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.
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
It`s important that food manufacturers use good manufacturing processes and allergy protocols to keep your food safe! Better yet, look for facilities that are free from your allergen. ZEGO is made in a facility that is free from the top 14 allergens and corn. We know that even a crumb counts!
#FoodAllergy #FoodAllergyAwareness #FoodAllergyAwarenessWeek
May 14
Do you know the top 9 foods most likely to cause a food allergic reaction? ๐ฌ
#FoodAllergy #FoodAllergyAwareness #FoodAllergyAwarenessWeek
May 12
Different vibes, same great product.
Double Protein Organic Oats, online or at a store near you.
May 8
Did you know that our founder Colleen was diagnosed with #celiacdisease when she was a teen? Because of her experience with her own malnutrition, she was inspired to make sure everyone has the right to safe, healthy, nutritious food.
May 7
Did you know how common food allergies are?
Here are some FACTS from FAACT!
**Food allergies affect as many as 32 million Americans, including 26 million adults and 5.6 million children.
**Approximately 7.6% of children and 10.8% of adults here in the US have food allergies.
**Food allergies are more prevalent in children than in adults, but many affected children can "outgrow" food allergies with age.
**According to the CDC, the prevalence of food allergies in children increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011.
**Among children under 18, it is common enough that there are about 2 students with food allergies in every classroom!
#FoodAllergyAwareness #FoodAllergyAwarenessMonth
May 4
Did you know that May is both Celiac Disease Awareness Month and Food Allergy Awareness Month? ZEGO has always put the food allergy and celiac community first by providing a superior, delicious, nutritious line of products that are safe for people avoiding top allergens and gluten.
We spend every May spreading awareness for these conditions, sharing facts over fear.
We can`t wait to share more with you, so follow along on our social accounts for the month of May!
May 1
Weโve learned so much about FIBER this month, and we hope you have too! To round-up our month dedicated to fiber, weโre throwing a fiber-packed giveaway! Enter to win a case of our DOUBLE PROTEIN ORGANIC OATMEAL. Each serving of these high-quality raw gluten-free organic oats contains 5 grams of dietary fiber!
TO ENTER:
1. Like this post
2. Make sure youโre following us here on Instagram
3. Comment with your favorite way to eat oats
US residents only, 18+, not associated with Instagram. We will only reach out via this account if you are the winner.
Apr 30
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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 Plant Protein (5 bags, 15 oz each)$149.95 — 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 Oats 1 bag$8.99
