Did you receive a batch of our oats this summer thatâs a bit darker than usual? Watch the video below to learn why.
Typically, we source most of our organic oats from the beautiful fields of Montana. But in 2024, we ventured out to South Dakota to see if we could find some good growing regions for our gluten-free grains.
We wanted to do this because when we diversify where we grow, we spread out our crops. This allows us to safeguard against things like droughts or grasshopper infestations, ensuring you always get the oats you trust despite nature’s challenges.
So, whatâs special about this batch of oats from South Dakota? What makes them different? Well, theyâre a little bit higher in polyphenols and a little bit higher in protein. This can give them a slightly richer colorâand sometimes a touch more bitterness. But don’t worry, theyâre just as safe, healthy, and gluten-free as always!
At ZEGO, we’re always here to ensure you get the highest quality oats, no matter where they’re grown. So cook up your oats, savor their flavor, and enjoy the natural differences that make them special.
Cooking Tip: When preparing these oats, just follow the usual instructions, but be aware they might need a little extra time to cook. This is because they have a bit less water content than usual. But that’s all part of the beauty of nature’s variety!
FAQ
Are these oats safe to eat?
Of course they are! They just may require slightly different cooking times.
Are these oats gluten-free and food allergy-friendly still?
Yes! These oats are still grown in a purity protocol manner and processed in our dedicated gluten-free facility that’s also free from the top allergens.
Want to learn more about our oats? Visit this link to learn more about what makes our Purity Protocol Gluten-Free Double Protein Oats special!
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.
Cool down with a pop that actually fuels you đĽâ
Store-bought pops? Usually full of added sugars and… not much else.â
These pops? Made with real food and packed with plant-based protein to actually do something for your body.â
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Hereâs why we love them:â
đŞ Double Protein Oats give you complex carbs + 2x the proteinâ
đż Pure Plant Protein Powder adds a nutty richness (with zero nuts)â
đŻ Sweetened with agave, so you control the sugarâ
đ Real strawberries + lemon juice for a bright, summery vibe + vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidantsâ
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Allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and made with our purity verified ingredientsâ
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To Make:â
Ingredients:â
𼣠1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmealâ
đą 4 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein Powderâ
đ§ 1 cup waterâ
đ 1 cup diced strawberries + extra slicesâ
đ 2 tbsp lemon juiceâ
đŻ 4â5 tbsp agave (or sweeten to taste)â
đź 1 tsp vanilla extractâ
đ§ Pinch of sea saltâ
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Method:â
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1. Blend water, oats, lemon juice, and sea salt for about 90 seconds.â
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2. Add the rest of your ingredients and blend again until smooth.â
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3. Drop sliced strawberries into popsicle molds.â
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4. Pour in the mixture and freeze overnight or for at least 4â6 hours.â
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5. Enjoy!â
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đ§ Perfect post-workoutâ
đ§ Perfect after the poolâ
đĽ Honestly, just a perfect summer treat
Jun 25
BIG NEWS, Los Angeles! đâ
Weâre SO excited to announce that weâre officially on Erewhonâs shelves!â
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You can now find ZEGO at your Beverly Hills (and more!) Erewhon Market â stocked with our:â
âď¸ Organic Double Protein Oatmealâ
âď¸ Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blendsâ
âď¸ Organic Muesliâ
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All #glutenfree, top allergen-free, and made with transparency you can trust.â
Start your day with food that fuels and supports your well-being.â
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đAvailable now at @Erewhon locations across LA!
Jun 23
đ Cinnamon & Spice Peach Baked Oatmeal â¨â
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This summer classic is too good not to share again. Juicy peaches, warm spices, and our Cinnamon & Spice Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blend come together in this cozy, fruit-filled baked oatmeal thatâs perfect for breakfast or even dessert. đâ
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Meal-prep friendly â
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Freezer-friendly â
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Full of flavor and nourishing ingredients â
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Top with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt (or ice cream!) and a few fresh peach slices for the ultimate seasonal treat.â
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Why we love it:â
Ceylon cinnamon and allspice not only enhance flavor but also provide gut-soothing antioxidantsâmaking this a superfood you can feel great about eating!â
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đ Gluten-Freeâ
đ Top Allergen-Freeâ
đ No Added Sugar in the blend, you control the sweetnessâ
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Craving a slice?â
Get the full recipe on our blog â [link in bio]â
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Jun 20
⨠Spotlight on Superfoods: ZEGOâs Cinnamon & Spice Organic Oatmeal Blend â¨â
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Ceylon cinnamon and allspice donât just bring cozy flavor to this blendâthey deliver real benefits. đż These antioxidant-rich spices may help soothe your gut and support steady blood sugar levels.â
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Why does that matter? A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants work by scavenging free radicalsâunstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells.â
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The protective effects of antioxidants are still being studied globally, but one thingâs clear: real food ingredients like those in our blend are a smart and simple way to nourish your body every day.â
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đ Gluten-Freeâ
đ Top Allergen-Freeâ
đ No Added Sugarâ
đ Just Clean, Nutrient-Rich Fuel
Jun 16
Parfait perfection! đâ¨â
We whipped up this dreamy parfait using our Cinnamon Twist Muesli, creamy coconut yogurt, coco whip, and fresh strawberries â simple, delicious, and packed with goodness.â
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Did you catch the latest update from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)? Strawberries just landed at #2 on their Dirty Dozen list again, reminding us how important it is to choose organic whenever possible â especially with berries and other thin-skinned fruits.â
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Thatâs why weâre proud that our muesli is USDA Organic and purity tested by 3rd party labs â made to pair perfectly with your clean eating choices. đ
Jun 13
Whereâs ZEGO? Weâre excited to share that ZEGO is now available at Sprouts Farmers Market in Atlanta, GA! đâ
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You can now find our Purity Verified oats and allergy-friendly muesli on shelvesâperfect for quick breakfasts, safe snacks, and fueling your day with clean, nourishing ingredients.â
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If youâre in the Atlanta area, swing by Sprouts and check us out!
Jun 11
Need a sunny snack thatâs packed with plant-based protein and tropical flavor?âď¸đĽĽâ
These Coconut Bliss Protein Balls are bursting with mango, lemon, and ginger for the perfect summer bite. Theyâre gluten-free, nut-free, and powered by our clean, Purity Tested ZEGO Pure Plant Protein.â
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𧥠Coconut Bliss Protein Ballsâ
⨠1/4 C. ZEGO Pure Plant Proteinâ
⨠1/2 C. Sunflower Seed Butterâ
⨠1/4 C. Maple Syrupâ
⨠2 tsp. Ground or 1 tsp. fresh Gingerâ
⨠Zest of 1 Lemonâ
⨠1 Tbsp. Lemon Juiceâ
⨠1/2 C. Crushed Freeze-Dried Mango and/or Pineappleâ
⨠3/4 C. Shredded Coconutâ
⨠Splash of Vanilla Extractâ
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Mix wet ingredients and protein powder until smooth. Stir in mango and coconut. Chill for 20â30 minutes, roll into balls, and store in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long đ).â
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Perfect for poolside snacks, post-workout bites, or a quick breakfast on the go!â
Jun 9
When you find a product that actually works for your bodyâitâs a game changer.â
This review says it best:â
đŹ âI feel confident about what is and isnât in this protein powder thanks to their strict testing and standards.ââ
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Our protein powder isnât just cleanâitâs versatile too. From smoothies to baking to oatmeal, it blends like a dream (and plays nice with your gut).â
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No nuts or top allergensâ
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No unnecessary additivesâ
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No guessworkâjust third-party test results you can trustâ
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You shouldnât have to choose between clean ingredients and functionality. With ZEGO, you get both.â
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Whatâs your favorite way to use it?
Jun 4
What Are Mycotoxinsâand Why Does ZEGO Test for Them?â
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Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold that can grow on food crops like oats, dried fruits, and spicesâespecially in warm, damp, or humid conditions. These molds can develop before or after harvest, and unfortunately, most mycotoxins are chemically stable, meaning they can survive food processing.â
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At ZEGO, we take this risk seriously.â
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đž We periodically test our oats for aflatoxin, one of the most well-known and concerning mycotoxins. While we donât test for every type of mycotoxin, aflatoxin serves as a proxyâif conditions arenât conducive to its growth, theyâre unlikely to support other types of mycotoxins either. This approach helps us ensure safety while keeping products affordable.â
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đž Our oats are hulless, which are naturally lower in mycotoxins compared to hulled varieties.â
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đž We also roll our oats, a process that helps reduce potential contamination even further.â
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đž And we store our oats in cold, carefully controlled environments to prevent mold growth after harvest.â
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We design every part of our supply chain with your health in mind. Because safe, clean food should be the standardânot the exception.â
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Have questions? Send us a DM or let us know in the comments below!
Jun 2
âItâs time we realize that food is a form of healthcare.â â Dr. Mark Hymanâ
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This quote really resonates with us.â
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Food has the power to heal, to nourish, and to support our bodies in ways weâre still learning to fully appreciate. Whether youâre navigating celiac disease, food allergies, or simply trying to eat more mindfully, choosing safe, nourishing ingredients matters.â
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This Celiac Awareness Monthâand every monthâweâre reminded that access to clean, trustworthy food isnât just a preference. Itâs a necessity.
May 29
đż Why ZEGO Protein is a Smart, Safe Choice for Celiacs & Those with Food Allergies đżâ
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Looking for a clean, allergy-friendly protein powder that actually supports your health? Our Organic Pure Plant Protein might be just what youâve been searching for.â
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⨠Celiac Safe & Allergy-Friendly: Made from a single ingredientâorganic sacha inchi seedsâthis product is naturally gluten-free and free from the top allergens. And it is produced in a facility that is free from gluten and the top 14 allergens, so you donât have to worry about cross-contact. â
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đŞ Complete Protein with Superior Amino Acids: With 6g of protein per just 1 Tbsp serving, it has the best balance of all 9 essential amino acids compared to pea, rice, soy, or hemp protein powders.â
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đĽ Naturally Made, Not Chemically Processed: Our seeds are sun-dried and cold-pressedâno industrial enzymes, chemicals, or intense processing. Just simple methods to preserve the nutrition nature intended.â
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đ° Nutty Flavor, Nut-Free: It has a roasted, nutty taste (but is 100% nut-free!) and a slightly coarse grind to retain its natural fiberâperfect for blending into smoothies, stirring into oats, or baking into your favorite treats.â
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𧏠Minimal Processing = Maximum Nutrition: Our gentle process protects the plantâs natural nutrients so youâre getting clean fuel your body can actually use.â
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Free from top allergens, full of real nutritionâno fillers, no junk, just peace of mind in every scoop.
May 28
đž Whereâs ZEGO? Weâre thrilled to share that you can now find our Purity Verified Organic Double Protein Oatmeal at California Fresh Market in Pismo Beach! đâ
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This local favorite is known for its wide selection of gluten-free productsâand now, that includes ZEGO! đâ
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Whether youâre visiting the coast or lucky enough to live nearby, stop in to stock up on your favorite high-protein, allergy-friendly oats.â
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Organicâ
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Gluten-Free (Purity Protocol)â
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Glyphosate-Freeâ
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Grown with care in the U.S.â
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Have you spotted ZEGO near you? Tag us and use #WheresZEGO so we can share!â
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May 23
đĽŁâď¸ Happy International Tea Day!â
Weâre steeping into something new â tea-infused oats! â¨â
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We saw this idea floating around the internet and had to try it!â We made our Cinnamon & Spice Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend by cooking it with oat milk steeped in blackberry spice tea instead of plain water. The result? A cozy, aromatic bowl with layers of flavor. đđżâ
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Hereâs how to do it:â
1ď¸âŁ For 2 servings, steep 2 tea bags in your milk or waterâ
2ď¸âŁ Use the infused liquid to cook your ZEGO oats (or pour it over for overnight oats!)â
3ď¸âŁ Add your favorite toppings and enjoyâ
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Want to experiment? Try it with:â
đľ Chaiâ
đą Peppermintâ
đ Earl Greyâ
đľ Matchaâ
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Check our Stories for more tea-inspired oatmeal recipes â and let us know if you have tried tea-infused oatmeal before in the comments below! đŹđâ
May 21
đž What is Purity Protocol?â
And why does it matter if youâre gluten-free?â
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Oats are naturally gluten-free, of course, but they can easily get contaminated with wheat at every step â from farm to package:â
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đ Farming: Oats are often grown near or after wheat, leading to grain mix-ups in the field.â
đ Processing: Many facilities use the same equipment for wheat and oats.â
đŚ Packaging: Oats may be packed alongside gluten-containing grains.â
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Unlike conventional oats, which rely on machines to try to sort out gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley, ZEGO oats are grown using a more rigorous and preventative approach called Purity Protocol, a patented farming method used to prevent gluten cross-contact in the field.â â
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Hereâs how it works âŹď¸â
đą Our partner farmers save seeds from the previous yearâs crop, reducing unintended cross-contactâ
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Our oats are grown from a special variety that is significantly shorter than wheat and barley.â
đ As the plants grow (but before they form grains), farm workers hand-pull any taller sprouts â removing the risk of gluten grains from entering the harvest.â
𧪠Then we test each batch down to 5 parts per million (ppm)â
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Our dedicated facility is free from gluten and the top allergens. No peanuts, no wheat, no dairy, no tree nuts, no soy, no milk, no eggs, no sesame, no sulfites, no celery, no corn, and no mustard. Our packaging has no corn derivatives. â
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đ The result?â
Some of the cleanest, safest oats you can buy â grown with care to nourish and protect your family.â
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đ Curious about our testing? Just scan the QR code on any ZEGO package or visit our website to see your oatsâ results. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below or send us a DM! â
May 19
đž Today is Celiac Awareness Day, part of Celiac Awareness Month, and weâre honoring the millions impacted by this serious autoimmune disease â including our founder, Colleen Kavanagh.
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition that damages the small intestineâs villi and interferes with nutrient absorption. Itâs estimated to affect 1 in 133 Americans, yet many go undiagnosed for years.
In this short video, Colleen shares her personal journey â from painful, debilitating symptoms to a diagnosis that changed her life and led to the creation of ZEGO, a brand built on clean, transparent food you can trust.
đ Hereâs a few ways you can get involved and help spread awareness:
đŠâđŤ Share Resources â Share presentations, posters, or videos at your school or workplace. @childrensnational @foodallergy @beyondceliac @celiacdiseasefoundation are a few amazing resources with downloadable brochures, posters, and more!
đ Host an Event â Plan a gluten-free snack day or awareness activity in your classroom or community.
đŹ Support Research â Donate to organizations like @celiacfoundation that are working toward better treatments and a cure.
⨠And most importantly, share your story. Whether youâre living with celiac disease or supporting someone who is, your voice can help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Comment below or tag us in your post!
đ BONUS: Donate and Win!
As a thank-you for supporting celiac research, weâre giving away a ZEGO gift bundle to one lucky person who donates. Just leave a comment with the name of the organization you donated to on our giveaway post for a chance to win!
May 16
đ Philadelphia, here we come!! đâ
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Weâre SO excited to be headed to the Wicked Gluten Free Expo this weekendâitâs the BIGGEST gluten-free event in the country!â
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Come by our booth #142 to meet the ZEGO team, sample our Purity Verified oats, muesli, and superfood blends â and learn how we go above and beyond to ensure safety for people with food allergies and celiac disease.â
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Tag a friend and make a day of it â we canât wait to see you there!â
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⨠Booth #142â
đ Greater Philly Expo Center inâ Oaks, PAâ
đď¸ Saturday, May 17 | 10amâ5pmâ
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⨠Whether youâre gluten-free, have food allergies, or just love delicious, nourishing food, weâd love to meet you! Will you be attending the expo this year? â
May 15
â¨Gluten-Free Blackberry Crumble Protein Bars đ
These allergy-friendly bars are bursting with tart berry flavor and a touch of sweetness â made from 100% plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free ingredients and no refined sugars.
Crumbly with a little crunch from the seeds in our Superfood Oatmeal Blend, these bars make the perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
đŞ Protein comes from our specially selected oat variety and Organic Pure Plant Protein (made from sacha inchi seeds â no stevia, gums, or additives).
đŤ Blackberries add fiber and a boost of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as potassium and manganese â and theyâre low in calories, carbs, and fat.
đą Fiber in oats and blackberries also aids digestion and may help support healthy blood sugar levels.
RECIPE
đ˝ď¸ Makes one 8×8 pan
Ingredients:
⢠1 1/2 C ZEGO Double Protein Oatmeal
⢠1 1/2 C ZEGO Cinnamon & Spice Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend
⢠6 Tbsp. ZEGO Organic Pure Plant Protein
⢠2 C Fresh Blackberries
⢠1/3 C + 3 Tbsp. Organic Maple Syrup
⢠2 Tbsp. Rice Flour
⢠2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
⢠1/3 C Coconut Oil, melted
⢠1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
⢠2-3 Tbsp. Coconut Sugar, for topping
⢠1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1ď¸âŁ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
2ď¸âŁ Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper
3ď¸âŁ Add 1 1/2 C ZEGO Double Protein Oats to a blender or food processor and blend on high for about 90 seconds until it becomes a fine flour
4ď¸âŁ In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, protein powder, 1/3 C maple syrup, Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Blend, salt, coconut oil, and vanilla â mix until just combined (no dry spots!)
5ď¸âŁ Press about 3/4 of the mixture in the pan in an even layer to form the crust
6ď¸âŁ In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, 3 Tbsp. maple syrup, lemon juice, and rice flour â cook over medium heat for 3â4 minutes, until bubbly and thickened. Mash lightly with a spatula.
7ď¸âŁ Pour the blackberry filling evenly over the crust
8ď¸âŁ Crumble the remaining crust mixture on top and sprinkle with coconut sugar
9ď¸âŁ Bake 30â35 minutes until golden brown
đ Let cool completely before cutting into squares (tip: pop them in the freezer for easier slicing!)
⨠Enjoy!
May 14
đ Food Allergy Awareness Week Giveaway! đâ
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This past Sunday kicked off Food Allergy Awareness Week, and ZEGO is proud to stand with our food allergy community. đâ
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At ZEGO, supporting the food allergy community is at the heart of what we do. Thatâs why all our products are made in a facility free from the top 14 allergens and weâre proud to bring the community clean, worry-free food that is healthy and nutritious.â
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To help spread awareness and support the incredible work being done in this space, weâre hosting a giveaway!â
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Hereâs how to enter:â
1ď¸âŁ Make a donationâany amount helps!âto your favorite food allergyârelated organization or charityâ
2ď¸âŁ Leave a comment below with the name of the organization you donated toâ
3ď¸âŁ Youâll be entered to win a ZEGO Prize Pack full of our gluten-free, allergy-friendly, transparency-first products ($50+ value)! đâ
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BONUS ENTRIES: â
1ď¸âŁ Share this post to your stories for an extra chance to winâ
2ď¸âŁ Share a post from your favorite food allergy-related organization or charity to your stories for an extra entry to win. (Be sure to tag @zegofoods so we see it!)â
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đ Letâs give a shout out to all the amazing nonprofits working to make life safer and better for everyone living with food allergies.â
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Giveaway Terms:â
Open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta, Instagram, or Facebook. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via DM. Giveaway closes 05/19/2025.
May 12
Weâve been counting down the days right along with youâŚâ
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Weâre thrilled to announce that our Organic Pure Plant Protein Powder is finally back in stock at zegofoods.com! đâ
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This simple-but-mighty powder is made from just one ingredientâorganic sacha inchi seeds. We keep it minimally processed to preserve its nutrients, fiber, and naturally nutty flavor (with NO nuts!).â
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Itâs clean, powerful, and crafted with integrityâjust like you expect from ZEGO.â
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đŞ Just ONE ingredient: 100% organic sacha inchi seedsâ
đą 6g of complete protein per tablespoonâ
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Free from gluten + top 14 allergensâ
đž Glyphosate-tested + Purity Verifiedâ
đ Supports small organic farmsâ
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This is plant protein at its cleanestâand you can only get it at zegofoods.com! đ
May 9
đ Whereâs ZEGO? This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, weâre thrilled to feature @maysglutenfreemarket in Rhode Island! đâ
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Founded by Celeste Bremer in 2022, Mayâs was created to be a safe haven for those living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Today, Celeste, Guetty Antiste (aka the Empanada Assassin!), and Jay Romano continue that missionâoffering a carefully curated, 100% gluten-free and allergen-friendly space where folks can shop with confidence.â
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đ Weâre so proud to have ZEGO on their shelves and to be part of their effort to make gluten-free eating simple, safe, and deliciousâwith food that tastes even better than its gluten counterparts.â
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If youâre local, be sure to stop in and support this incredible small business thatâs doing big things for our community!â
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đď¸ Know another shop that should carry ZEGO? Tag them belowâweâd love to connect!
May 8
