Did you receive a batch of our oats this summer thatās 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, whatās special about this batch of oats from South Dakota? What makes them different? Well, theyāre a little bit higher in polyphenols and a little bit higher in protein. This can give them a slightly richer colorāand sometimes a touch more bitterness. But don’t worry, theyāre 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.
š± Why Purity Verified Matters š±ā
We love to hear when our customers are enjoying our oatmeal! Thank you, Robert E. for sharing what you love about ZEGO! He said,ā
āGreat taste and the highest quality. They are the only brand I know that actually tests for every contaminant and publishes the results.āā
At ZEGO, āPurity Verifiedā isnāt just a labelāitās a promise. Our breakfast foods and protein powder are tested by a third-party lab for glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins. Then, we publish the results so you know exactly what youāre eating.ā
Because food should give you peace of mindānot questions. šā
š Scan the QR code on the front of any ZEGO package to see the test results for yourself.
Sep 25
š GIVEAWAY ALERT! š
Weāre celebrating clean, safe, and delicious food with a special giveaway! One lucky winner will receive:
š„£ A ZEGO Variety Prize Pack
āØ A ZEGO-branded Stanley Cupāperfect for keeping your favorite beverages hot or cold on the go!
Entering is easy:
– Follow @zegofoods
– Like this post š
– Tag a friend who loves safe, nutritious food (each tag = 1 entry!)
– Bonus: Share this post to your story for an extra chance to win! š
š
Giveaway ends October 1, 2025. Winner announced in our stories!
Good luck!
Sep 23
š Weāre so excited to be part of the @wickedglutenfree expo in New England! šā
ā
š Fitchburg, MAā
š Saturday, Sept 20ā
ā° 10:00 AM ā 4:30 PMā
ā
Stop by our table at the countryās biggest gluten-free expo to check out what ZEGO has to offer and grab exclusive coupons to use on your next purchase. š„£āØā
ā
Itās the perfect opportunity to explore trusted gluten-free products and connect with the community. šā
ā
Whoās planning to attend?
Sep 19
š Hello from The Baking Expo (IBIE)!ā
Weāre thrilled to be here at the worldās largest baking industry event, connecting with so many innovators, bakers, and food professionals who share our passion for raising the bar in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability.ā
ā
Consider this a little slice of life from #IBIE – where inspiration is rising all around us! šāØā
ā
At ZEGO, we believe every ingredient matters. Thatās why weāre here showcasing our Purity Verified oats, muesli, and regenerative oats – all tested for over 500 toxins and allergens – because everyone deserves food they can trust.ā
š
Sep 17
š¾ Farm Visit Spotlight š¾
Last month, Colleen and Cybele had the joy of visiting the Romsa Brothers Farm in Wyoming, as part of our mission with CIVC [Collaborative Integrated Value Chain]! Part of CIVC`s mission is to create a supply chain pull for millet, a highly nutritious grain that is used in organic and regenerative farming as a cover crop for other grains, like gluten-free oats! š± As fellow oat lovers, we all benefit from more people eating millet!
Not only does millet help with weed control and support healthy soil, itās also naturally gluten-free, rich in fiber and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, and thrives with less water than many other grains. A win for both people and the planet. š
Have you ever tried millet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Sep 15
š¾š Celiac Disease Awareness Day | September 13
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine, making it hard to absorb nutrients and leading to long-term health challenges. For the 3 million people in the U.S. living with celiac, strict gluten-free safety is non-negotiable.
Thatās why at ZEGO, we go beyond. Our oats are grown using a purity protocol ā meaning from seed to harvest to packaging, we work directly with our farmers to ensure the highest standards of safety. Then, a third-party lab tests for gluten, glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins so you can trust every bite.
š” Today and every day, we stand with the celiac community ā advocating for transparency, safety, and food you can feel good about.
āØ Share this post to help raise awareness and spread the word: gluten-free isnāt a trend ā itās a necessity.
Sep 13
āØ Big News! āØā
Weāre thrilled to announce that ZEGO is now available at all 27 Gelsonās Markets across Southern California! š“ā
ā
Since 1951, Gelsonās has been known for its exceptional quality, customer care, and commitment to offering only the best. From Pacific Beach to Santa Barbara, every Gelsonās location delivers a premium shopping experience ā even topping Consumer Reports as one of the best grocery stores in the nation!ā
ā
Weāre proud to bring our Purity Verified Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blends and Regenerative Organic Oatmeal to Gelsonās shelves ā products that align perfectly with their tradition of excellence. Each ZEGO product is tested for heavy metals, glyphosate and over 500 toxins so you can feel confident youāre choosing food thatās safe, clean, and nutrient-rich.ā
ā
š Find your nearest @gelsonsmarkets on their official website, and tag us when you spot ZEGO on the shelf!
Sep 12
šāØ Weāre heading to IBIE 2025 ā the International Baking Industry Exposition! āØšā
š Las Vegas Convention Centerā
š
September 14ā17, 2025ā
š Booth #7012ā
Weāre thrilled to be part of the worldās largest @bakingexpo, connecting with leaders, innovators, and brands shaping the future of food. Stop by our booth to learn more about ZEGOās commitment to purity verification, regenerative farming, and creating safe, nutrient-dense foods for everyone. š±ā
See you in Vegas!
Sep 10
šš«Gluten-Free Blueberry Peach Oatmeal Cups ā Meal Prep Made Delicious!ā
These oatmeal cups are perfect for busy mornings, snack time, or anytime you need a nutrient-packed treat. We love using ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Oatmeal Superfood Blend as the base ā itās purity verified and loaded with phytonutrients, prebiotic B-Glucan fiber, adaptogens, and Vitamin D2 to support brain, gut, immune, and heart health.ā
Paired with antioxidant-rich peaches and optional shredded coconut for healthy fats and vitamin E, these oatmeal cups are a powerhouse of nutritionā¦ and taste amazing!ā
Ingredients:ā
1 bag ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmealā
1 tsp baking powderā
1/2 tsp sea saltā
1 cup oat milkā
1/4 cup maple syrupā
2 tbsp ground flaxseedā
1 tsp vanilla extractā
1 ripe bananaā
1 cup diced peachesā
(Optional) 1/3 cup coconut flakesā
To Make:ā
Preheat oven to 350Ā°F and line a muffin tin with liners.ā
Mix oatmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.ā
Mash banana in another bowl, then add oat milk, maple syrup, flaxseed, and vanilla. Let sit 5 mins.ā
Fold in diced peaches and combine with dry ingredients.ā
Spoon into muffin cups and top with coconut (if using).ā
Bake 30ā35 mins until set; cool completely before storing in fridge or freezer.ā
Enjoy with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt!
Sep 8
š± What does āPurity Verifiedā really mean? š±ā
On the front of every ZEGO package, youāll see the words Purity Verified and a QR code. But what does that stand for – and why does it matter?ā
ā
Every ZEGO product is tested by a third-party lab for:ā
ā¢ Heavy metalsā
ā¢ Glyphosate ā
ā¢ 500+ other agricultural toxins & contaminantsā
ā
We then publish those results and make them easily accessible through the QR code on each package. That way, you donāt just have to trust us – you can see the proof for yourself.ā
Why is this important? Because you deserve complete transparency about whatās in your food. And because we believe that when more brands adopt Purity Verification, we can build a healthier food system and planet together. šāØā
š² Next time you grab a ZEGO product, try scanning the QR code – your peace of mind is only a click away.
Sep 5
š± Itās Organic Month! š±
At ZEGO, organic isnāt just a label ā itās part of our commitment to your health and the planet.
š What is Organic?
Unlike other certifications, only organic is federally regulated, ensuring that food is produced without toxic pesticides, GMOs, synthetic additives, or antibiotics ā while advancing animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and a healthier planet.
š How is Organic Food Grown?
Organic farming nurtures the soil, protects pollinators, and supports biodiversity.
š Why Organic Matters
For your health: fewer chemicals, more natural nutrients, and peace of mind.
For the planet: healthier soils, cleaner water, and less environmental impact.
āØ With ZEGO, every product is not only organic but also Purity Verified ā we test for glyphosate, heavy metals, and 500+ toxins so you can trust whatās on your table.
Letās celebrate Organic Month together ā because food should be good for you and the earth. šš
Sep 3
THANK YOU to everyone who visited our booth at @newtopianow! Newtopia Now is a trade show where retailers – like your favorite grocery store š- come to search for new products! We met with some great retailers, and we hope that it leads to getting our products on a store shelf near you soon! We also met with #glutenfree influencers and dietitians and health coaches. We love that they ā¤ļø our double protein oats and our new regenerative oats that focus on šŗšø US soil health! It was our pleasure meeting everyone who stopped by. See you at an event near you soon!
Aug 30
One of our customers put it best:ā
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø āReally have been enjoying this protein powder, mixes well into shakes as well as baking. Really clean ingredients, highly recommend.āā
ā
The secret is simple: ZEGO Pure Protein = 100% sacha inchi seeds. Nothing else.ā
This unique seed naturally provides the most balanced amino acid profile of all plant proteinsābetter than pea, rice, soy, or hemp. The result? Clean, complete protein that fuels your body and blends seamlessly into anything from smoothies to baked goods.
Aug 25
š±š„ Happy World Plant Milk Day! š„š±ā
ā
Oat milk is one of the most sustainable plant-based milk optionsācreamy, versatile, and better for the planet. Making it at home means no additives, gums, or hidden sugars, plus less waste from shipping and packaging. šā
ā
This year, weāre celebrating with a tasty Chocolate-y Oat Protein Milk recipeāsmooth, rich, and packed with clean nutrition.ā
ā
āØ Chocolate Oat Protein Milk Recipe āØā
Ingredients:ā
ā
Ā¼ cup ZEGO Double Protein Oatsā
ā
Approx. ā
cup boiling waterā
ā
Small pinch of saltā
ā
2 cups waterā
ā
Ā½t vanillaā
ā
2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Proteinā
ā
2 tbsp cacao powderā
ā
3ā4 medium pitted Medjool datesā
ā
Method:ā
ā
Place oats in a small heat-safe bowl or cup.ā
ā
Pour boiling water over oats (about ā
cup) and let sit for 10ā15 minutes to soften.ā
ā
Add soaked oats, water, salt, vanilla, ZEGO Pure Protein, cacao powder, and dates to a high speed blender.ā
ā
Blend for 30ā60 seconds until smooth.ā
ā
Enjoy straight or use in smoothies, baking, or coffee.ā
ā
š” Tip: For easier blending, soak the dates in warm water beforehand.ā
ā
š Visit our website for the original Plain Oat Milk Recipe!
Aug 22
Weāre only as good as our seeds, our farmers, and our soil health.
See the full video on our newest blog post. See link in bio!
Aug 21
āØ Weāre so excited to be a part of Newtopia Nowāthe destination for new product innovation in the natural and organic space!ā
Come find us at Booth #649 to discover ZEGOās Purity Verified, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly foods. š±ā
ā
Newtopia Now brings together brands, retailers, buyers, and industry leaders to explore new opportunities and shape the future of conscious products. Weāre thrilled to share how ZEGO is raising the bar for safety, nutrition, and transparency.ā
š Booth #649 ā weād love to see you there!
Aug 19
š Back-to-School Giveaway Alert! šā
Itās back-to-school season, and weāre celebrating with a special giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a 1-year Thrive Market membership + $50 credit to stock up on back-to-school essentials, including ZEGOās Double Protein Oats, Mueslis, and Superfood Oatmeal blendsāall with no added sugar! šš„£ā
ā
Thrive Market makes it easy to find healthy, allergy-friendly options that are perfect for quick, nutritious breakfasts and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the busy school year. šā
ā
How to enter:ā
1ļøā£ Like this postā
2ļøā£ Follow [@ZEGOFoods] and [@ThriveMarket]ā
3ļøā£ Tag a friend in the comments who loves healthy breakfasts! (As many as you like, each separate comment with a tag counts as an entry)ā
4ļøā£ Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us for an extra chance to win!ā
ā
Donāt forget to check our stories throughout the week for even more chances to win! The winner will be chosen and contacted via DM on 9/22, so donāt miss out on your chance to fill your pantry with ZEGOās no-sugar-added, gluten-free essentials! šš½ļøā
ā
Good luck! šā
ā
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated, or associated with Instagram. Entrants must be over the age of 18.
Aug 15
š± Why Farming Practices Matterā
At ZEGO, we believe how your food is grown is just as important as whatās in it. As our founder Colleen Kavanagh says:ā
ā
āConsumers need to be able to see the metrics for why farming practices make a difference in the health of their food.āā
ā
Thatās why we work with farmers who follow regenerative and purity protocol practices. Regenerative farming focuses on building healthy, living soilārich with organic matter, microbes, and nutrientsāso it can grow crops naturally higher in nutrition. Healthy soil also captures carbon, reduces erosion, and supports biodiversity, helping heal the planet while nourishing your body.ā
ā
And because transparency is key, every ZEGO package has a QR code so you can see our third-party lab test results for heavy metals, allergens, pesticides, and more.ā
ā
When you know the story of your food, you can choose options that are better for your health, the soil, and our shared future. š¾š
Aug 12
Tart cranberries + dark chocolate + plant protein = your new lunchbox (or desk drawer) favorite. šš«šŖā
ā
These chewy granola bars are packed with fiber, flavor, iron, and protein from ZEGOās Organic Cranberry Muesli and Sacha Inchi Pure Protein Powder. Youāll get a little crunch from the seeds, but the real star is that sweet-tart cranberry paired with dark chocolate.ā
ā
Perfect for a wholesome grab-and-go snack that tastes amazing and keeps you going.ā
ā
To Make Cranberry Chocolate Protein Granola Bars:ā
ā
Ingredientsā
ā
1 bag ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesliā
ā
1/4 cup ZEGO Pure Protein (Sacha Inchi)ā
ā
1/2 cup maple syrupā
ā
1/3 cup sunflower butterā
ā
2 tsp vanilla extractā
ā
1/4 tsp sea saltā
ā
1/3 cup dark chocolate morsels ā
ā
Methodā
ā
Preheat oven to 300Ā°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.ā
ā
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.ā
ā
Press evenly into the prepared pan.ā
ā
Bake 15ā20 minutes, until set and lightly golden.ā
ā
Let cool completely, then lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.ā
ā
š¢ Free from the top allergensā
š¢ Purity Verified for over 500 toxinsā
ā
Perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or a protein-rich snack on the go. If you make them, tag us ā weād love to see your bars! šø
Aug 8
Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Everyday Wellness š¾šŖā
ā
Sure, fiber helps with digestionābut thatās just the beginning. This mighty nutrient does a whole lot more for your body than you might think.ā
ā
āØ What makes fiber so powerful?ā
š„£ Nourishes your gut with prebiotics to support a healthy microbiomeā
ā¤ļø Supports heart health by helping manage cholesterolā
ā” Helps you stay satisfied longer and supports steady energyā
š§ Oat B-glucan fiber is linked to improved immune, brain, and gut healthāyes, really!ā
š« May even support healthy aging and longevityā
ā
And guess what? Just one serving of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli packs 5g of fiberāthatās 17% of your daily needs in one delicious bowl.ā
ā
š” How to enjoy it:ā
š„ As a warm, cozy oatmealā
š Soaked overnight with your favorite milkā
š„ Crunchy cold cereal with fruit on topā
šŖ Baked into cookies, muffins, or fiber-boosted protein bitesā
ā
And with Purity Verified testing for over 500 toxins, you can trust that every bite is clean and safe.ā
ā
Your gut (and heart, and brainā¦) will thank you. š
Aug 6
