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.
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
Throwback to 2022, when ZEGO Founder & CEO @colleen_kavanagh_z and @cybelepascal were already friendsโlong before Cybele joined ZEGO as CCO. A little foreshadowing of what was ahead. โค๏ธ
Jul 31
๐ง Waffles made with muesli? Absolutely.
ZEGO Organic Muesli isnโt just for the cereal bowlโit also makes a delicious base for homemade gluten-free, nut-free waffles.
Made with organic Purity Protocol oats, seeds, and naturally sweet dates, our muesli adds flavor, texture, and a little crunch without added sugar. And because itโs made in our top-14 allergen-free facility, itโs an easy way to bring more variety to an allergy-friendly breakfast routine.
A delicious new way to use muesli beyond the cereal bowl. ๐
Find the recipe and more ways to use ZEGO Muesli at https://zegofoods.com/gluten-free-vegan-pancakes-waffles-muffins/
#zegofoods #glutenfreewaffles #nutfreebreakfast #organicmuesli #allergyfriendly
Jul 24
๐ฅ Overnight oats, made even easier.
ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal Blends combine our organic Purity Protocol gluten-free oats with seeds, fruit, spices, and other flavorful ingredientsโso most of the work is already done for you.
Choose Cinnamon & Spice for a warm, cozy bowl or Blueberry Lemon Poppy for something bright and fruity.
To make:
1. Combine โ
cup ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal with 1ยฝ cups milk of choice and โ
teaspoon salt.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Stir in the morning and add your favorite toppings.
An easy breakfast, ready when you are. Which blend are you making first? ๐ฅฃโจ
#zegofoods #overnightoats #glutenfreeoats #healthybreakfast
Jul 22
๐ซ A homemade twist on the old-fashioned chocolate peanut butter cupโmade with your favorite seed or nut butter.
These chocolate-dipped protein bites have a rich, creamy center, a little crunch, and 4g of protein per bite. Choose sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or use your favorite nut butter that works for your household, for a homemade take on the classic chocolate peanut butter cup.
Ingredients:
โข โ
cup pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or your favorite nuts
โข โ
cup seed or nut butter
โข 2 tbsp vanilla
โข 2 tbsp maple syrup
โข 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
โข 2 tsp flaky salt
โข 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, optional
โข Melted chocolate for dipping
โข Cacao nibs or flaky salt for topping, optional
Directions:
โ Mix the seed or nut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
โ Add ZEGO Pure Protein, seeds or nuts, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well.
โ Chill for 30 minutes.
โ Roll into 16 bites and dip in melted chocolate.
โ Sprinkle with cacao nibs or flaky salt, then refrigerate until set.
Store in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go treat.
Choose the ingredients that work for your dietary needs, and enjoy every chocolate-covered bite. ๐ป
Jul 17
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
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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
