FAQs

Food Allergy & Diet Related Questions

If ZEGO bars are free from the top allergens, why bother testing each batch for cross contact?

Like all allergy-friendly companies, we carefully source our ingredients, don’t bring common allergens into the manufacturing facility, and train our staff on allergy safety but we don’t feel that is enough precaution. The most likely place cross contact would happen for allergy-friendly companies is in the field and processing plant for your raw ingredients, before they ever get to your factory. For example, we’ve had pumpkin seeds delivered to us that had spelt (wheat) sprinkled in with them, which most likely happened at harvest. The cost would be too prohibitive to test every container of ingredients, so companies spot test here and there, so some cross contact could not be detected. By adding in a final test at the end of the batch, we can find out if any cross contact slipped through the system regardless of our other precautions. Because we believe in 100% transparency, provide you access to the reports through the QR code on each ZEGO package. We think every company should be testing and publishing the results as well.  If you agree, start contacting your favorite companies, and ask them to provide this level of transparency.

I’d like to learn more about your glyphosate testing. Can you guarantee my ZEGO products will never have glyphosate in them?

You can read all about our testing on our Food Safety page. You may know that glyphosate is in our rain, water systems and soil, even contaminating organic farms. Glyphosate testing is a new test, and our first tests showed our products to have no measurable amount of the residue. We do not have long term testing data to show whether we should expect that result every time, so we cannot guarantee the tests will always have the same result. For example, if there has been a lot of rain, it’s possible the tests could measure some residual amount. The tests are expensive so we cannot test every batch, but we plan on testing at least twice a year. We pledge to you that we will monitor and test for glyphosate and continually work to minimize any amount in our products. Feel free to contact us at info@zegosnacks.com if you would like more information.

Do you have information on lectin in your oats versus other brands?

We have measured for phytic acid (another anti-nutrient) but not lectins. Our oats have no phytic acid, even before cooking. This is because the phytase keeps it in check (an enzyme still active in raw oats but not other commercial oats).

We will likely measure for lectins this summer but there is no data available from other sources about other brands of oats (at least not that we’ve been able to find), so we may not be able to offer a comparison.

Assuming our oats have some amount of lectins in them, the way to decrease it dramatically would be to simmer them for a full 15 minutes. Watch your water level because our package instructions are for 10 minutes. You may need to add more. 

Here is some extra info on lectins you may find useful:

Oats are lower in lectins than other grains. And, lectins do have nutritional value. Read more here.

I see you have a glyphosate tested badge.  Is this from a 3rd party certifier, or is this a trademarked icon by ZEGO?

Great question. We are the only company that actually shares our test results with customers and considered the gold standard in traceable transparency. Certification is a way to show you are testing without having to share your test results publicly.

We have great respect for the certification agencies and the companies that use them. We feel it is better for customers for us to share our actual data. Certifiers allow companies to have tests that show glyphosate residue from time to time and keep their certification while working to investigate the problem. We understand why, but by sharing all our test results, our customers get more transparency. Our symbol we use on our packaging is informational to tell you that we do test and encourage you to use the QR code on the package to see the data.

I am DIABETIC or Pre-Diabetic, what ZEGO snacks would you suggest?

Here are some ideas based on common recommendations for diabetic snacks.

15g or fewer CARBS:   Seed+Fruit Bars, Mix-Ins

15g or fewer NET CARBS:   Seed+Fruit Bars, Mix-Ins

15g or fewer TOTAL SUGARS: Seed+Fruit Bars, Just Fruit Pear Bars, Fruit+Chia Bars (all flavors)

I have a gut autoimmune disease. What ZEGO snacks are better choices for me?

All our products are gluten free; beyond that, some may be better for you than others depending on what your diet is. Here are some examples:

Lower Fiber/No Pear: Just Fruit Bars — Cherry, Raspberry

Gentle to Digest/ No Apples: Just Fruit Bars — Pear

Highest Fiber: Just Fruit Bars — Pear

High Omega 3 ALA Fatty Acids: Fruit+Chia Bars — All Flavors, Seed+Fruit Bars — All Flavors

No Seeds: Just Fruit Bars — All Flavors

Protein without Isolates: Seed+Fruit Bars

Are ZEGO products only for people with food allergies?

No. In fact, many of our ZEGO fans actually do not have food allergies! They love ZEGO for its convenience, purity, flavor and nutrition.

What is sacha inchi seed? Do people have allergies to it?

Sacha inchi is a seed grown in Peru. It was once planted around ancient cities to provide nourishment. Prized for its protein and omega 3 (ALA) fats, these seed are so high in Omega 3s that they actually taste and smell like fish! In fact, they have 17 times more omega 3s than sockeye salmon. This large seed is legendary for its many health benefits. Realizing the market for fish-tasting nutrition bars is indeed small, we do not use the oil in ZEGO’s Seed+Fruit bars. We crush the seeds to press out the oils and then lightly roast the crushed seeds. We use the resulting powder to add protein to our bars. Sacha inchi protein is considered to have the highest quality protein of any other plant-based powders on the market. All the other protein powders are derived from their source using chemicals or enzymes. This can make them hard to digest. But, because sacha inchi protein is just crushed and roasted, and not a derivative, it is easy on your stomach.

People can have food allergies to virtually any food, so it is possible to have an allergy to sacha inchi seeds. They are fairly new to the U.S., so we do not have allergy data on them at this point. If you have a seed allergy, check with your doctor.

Are your products free of corn and corn derivatives?

ALL BAGGED PRODUCTS

Oats/Protein: No peanuts, no tree nuts, no soy, no dairy, no egg, no wheat, no fish/shellfish/mollusks, no lupin, no sesame, no mustard, no corn, no sulfites or gluten.

Mix-Ins/Muesli: Muesli with best by dates in March 2023 and Mix-Ins with best by dates in Dec 2022 were made in a top 12 free facility that occasionally uses baking powder and ZEGO uses the same mixer as that company but not in the same week. Bags with best by dates later than those, will be made in a top 14 free facility that does not allow corn in the facility.

ALL BARS

No peanuts, no tree nuts, no soy, no dairy, no egg, no wheat, no fish/shellfish/mollusks, no sesame, no mustard or gluten. The facility makes products with corn-based ingredients.

The fruit we buy for our Just Fruit and Fruit+Chia bars sometimes have been waxed and washed with water or a fruit wash. The company that makes the fruit wash reported to us that there is no corn in their product. Here is some information on the wax typically used by our coop farmers who do wax their fruit from www.thenakedscientists.com:

“If you walk into an orchard, pick an apple from a tree, rub that apple on your shirt, you’d notice that it shines, and that’s because you’ve just polished off the natural waxes and also yeasts that the apple produces in order to protect its high water content. And without that wax, fruits and vegetables would end up going all dry and nasty.

After they’ve been harvested, apples get washed and brushed to remove leaves and field dirt, and then they get packed in cartons for shopping to your market. This process removes some of the fruits original wax coating that actually protects the fruit.

The apple packers re-apply a commercial grade wax, and one pound of that wax can cover as many as 160,000 pieces of fruit. So in other words, two drops of it on each apple. The waxes have been used on fruits since the 1920s. they’re all made from natural ingredients certified by the US Food and Drug Administration as safe to eat and they come from natural sources such Carnauba that wax, the leaves of the Brazilian palm, Candelia wax, which is derived from a reed-like dessert plant of the genus euphorbia and also food grade shellac.”

Are your ZEGO products Organic / Non GMO?

Our Seed+Fruit bars, Mix-Ins, Muesli, Double Protein Oats and Plant Protein Powder are certified organic, and our Just Fruit bars, Fruit+Chia bars, Berry Chocolate Decadence bars and Sunny Day bars are certified Non GMO.

The original farmers who started the Gorge Delights company that created our delicious Just Fruit bars grow delicious apples and pears along the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. At ZEGO, we are committed to continuing that tradition of sourcing our fruit from co-op farms in that region (and our strawberries are from California). We believe where our fruit is grown is the secret to the amazing fresh fruit flavor of these bars.  We would love to use only organic fruit but only 1% of US farmland is organic. And, much of the organic fruit is sold as whole fruit at market and not available in the quantity we need year round. So, we would have to purchase organic fruit from overseas to supplement what we could get from the US. But, we are concerned about high pesticide residue in organic fruit grown in China and some Central and South American countries.

To assure our products are as clean as possible, we go through the non-GMO verification process and actually test them for pesticide residue, specifically for the glyphosate chemical found in Round Up. Because the farmers in Oregon and Washington do not typically use Round Up due to their climate and topography, our tests show that the pesticide residue levels in our fruit bars are nearly as low as that you would expect to see in organic fruit.

Are ZEGO products vegan?

Yes! No animal products are used in ZEGO products.

Are ZEGO products certified Kosher?

Yes! All ZEGO products are certified Kosher.

Are ZEGO products certified Gluten-Free?

Yes! All ZEGO products are certified and tested Gluten-Free.

Do ZEGO products contain any artificial colors or dyes?

NO! Rest assured no natural or artificial flavorings, colors, or dyes are used in any of our products.

Will ZEGO products fit into my Paleo or Whole30 diet?

Our Seed+Fruit bars, Protein, and Apple Cinnamon Mix-Ins fit into the Paleo diets. The protein powder is also approved for Whole30 diets. Our organic Seed+Fruit Bars and Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Mix-Ins are not technically paleo but we would call them paleo friendly.

Are ZEGO bars low glycemic?

Yes!  They are great snack if you are watching your blood sugars, particularly the Just Fruit Bar Pear and Strawberry along with all the Fruit+Chia Bars, Seed+Fruit Bars and Mix-Ins.

Are ZEGO Products Raw?

ZEGO’s double protein oats are raw.  Our Mix-ins are mostly raw, except for the cranberries, chocolate chips and apples. All of our bars, muesli and protein contain one or more ingredients that have been heated above 104 degrees.

Are ZEGO bars a meal replacement?

No, ZEGO products are designed to be a nutritious and tasty snack or, with Mix-ins, an add on to improve the flavor, crunch and nutrition your meal.

Are ZEGO bars good for athletes?

Yes! Many of our ZEGO fans actually don’t even have food allergies, but because they are so easy to digest, and have great taste and nutrition, they are great snacks to have pre, mid, or even after a tough workout.  Check out our blogpost Why I Run with ZEGO to see why we’re loved by runners.

What allergens are your products free of?

ALL BAGGED PRODUCTS

Oats/Protein: No peanuts, no tree nuts, no soy, no dairy, no egg, no wheat, no fish/shellfish/mollusks, no lupin, no sesame, no mustard, no corn, no sulfites or gluten.

Mix-Ins/Muesli: Muesli with best by dates in March 2023 and Mix-Ins with best by dates in Dec 2022 were made in a top 12 free facility that occasionally uses baking powder and ZEGO uses the same mixer as that company but not in the same week. Bags with best by dates later than those, will be made in a top 14 free facility that does not allow corn in the facility.

ALL BARS

No peanuts, no tree nuts, no soy, no dairy, no egg, no wheat, no fish/shellfish/mollusks, no sesame, no mustard or gluten. The facility makes products with corn-based ingredients.

I saw that ZEGO tests for Glyphosates – what does that mean?

Glyphosate is the main ingredient found in Round-Up.  And you might be wondering why we would test for this if we are already certified Organic / Non GMO.  Well, because Round-Up is so widely used around the world, it’s found everywhere – even in our drinking water! This means that even organic farms can have Glyphosate residue from the rainwater, or from runoffs from a nearby farm. Glyphosate is proven to be detrimental to our health, and we want to raise awareness on this issue.  Buying organic just isn’t enough, and we need your help! If we start demanding that companies test for this residue, we will see a real change in the food industry.

The side effects of Glyphosate are very similar to Celiac Disease.  So, it’s possible that if we reduce the use of glyphosates and clean up our food system, we will see fewer and fewer people with these food allergy symptoms.

The Glyphosate problem is why we source our fruit entirely from the Pacific Northwest.  Because they face colder winters, everything freezes, which helps kill off the weeds.  As a result, most farms (even non organic farms) don’t need to use Round-Up, which means there is less residue in the rainwater in the Pacific Northwest, and organic farms don’t have to worry about the runoff from non organic farms.

Is there sunflower in all your recipes?

Yes, they are an ingredient in our Seed+Fruit Bars and Mix-Ins products. With our Just Fruit Bars and Fruit+Chia Bars, we use organic sunflower oil on the conveyor belt that carries the bars so they won’t stick.

Ingredient Questions:

What is a processing aid, and why do you use one?

A processing aid is a food used to aid production. It is not an ingredient in the recipe and it is not required by law to be disclosed, (only trace amounts, if any, end up in the finished product), which is why you won’t normally see aids listed on an ingredient list.  However, because we believe in complete transparency and want people with allergies to be safe, we include this on our packaging.

We use Organic Sunflower Oil as our processing aid when making our bars – it helps them run smoothly down the line, preventing them from sticking to the machine.

What exactly is fruit concentrate?

Fruit concentrate is made by extracting the water from the fruit juice – what is left after the water has been removed is fruit concentrate.  The fruit concentrate we use has no added ingredients or preservatives, it is 100% fruit.

From where does ZEGO source its ingredients?

We carefully source our fruit from farms in Washington, Oregon, and California.  Additionally, we use the farms “ugly” fruit to help cut down on waste.  What is ugly fruit? It is fruit that is perfectly good to eat, but is misshapen and won’t sell in grocery stores.

Most of our seeds and all of our oats are sourced from U.S. farms as well. Only our organic chia, organic poppy, and organic pumpkin seeds are imported.

Which ZEGO products have added sugar?
  • Organic Cane Sugar:
    • Chocolate Mix-Ins:1g/serving in the chocolate chips
    • Cranberry Mix-Ins:1g/serving in the cranberries
    • Apple Cranberry Muesli: 1g/serving in cranberries
    • Seed+Fruit Bar Fudgy Chocolate: 1g/serving in chocolate chips
    • Berry Chocolate Decadence Bar: 1g/serving in chocolate chips
  • Fruit Juice Concentrate: Just Fruit Bars, Fruit+Chia Bars, Berry Chocolate Decadence Bars: approx. 5g/bar. The 2020 FDA nutrition facts update considers juice concentrates to be “added sugars.” These bars contain only fruit juice concentrates, purees, and chia seeds.
  •  Organic Maple Syrup: Seed+Fruit Bars: 6g/bar.
Which ZEGO products have no added sugar or juice concentrate?
  • Double Protein Oats
  • Plant Protein
  • Muesli – Cinnamon Twist
  • Mix-Ins – Apple Cinnamon

Product & Order Related Questions:

What is ZEGO’s Return Policy?

We always recommend you try one of something before you buy multiple quantities. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, we offer reimbursement only on the first unit ordered. We want to ensure your happiness, so please order a single bag and try our oats or protein before you order in bulk. Bulk purchases are not eligible for return or refund. Everyone has different preferences for taste and texture, so it’s best to try before you commit to a large shipment.

If you are unhappy with your first purchase of a product (for example, a single bag or a box of bars), we offer several options for you. (1) We can issue you a credit for our store in the amount of your item cost you. (2) You can return the unused product to us within 21 days to us at 912 Cole Street #294, San Francisco, CA 94117, and we will refund your purchase price in the payment method you used at purchase. (3) You may keep the product, and we will provide you a cash refund of the price of the product less what we paid to ship it to you (unless USPS or UPS let us ship it for free, which they never, ever do). Shipping costs usually range from $8-$14.

Unfortunately, due to the prevalence of fraud in the return industry, we cannot make exceptions to this policy, and we reserve the right to refuse a refund unless it is for defective product. If you have a damaged product, we will replace the item for you or provide you with a store credit. Please contact us at customerservice@zegofoods.com with any questions.

Can I cancel my order?

Our warehouse ships orders very quickly, often within hours of it being placed. It is your responsibility to ensure your order is correct before placing it. If you need to change an order, contact customerservice@zegofoods.com immediately. We will do whatever we can to accommodate your need but cannot guarantee the change can be made. Returns will not be credited to your account unless you have received prior approval via email from us. Orders marked “Return to Sender” will not be credited to your account and will incur a $20 fee.

I don’t live in the US, can I still order ZEGO bars?

Our warehouse currently doesn’t support international shipping at this time but we hope to have some options for you in the future!

What if I didn’t receive my package but the carrier says it was delivered?

Unfortunately, packages get lost in the mail and sometimes they are stolen. Theft has become a significant problem under Covid. It happens to us too. We want to help with this as much as we can.

To that end, we now provide an insurance option on our website called Route. We recommend you use Route on your purchase. There is more information in the FAQs on Route. If you package does not arrive, Route will quickly reimburse you or issue a replacement. The cost per order is typically 98 cents.

If you have not received your package in 10 days, and you did not choose Route insurance, please contact us at customerservice@zegofoods.com. Because of the prevalence of fraud in the online purchasing industry, we reserve the right to ask you to pursue your claim with the carrier if the carrier’s tracking records show they delivered the package.

I’m confused by the subscription.  What is it and why is it a better deal?

Subscriptions are a great way to save. We offer 10% off the regular price when you sign up for a subscription. No coupon is necessary – the 10% discount will automatically be applied.  We also give subscriptions priority in shipping if our stock runs low. You may choose delivery every one, two or three months and change or cancel at any time.

To cancel or place it on hold, just email us, and we’ll help you make any changes to your subscription – no questions asked.

Please note, effective April 2020, our subscriptions no longer come supersized.  We have decided to offer the 10% discount instead of the supersized boxes.

Can I customize my box to include my own assortment of bars?

Not yet, but we hope to offer a variety pack again in the future.

Shipping Information:

 What is Route?

We’ve partnered with Route—a package protection and tracking solution—to give our customers the best possible delivery experience. Route offers a few options to improve the experience:

Route+

Route+ is premium package protection for your online orders. When you add Route+ at checkout, you can easily file claims for lost, stolen or damaged packages in the unfortunate case that they arise.

Purchased Route+ and need to file a claim? File here

The Route App (Free)

The Route App allows you to visually track all of your online orders in one place. No need to dig through your email for tracking numbers, dynamic maps and real-time shipping updates keep you in the loop throughout every part of your delivery.

Haven’t downloaded the app yet? Download here

Where is my order?

Download Route’s mobile app for iOS from the App Store to visually track your package and receive real-time notifications on its estimated delivery.

What if my order never arrives or is stolen?

To protect your order against loss or theft, add Route+ package protection at checkout. 

When you add Route+, you can easily file claims for lost, stolen or damaged packages in the unfortunate case that they arise. When you file a claim, it will be reviewed for approval for a reorder or refund within 24 hours. 

What if my order is damaged?

To protect your order against damage that occurred during shipping, add Route+ package protection at checkout. When you add Route+ at checkout, you can easily file claims for lost, stolen or damaged packages in the unfortunate case that they arise. When you file a claim, it will be reviewed for approval for a reorder or refund within 24 hours. 

If your order has defects or you suspect it was damaged during manufacturing, please reach out to us at info@zegofoods.com and we will be happy to work with you to remedy the situation.

What do I get when I insure my order with Route+?

Route+ is premium package protection for your online orders. When you add Route+ at checkout, you can easily file claims for lost, stolen or damaged packages in the unfortunate case that they arise. When you file a claim, it will be reviewed for approval for a reorder or refund within 24 hours. 

What are Route’s terms and conditions? 

Route’s terms and conditions are listed here: https://route.com/terms-and-conditions/.

How do I file a claim for my lost, stolen or damaged order?

If you insured your order with Route+ at checkout, you will receive a confirmation email from Route with a link to file a claim. You can also file a claim here: https://claims.route.com/

Note: Make sure to have the Order ID we sent you or the Route Order ID ready to use with the claim form. 

Does Route+ cover stolen items?

Yes! When you insure your orders with Route+, stolen items are eligible for reorders or refunds.

Is Route a licensed insurance company?

Yes. Route is a licensed insurance company with the biggest name in shipping insurance as its partner, Lloyds of London.

Sample, Wholesale, and Referral Questions:

I’ve never tried ZEGO bars – can I get a free sample?

As a small family-run company, we can’t send out free items but we do offer a 15% discount off your first order!  You’ll find the code on our website if you’re a first time purchaser! (Scroll to the bottom of our website and sign up to our newsletter to receive 15% off)

I want my local store to carry ZEGO! What can I do?

Ask the manager to carry us! Stores love hearing what their customers want.

Where can I buy ZEGO bars in my area?

Check out our Store Locator Page to see which stores near you carry ZEGO!

I would like to sell ZEGO bars at my business, do you have wholesale pricing?

Yes, we do! Please email us at info@zegofoods.com.

Do you offer sales or coupons?

Yes! Make sure you sign up for our mailing list to get all our sale/coupon codes! First time customers receive a 15% coupon when they sign up for our mailing list.

We also run sales and giveaways on social media – so follow along with us. Find us @zegofoods on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Gorge Delights Questions:

What happened to Gorge Delights?

Don’t worry, we kept the same ingredients, recipes, and even machinery that Gorge Delight used to make the old bars.  Read Colleen’s letter, which explains all the changes and our relationship to Gorge Delights.

Giving Back:

Is ZEGO a B Corp? What does that mean?

Yes we are proud to be a B Corp, which certifies that we are actively using our company to bring social and environmental good to our world. Please visit our B Corp profile to find out more about our work to improve food safety and transparency and improve nutrition for children.

I try to buy from responsible companies, what does ZEGO do to give back and/or help the environment?

We are so glad you asked!  We love giving back too.  We give back the equivalent of at least 2% of gross revenue to the community as part of our B Corp commitment. In addition to our monetary donations to regenerative farming and improving nutrition for underserved children, we donate our product to the Food Equality Initiative food bank, which serves people with severe food allergies. We also donate to help the hurricane survivors and the Northern CA fire victims. Check out our blogpost on Why We are a B Corp for more info.

How to Connect with us:

How can I connect with ZEGO on social media?

Find us @zegofoods on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and say hi! We LOVE seeing your ZEGO photos, so make sure you tag us 🙂

Where is ZEGO located?

We are based in San Francisco.

I have a more specific question. Who can I reach out to?

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for in our FAQs? No problem, you can reach us at customerservice@zegofoods.com.