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.
๐ฑ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ: ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ
ZEGO Foods was proud to sponsor and participate in the RFSI Forum 2026 in Denver, joining leaders across investment, finance, agriculture, and food to explore ways to build a more resilient and regenerative food system. ๐
Our Founder and CEO, @colleen_kavanagh_z , joined these important conversations on how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful change. We were also excited to partner with @philosopherfoods to bring nut butter to the eventโs breakfast spread!
At ZEGO, we believe partnerships like these help bring people together around better food, support a more transparent food system, and create a healthier future for people and the planet. ๐๐พ
Thank you to the RFSI team and everyone working toward a more regenerative future!
#ZEGOFoods #RFSIForum2026 #PhilosopherFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodTransparency FoodSystemResilience
Oct 9
โTry it folks. Itโs really the Best Breakfast Ever!โ ๐ฅฃโญโญโญโญโญ
Jo P. found a new morning favorite, and we love how they make it their own! Hereโs whatโs in their bowl:
๐ Hot, creamy ZEGO Double Protein Organic Oatmeal
๐ A dollop of applesauce or a drizzle of maple syrup for a special treat
๐พ Specialty raw rolled oats, grown by U.S. farmers
โ
Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals, and gluten-free (<5 ppm)
Whatโs your go-to oatmeal topping? Tell us in the comments! ๐
Shop link in bio
#ZEGO #ContainsPeaceOfMind #PurityVerified #OatmealLove #RealReviews
Oct 8
๐ฑ What do oats and chickpeas have in common? They can help support healthier soil when grown together in thoughtful crop rotations.
Oats use nitrogen from the soil as they grow and build protein. Chickpeas and other legumes have a unique ability to help replenish nitrogen in the soil through a natural process called nitrogen fixation.
One of the most fascinating signs of this process happens underground. Legume roots can develop small nodules that indicate the plant is actively working with soil microbes to support nitrogen cycling. ๐ฟ
It`s a powerful reminder that healthy food starts long before harvest. What happens beneath the surface helps support resilient soil, thriving crops, and a stronger food system.
At ZEGO, we believe better food begins with understanding where it comes from, how it`s grown, and the health of the soil that makes it possible. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #RegenerativeFarming #FoodTransparency
Oct 7
In August, Colleen stood in Jody`s oat field on the Manuel farm, and we have been waiting to show you these photos since.
National Farmers Day is next Monday, so this week belongs to the people who grow the food in your bowl. When we say know what`s in your bowl, it starts with knowing who planted it.
Swipe through the visit, and tell Jody hello in the comments.
#zegofoods #farmerswelove #nationalfarmersday #knowwhatsinyourbowl #oatfarm
Oct 5
Healthy soil. Stronger harvests. Better food.
On our Montana farm tour, we saw how thoughtful farming practices help support healthier growing systems. Crop rotation, including planting lentils and chickpeas alongside oats, helps naturally replenish soil nutrients and promote long-term soil health. It`s one example of how farmers work with nature to build more resilient food systems.
At ZEGO, we believe better food starts at the source, with transparency every step of the way.
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #FoodTransparency #OrganicFarming
Sep 25
๐ฅฃ Simple. Protein-packed. Made for busy mornings.
Breakfast is evolving, and more people are looking for foods that are quick, simple, nourishing, and made with ingredients they can trust.
Thatโs why we created ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats. ๐
With nearly double the digestible protein of typical oats, 20โ40% more fiber than standard rolled oats, and Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals; gluten-free (<5 ppm). Itโs a simple way to bring more nutrition and peace of mind to your morning bowl.
The best part? Make it your own with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, nut butter, or yogurt. ๐๐ฏ๐ฅ
๐ Read our latest blog: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #DoubleProteinOats #ProteinBreakfast #FoodTransparency #PurityVerified
Sep 19
Edacious FoodData just launched, and ZEGO LLC is proud to be included!
We tested with Edacious and are proud to share our results publicly and be part of a platform that`s finally showing the real variability that exists across the foods we all eat.
Check out our page, and explore the platform: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #Edacious #FoodData #FoodTransparency #FoodTraceability
Sep 17
๐ Food transparency is gaining momentum.
Californiaโs proposed โNon-Ultra-Processedโ seal could be another step toward a future where consumers have greater access to meaningful food information and independent verification.
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know whatโs in their food. Thatโs why our Purity Verifiedยฎ program makes testing information easy to access. Simply scan the QR code on your package to see the information behind the food you choose.
Curious about what this proposal could mean for the future of food transparency? Read our latest blog article: LINK IN BIO
#FoodTransparency #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods #KnowYourFood #PeaceOfMind
Sep 16
๐๐ซ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ + ๐ฏ๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ + ๐น๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ป = ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐น๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ! This creamy, refreshing smoothie packs in plant-based protein, greens, and a delicious burst of blueberry-lemon flavor. โจ
Matcha Blueberry Lemon Protein Smoothie
๐ฅ 1 cup gluten-free plant-based milk
๐ฅฌ 1 cup baby spinach
๐ 1 banana
๐ซ ยฝ cup blueberries
๐ช 2 tbsp ZEGO Sacha Inchi Protein Powder
๐พ 3 tbsp ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
๐ต 1ยฝ tsp matcha powder
๐ง ยฝ cup ice
Blend everything on high for 30+ seconds until smooth. Add more milk for your desired texture, pour, and enjoy! ๐
Save this recipe for your next morning smoothie! โจ
#ZEGOFoods #MatchaSmoothie #ProteinSmoothie #SmoothieRecipe #HealthyRecipes
Sep 11
๐ ๐ช๐๐๐ฅ๐โ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข? ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐! ๐๐
Weโre so excited to announce that ZEGO is rolling out across the Chicagoland area at Jewel-Osco! ๐
You can now find some of your ZEGO favorites on shelves, including:
-Double Protein Oatmeal
-ROC Oatmeal
-Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
-Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Oatmeal
From the city to the suburbs, weโre thrilled to be bringing ZEGO to more shoppers across the Chicago area. ๐๐ฑ
So the next time youโre shopping at Jewel-Osco, keep an eye out for ZEGO! ๐
๐ธ Find us? Snap a photo, tag @ZEGOFoods, and show us where you spotted us!
Chicago, weโre so happy to be here. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #WheresZEGO #JewelOsco #PurityVerified #BreakfastMadeBetter
Sep 9
๐ Food transparency is gaining momentum.
New federal proposals related to GRAS ingredients and ultra-processed foods reflect a growing conversation about giving consumers better access to information about their food. At ZEGO, we believe people deserve meaningful, transparent information so they can make informed choices with confidence.
๐ Read more on the ZEGO blog – link in bio
#FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #KnowYourFood #ZEGO
Aug 28
๐พ A milestone for ZEGO!
Our first regenerative organic oat harvest is underway in Havre, Montana. ๐ฑ
After years of drought and grasshopper damage, this crop is looking especially promising. As part of our commitment to gluten-free oats, we walked the fields to verify they were free of gluten-containing grains and were encouraged by how clean they looked. As with any organic farm, there are some weeds, including bindweed, alfalfa, and amaranth, but they can be easily cleaned out during processing.
Grateful for partners like Jody Manuel of Prairie Ranch Farm and Paul Lightfoot of Patagonia Provisions as we work together to strengthen a more transparent and resilient food system. ๐
#RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicOats #Montana #ZEGOFoods
Aug 26
Newtopia Now 2026 @newtopianow was a good one! ๐ฑ
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the ZEGO Foods booth and spent some time with us alongside GoodNow! We loved meeting so many people, sharing our products, and being part of such a great community.
A special thank you to @nanajoesgranola, @celiacandthebeast, and @collegeceliackc for connecting with us and helping make the event even more memorable. ๐
Until the next one! ๐ฑ
#ZegoFoods #NewtopiaNow #GoodNow #PlantBased #PeaceOfMind
Aug 20
Whatโs driving the organic produce boom? ๐ฑ
A recent Naturalist Podcast conversation with Nancy Coulter Parker and Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company, explored themes we care deeply about: transparency, consumer trust, supporting farmers, and understanding where food comes from.
As consumers ask more questions, transparency is becoming essential. Weโre proud to be part of the movement toward a more trustworthy food system. ๐พ
๐ Link in bio to read and watch.
#ZEGOFoods #OrganicFood #FoodTransparency #OrganicProduce #FutureOfFood
Aug 17
Did you know oats go through a โmilk stageโ? ๐พ
Before an oat becomes the grain we know, it passes through a stage where a milky substance forms inside the hull after pollination. Next comes the dough stage, before the oat fully matures.
Right now, the crop needs the right balance of heat and moisture to thrive. ๐ฑ
Itโs a reminder that thereโs a lot happening behind every oat and that understanding how food is grown helps us all make more informed choices.
#ZEGOFoods #Oats #KnowYourFood #FoodTransparency #oatfarming
Aug 14
Whatโs really in your food? ๐
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know whatโs in their food and where it comes from. ๐ฑ
Hear our founder @colleen_kavanagh_z share how ZEGO Foods is raising the bar for food transparency and consumer trust. ๐๏ธ On About Road to Retail @road2retail , she discusses what it takes to build a brand that stands out through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to helping consumers know what`s in their food.
๐ Read the blog and ๐๏ธ watch the podcast through the link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #PurityVerified #KnowYourFood
Aug 13
Join the movement toward a more transparent food future. ๐ฑ
Weโre excited to be at @newtopianow with GoodNow Foods. Stop by Booth #1812 to meet the ZEGO team and discover how transparency, traceability, and Purity Verified standards are helping build greater trust in food.
๐ Booth #1812 | August 18โ20 | Denver, CO
๐ We canโt wait to connect with the people helping shape whatโs next in conscious food.
#NewtopiaNow #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods
Aug 7
๐พ ๐ข๐ฎ๐ ๐ณ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐
While other grains bloom out in the open, oat flowers stay hidden inside the hull. That tiny detail is one reason oat breeding takes so much care, precision, and patience.
Pretty cool for a breakfast staple. ๐
#ZEGOFoods #OatFacts #DidYouKnow #KnowYourFood #FoodScience
Aug 5
๐ ๐๐ถ๐ด ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ญ๐๐๐ข ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐!
Weโre honored to be featured in @eatingwell โs โ7 Best Cereals to Reduce Heart Disease Risk.โ Thank you to registered dietitian @sheridietitian for including ZEGO and sharing how fiber-rich whole grains can support heart health.
Weโre proud to be part of the conversation around nutritious, transparent food choices that help people feel confident about whatโs on their plate.
Read the full story: Link in Bio ๐
#EatingWell #HeartHealth #HealthyBreakfast #WholeGrains #Zegofoods
Aug 4
๐ฑ Good things are growing.
Our oat fields have safely cleared the critical flowering stage, bringing us one step closer to harvest and one step closer to the nutritious foods you know and love. ๐พ
Moments like these remind us that great food starts long before it reaches your table. It starts with healthy soil, dedicated farmers, and a commitment to growing food the right way.
Here`s to strong crops and a promising harvest ahead. ๐
#FarmToTable #Oats #RegenerativeAgriculture #HealthySoil #SustainableFarming #HarvestSeason #FieldUpdate #GrowWithNature #CleanFood #ZEGO
Aug 2
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Organic Double Protein Oats 1 bag$8.99 — or subscribe to save 10% -
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 — 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 Cinnamon Spice 1 Bag$8.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
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Regenerative Organic Oats 1 bag$8.99 — or subscribe to save 10%
