It supports digestion, nurtures the microbiome, and helps maintain steady energy levels and lasting fullness throughout the day.
As more people prioritize fiber, theyโre discovering its benefits for heart health and insulin sensitivity. Increasing fiber intake can also enhance nutrient absorption, leading to overall better health outcomes.
High-fiber foods are versatile and satisfying, making them easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. They help promote fullness, which can assist with appetite management and weight control.
ZEGO is committed to fiber-rich, whole-food products. We prioritize farmer-first sourcing and minimal processing to ensure real nourishment, offering genuine, health-supportive foods.
In the journey of wellness, fiber continues to pave the way to better health. Embrace the power of fiber and feel the difference it makes. ๐
#fibermax #fibermaxxing #zego #glutenfreeoats
Jun 15
Thanks to @liv.ingwithallergies for this simple breakfast recipe featuring ZEGO Purity Verifiedโข oats.
๐ฅฃ Ingredients:
โข 1 tbsp chia seeds
โข 1/3 cup ZEGO oats
โข 1/3โ1/2 cup dairy-free milk
โข 2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries
โข Granola and additional fruit for topping
๐ซ Directions:
1. Blend blueberries and milk.
2. Combine with remaining ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
3. Top with granola and fruit before serving.
Save this one for busy mornings.
#ZEGOFoods #OvernightOats #GlutenFree #allergyfriendly #plantbased
Jun 11
๐พ What Is Muesli?๐พ
Wondering what muesli is? Pronounced โmyoo-slee,โ itโs traditionally a wholesome combination of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. This nutrient-dense blend supports heart health, digestion, and sustained energy levels throughout the day.
ZEGOโs organic muesli is free from nuts and gluten and can be enjoyed with milk or a milk alternative, just like the other cereals in your pantry. ๐ฅ๐ฟPro-Tip: Soaking your muesli in your favorite version of milk or water will make it easier to digest and make the nutrients more bio-available by decreasing phytates and lectins. Soak for 5+ minutes or longer for softer oats.
Jun 8
Throwing it back to this adorable overnight oats moment with @bewell.warrior and her little helper. ๐๐ฅฃ
Jun 3
Find ZEGO Double Protein Oats in the Chicago area at Jewel Osco! ๐ ๐ฅณ
Tag us here on Instagram if you find us on your local store shelf! ๐
May 29
As a brand created by a food allergy mom, we understand what it`s like to live this life.
It`s not just about what`s on your plate. A poll of food allergy families showed that almost half said that food allergies even affected their social activities. Food allergies affect everyone in the family, and everything we do – from social gatherings to packing lunches and field trips, from weddings to sleepover camp.
But here at ZEGO we try to make it easy by providing products free from the top 14 allergens. We`re here for you, and try to make moments safe and delicious for all.
May 27
ZEGO is proud to sponsor tonight`s screening of May Contain My Life in Chicago. This documentary is about life with life-threatening food allergies. Tonight`s screening has a special Q&A with Dr. Ruchi Gupta of CFAAR. We hope you get to screen this movie when it comes to your city! For everyone in Chicago, look for us in your goodie bag!
May 26
Jay Romsa, of Romsa Family Farms, is one of our incredible featured farmers.
He`s and a very talented farmer with a background in crop science and a pretty humble guy. You might recognize him from our Natural Products Expo West panel on specialty grain supply chains.
But what you might not know is that Jay matches our affinity for gluten-free oats.
"I opted for early retirement to help my son establish his link in the legacy I devoted my career to agriculture. I achieved my degree in crop science and conducted research on multiple crops and production systems. My career ended focusing on the benefits of oats while working in the food industry.
Oats are one of the most nutrient dense grains you can consume offering the benefits of satiety, low glycemic index, soluble fiber in the form of beta glucan helping with heart health and cholesterol reduction, loaded with essential amino acids, when grown in a gluten free system can be labeled as gluten free, loaded with essential amino acids and higher protein levels make them one of the healthiest grains you can consume."
We love a farmer who loves oats!
May 20
We`ve partnered with @officialprepara to offer a fantastic giveaway this month! Their Salad Pod + Berry Basket is a perfect way to make berry overnight oats!
Giveaway Details
1. Like this post
2. Follow @ZegoFoods and @OfficialPrepara
3. Comment how you would use the Prepara Salad Pod!
Giveaway ends 5/31/26 5pm PT. USA only, 18+ only, not affiliated with Instagram. We will message the winner directly only from this account.
๐ฅฃ Strawberry Overnight Oats ๐
โจSoak your ZEGO oats overnight in your milk of choice, following the instructions on the bag, adding in sweetener of choice
โจAdd nuts or seeds to the dressing lid inside
โจOpen your Prepara Salad Pod and add in berries from your Berry Basket!
โจOnce you`re done, wash your Prepara items and use them for salads or anything else!
May 18
Today is International Celiac Disease Awareness Day! It`s a day within Celiac Disease Awareness Month where we can all share facts with others, bust some myths, and get excited about the future of celiac disease research! We are so proud to serve the #celiacdisease community by offering purity protocol celiac disease safe oats. From our founder to your plate, we`re happy to be a part of this #glutenfree community.
May 16
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Organic Double Protein Oats 1 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 Oatmeal Superfood Blueberry Lemon Poppy 1 Bag$8.99
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Organic Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$149.95 — or subscribe to save 5%
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Organic Oatmeal Superfood Cinnamon Spice 1 Bag$8.99
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Regenerative Organic Oats 1 bag$8.99
