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.
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.
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.
🇺🇸☀️ It’s going to be a HOT Fourth of July weekend…
Skip the sugar bomb and cool down with a popsicle that actually fuels you. 🍓💥
Made with real strawberries, our Organic Double Protein Oats, and Pure Plant Protein Protein Powder, these refreshing pops deliver plant-based protein, complex carbs, and real ingredients you can feel good about.
❤️ Allergy-friendly
🌾 Certified gluten-free
✨ Purity Verified® ingredients
Ingredients
🥣 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmeal
🌱 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powder
💧 1 cup water
🍓 1 cup diced strawberries, plus extra sliced strawberries
🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
🍯 4–5 tbsp honey or agave (or to taste)
🌼 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1️⃣ Blend the water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.
2️⃣ Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3️⃣ Place sliced strawberries into your popsicle molds.
4️⃣ Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight (or at least 4–6 hours).
5️⃣ Enjoy!
Perfect after the pool. 🏖️
Perfect after a workout. 💪
Perfect while watching the fireworks. 🎆
Save this recipe for the holiday weekend! 🇺🇸🍓
#FourthOfJuly #HealthySummer #Popsicles #PlantBased #GlutenFree
Jul 3
Day 2 at Fancy Food. Come by booth #1150, grab some overnight oats and samples, and say hello!
#fancyfood #fancyfoodshow #getfancy
@specialtyfoodassociation
Jun 29
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
Jun 25
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
Jun 22
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
Jun 17
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
Jun 15
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
Jun 11
🌾 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.
Jun 8
Throwing it back to this adorable overnight oats moment with @bewell.warrior and her little helper. 💙🥣
Jun 3
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! 🛒
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.
🥣 Strawberry Overnight Oats 🍓
✨Soak your ZEGO oats overnight in your milk of choice, following the instructions on the bag, adding in sweetener of choice
✨Add nuts or seeds to the dressing lid inside
✨Open your Prepara Salad Pod and add in berries from your Berry Basket!
✨Once 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? 💬
#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
