What is Millet and Why Aren’t We Eating More of It?

When it comes to nutritious, versatile grains, millet is a hidden gem—especially for the gluten-free and allergy-friendly community. This ancient grain is not only good for you but also supports sustainable farming practices. Thanks to partnerships like the Collaborative Integrated Value Chain (CIVC), millet is poised to take its rightful place on your table.

Be sure to watch the short video below featuring Colleen Kavanagh, where she shares why millet is such an important crop and how ZEGO’s partnership with CIVC is helping bring it to your table.

A farmer holds millet in his hands during the dehulling process.

Millet is a small-seeded grain classified as an “ancient grain.”

Known for its resilience, proso millet requires less water than traditional staples like rice and corn. It thrives in various U.S. climates, including those prone to drought, making it a climate-friendly crop.

Why Millet Matters to the Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Community

Millet is naturally gluten-free and free from the top allergens, making it a safe and inclusive option for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or food allergies. Its mild flavor and versatility allow it to be used in everything from flour for baking to a hearty base for porridge, salads, or bowls.

Nutritionally, this grain is a powerhouse. It’s high in protein, rich in fiber, and contains essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, making it a valuable addition to any diet. For those looking for clean, nutritious, and allergen-friendly options, millet ticks all the boxes.

Photo of Millet by LeeJianbing

Why Aren’t We Eating More of this Ancient Grain?

Historically, millet was a staple crop in many parts of the world. However, over time, farming subsidies in the U.S. shifted agricultural production—and our diets—toward wheat and soy. This shift pushed grains like millet out of the mainstream, leaving it underutilized despite its many benefits. Unfortunately, this also means small-scale farmers who grow millet often struggle to find buyers; and larger mills typically prioritize high-volume crops.

How ZEGO and CIVC Are Bringing Millet Back

At ZEGO, we’re committed to partnering with farmers to reintroduce millet into the market. Our work with CIVC is a key part of this effort. Through this partnership, we’re supporting farmers in growing organic, gluten-free millet as part of their rotational crop practices. This approach improves soil health, reduces heavy metal uptake in plants, and promotes sustainable farming.

This collaboration also allows us to develop the infrastructure needed to process and dehull millet. This ensures we can deliver purity-verified, U.S.-grown millet flour that meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Millet’s versatility makes it ideal for baking bread, making pancakes, or serving as a nutritious main or side dish. Are you ready to get cooking with this healthy, gluten-free grain? Visit our friends at Snacktivist Foods for some creative and delicious millet recipes!

Stay tuned for updates as we bring purity-verified, U.S.-grown millet products to your pantry soon!

Colleen Kavanagh


Colleen has dedicated over 20 years of her career to improving the federal nutrition programs on the local, state, and federal level in her work for Congress, the School Nutrition Association, California Food Policy Advocates, and her own nonprofit project called A Better Course. Frustrated with the inability of federal action to bring truly healthy food to those in need. she started her food company ZEGO in 2013 to focus on food purity and nutrition density. Through ZEGO, she encourages consumers to advocate for themselves and ask the brands they love to measure and report the purity of their food.

🧇 Waffles made with muesli? Absolutely.

ZEGO Organic Muesli isn’t just for the cereal bowl—it 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 it’s made in our top-14 allergen-free facility, it’s an easy way to bring more variety to an allergy-friendly breakfast routine.

A delicious new way to use muesli beyond the cereal bowl. 🍓

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

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🥄 Overnight oats, made even easier.

ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal Blends combine our organic Purity Protocol gluten-free oats with seeds, fruit, spices, and other flavorful ingredients—so 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 ⅔ cup ZEGO Superfood Oatmeal with 1½ cups milk of choice and ⅛ 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? 🥣✨ 

#zegofoods #overnightoats #glutenfreeoats #healthybreakfast

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🍫 A homemade twist on the old-fashioned chocolate peanut butter cup—made 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:

• ⅔ cup pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or your favorite nuts
• ⅔ cup seed or nut butter
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
• 2 tsp flaky salt
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, optional
• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Cacao nibs or flaky salt for topping, optional

Directions:

◆ Mix the seed or nut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
◆ Add ZEGO Pure Protein, seeds or nuts, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix well.
◆ Chill for 30 minutes.
◆ Roll into 16 bites and dip in melted chocolate.
◆ 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. 🌻

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Good taste runs in the family. Archer’s dad Darin makes Gheelish, one of our favorite gluten-free snack brands—and Archer starts his day with ZEGO. 💛🥣

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Goodness you can hold in your hands. 💛

Every bag of ZEGO Muesli is thoughtfully crafted with YOU in mind—from 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 Verified®, you can feel confident about what you’re bringing to the table.

Discover our Muesli flavors and learn more about our food-safety standards at the 📣 link in bio.

#ZEGOFoods #Muesli #AllergyFriendly #GlutenFree #PurityVerified

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🍓🥣 The perfect summer snack: cool, crunchy, and easy to customize.

ZEGO’s 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 toppings—or set up a parfait bar and let everyone build their own.

Tip: Toast the muesli first for extra crunch!

A few combinations we love:

🫐 Blackberry yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh berries
🍑 Vanilla yogurt + fresh peaches + Cinnamon Twist Muesli
🍎 Cinnamon-spiced yogurt + Apple Cranberry Muesli + diced apples + honey
🥥 Coconut yogurt + Cinnamon Twist Muesli + fresh mango + agave

What summer flavor combination would you create? 😋

#SummerSnacks #ParfaitIdeas #OrganicMuesli #NutFree #ZEGOFoods

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💪 Want an easier way to get more protein at breakfast?

Many nutrition experts recommend aiming for 30–50g 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.

🌾 ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats naturally contain 2x the protein of typical rolled oats, plus 20–40% more fiber, making them a satisfying foundation for overnight oats, oatmeal, smoothies, and baking.

Why we love them:
💪 Naturally double the protein
🌱 USDA Organic & regeneratively grown in the western U.S.
🌾 More fiber for lasting energy
✨ Purity Verified® 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:

✔️ Pour boiling water over the oats and let sit for 15 minutes before refrigerating.
✔️ Or soak them with yogurt.
✔️ Or add ⅛ 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.

💬 What’s your favorite overnight oats combination?

#ProteinBreakfast #OvernightOats #OrganicOats #zegofoods #PurityVerified

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Next stop: New York City. 🗽

The countdown is on! If you’ll be at the Summer Fancy Food Show, come visit ZEGO at the GoodNOW CPG Collective Booth (#1150), where we’ll be showcasing our Purity Verified™ organic oats alongside an incredible portfolio of innovative food brands.

📍 Booth #1150
📅 June 28–30
📍 Javits Center

Whether you’re looking for clean-label ingredients, transparency, or innovative organic oat solutions, we’d love to meet you.

See you in the Big Apple!

#SummerFancyFoodShow #wefancy #goodnowcpg 

📷 Shared from @specialtyfoodassociation

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We’re looking forward to the UNFI East Holiday & Winter Selling Show!

Join us at Booth #766B to learn more about ZEGO’s Purity Verified™ Double Protein Oats (DPO), Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) oats, and our full line of gluten-free organic oat products and ingredients.

If you’re walking the show floor, stop by and meet our Chief Commercial Officer, Cybele Pascal. 

We’d love to connect and talk all things oats, transparency, and regenerative agriculture.

See you in Connecticut!

#UNFISellingShow #OrganicOats #RegenerativeOrganic #PurityVerified

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New York, we’re coming for you. 🗽

Catch ZEGO and our friends at GoodNOW CPG at Booth #1150 during the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 28–30.

See you at the Javits Center.

#WeFancy #FancyFoodShow #SummerFancyFoodShow #ZEGOFoods GoodNOWCPG

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Fibermaxxing is taking the wellness world by storm in 2026! 🌾 Focusing on increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods is not only a trend but a lifestyle shift that’s 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, they’re 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. 💚

#fibermax #fibermaxxing #zego #glutenfreeoats

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Thanks to @liv.ingwithallergies for this simple breakfast recipe featuring ZEGO Purity Verified™ oats.

🥣 Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/3 cup ZEGO oats
• 1/3–1/2 cup dairy-free milk
• 2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries
• Granola and additional fruit for topping

🫐 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

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🌾 What Is Muesli?🌾

Wondering what muesli is? Pronounced “myoo-slee,” it’s 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.

ZEGO’s 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. 🥛🌿Pro-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.

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Throwing it back to this adorable overnight oats moment with @bewell.warrior and her little helper. 💙🥣

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Find ZEGO Double Protein Oats in the Chicago area at Jewel Osco! 🙌 🥳 

Tag us here on Instagram if you find us on your local store shelf! 🛒

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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.

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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!

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