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!
đ Back-to-School Giveaway Alert! đâ
Itâs back-to-school season, and weâre 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 ZEGOâs Double Protein Oats, Mueslis, and Superfood Oatmeal blendsâall with no added sugar! đđ„Łâ
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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. đâ
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How to enter:â
1ïžâŁ Like this postâ
2ïžâŁ Follow [@ZEGOFoods] and [@ThriveMarket]â
3ïžâŁ 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)â
4ïžâŁ Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us for an extra chance to win!â
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Donât 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 donât miss out on your chance to fill your pantry with ZEGOâs no-sugar-added, gluten-free essentials! đđœïžâ
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Good luck! đâ
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This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated, or associated with Instagram. Entrants must be over the age of 18.
Aug 15
đ± Why Farming Practices Matterâ
At ZEGO, we believe how your food is grown is just as important as whatâs in it. As our founder Colleen Kavanagh says:â
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âConsumers need to be able to see the metrics for why farming practices make a difference in the health of their food.ââ
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Thatâs why we work with farmers who follow regenerative and purity protocol practices. Regenerative farming focuses on building healthy, living soilârich with organic matter, microbes, and nutrientsâso 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.â
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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.â
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When you know the story of your food, you can choose options that are better for your health, the soil, and our shared future. đŸđ
Aug 12
Tart cranberries + dark chocolate + plant protein = your new lunchbox (or desk drawer) favorite. đđ«đȘâ
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These chewy granola bars are packed with fiber, flavor, iron, and protein from ZEGOâs Organic Cranberry Muesli and Sacha Inchi Pure Protein Powder. Youâll get a little crunch from the seeds, but the real star is that sweet-tart cranberry paired with dark chocolate.â
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Perfect for a wholesome grab-and-go snack that tastes amazing and keeps you going.â
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To Make Cranberry Chocolate Protein Granola Bars:â
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Ingredientsâ
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1 bag ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesliâ
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1/4 cup ZEGO Pure Protein (Sacha Inchi)â
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1/2 cup maple syrupâ
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1/3 cup sunflower butterâ
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2 tsp vanilla extractâ
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1/4 tsp sea saltâ
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1/3 cup dark chocolate morsels â
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Methodâ
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Preheat oven to 300°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.â
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Stir all ingredients together until well combined.â
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Press evenly into the prepared pan.â
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Bake 15â20 minutes, until set and lightly golden.â
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Let cool completely, then lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.â
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đą Free from the top allergensâ
đą Purity Verified for over 500 toxinsâ
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Perfect for lunchboxes, hikes, or a protein-rich snack on the go. If you make them, tag us â weâd love to see your bars! đž
Aug 8
Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Everyday Wellness đŸđȘâ
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Sure, fiber helps with digestionâbut thatâs just the beginning. This mighty nutrient does a whole lot more for your body than you might think.â
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âš What makes fiber so powerful?â
đ„Ł Nourishes your gut with prebiotics to support a healthy microbiomeâ
â€ïž Supports heart health by helping manage cholesterolâ
⥠Helps you stay satisfied longer and supports steady energyâ
đ§ Oat B-glucan fiber is linked to improved immune, brain, and gut healthâyes, really!â
đ« May even support healthy aging and longevityâ
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And guess what? Just one serving of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli packs 5g of fiberâthatâs 17% of your daily needs in one delicious bowl.â
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đĄ How to enjoy it:â
đ„ As a warm, cozy oatmealâ
đ Soaked overnight with your favorite milkâ
đ„ Crunchy cold cereal with fruit on topâ
đȘ Baked into cookies, muffins, or fiber-boosted protein bitesâ
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And with Purity Verified testing for over 500 toxins, you can trust that every bite is clean and safe.â
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Your gut (and heart, and brainâŠ) will thank you. đ
Aug 6
đWhereâs ZEGO? Weâve landed in Rio Rancho, New Mexico! đ”
You can now find our Organic Double Protein Oats on shelves at Market Street â ready to power your breakfast with plant-based protein and zero added sugar.
đ„Ł Gluten-Free
đŸ Purity Verified for over 500 toxins (including glyphosate)
đȘ 2x the protein of traditional oats
đ« No nuts, free from the top allergens
Live nearby? Snap a pic when you spot us and tag @zegofoods â weâd love to see our oats in the wild!
Aug 4
đ Behind the Scenes in Montana! đïžâ
Come along for a look inside our new facility in Belgrade, Montana, where ZEGO is building a future for clean, allergy-friendly, organic, and regenerative grains.â
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đ„ In todayâs video, our founder Colleen walks you through the space weâre renovating â from the grain silos that hold oats, millet, and buckwheat, to the brand-new equipment weâll use to clean, dehull, and process these ancient grains on site.â
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This project is part of a USDA grant-funded initiative to bring small-grain processing to a region that desperately needs it. Right now, organic millet from nearby Wyoming is being buried because thereâs no local way to prepare it for market. Weâre changing that â for farmers, for the food system, and for you.â
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âĄïž Once up and running, this facility will help us maintain our standards while expanding access to gluten-free grains.â
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đŹ Weâd love to hear what you think! What part of the tour surprised you most? Are there any ancient grains youâre excited to see us bring to market?â
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Let us know in the comments below âŹïž
Aug 1
Blueberry Cookie Crumble Parfait đȘđâ
Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? This parfait layers coconut yogurt, juicy blueberries, and crumbled Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookiesâmade with our Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blend.â
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These breakfast cookies are gluten-free, plant-based, and made with no added sugarâperfect for snacking or layering into something extra special like this! đżâ
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âš Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookiesâ
Ingredientsâ
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2 ÂŒ cups ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blendâ
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cup almond butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free)â
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3-4 overripe bananasâ
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1 tsp vanilla extractâ
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Pinch of sea saltâ
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To Makeâ
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.â
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Mix bananas, almond butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl.â
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Stir in salt and ZEGO oatmeal blend until just combined.â
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Scoop onto sheet with a large cookie scoop, flatten slightly with fork or spatula.â
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Bake for 12â15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.â
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Makes about 18 cookies.â
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đ Pro tip: Make a batch and keep them in the freezer for quick snacks, lunchbox add-ins, or parfait layering all summer long.
Jul 31
âš CUSTOMER LOVE âšâ
Jacqueline B. calls our Cinnamon Twist Muesli her go-to breakfast â and we get why!â
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âThis is the best tasting and healthiest muesli I have had. Itâs also so nice to have something high protein in the morning and that I know is also free of dangerous chemicals like glyphosate.ââ
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Our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli is not only delicious and high in protein â itâs also Purity Verified, meaning we test it for glyphosate and over 500 other toxins.â
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Enjoy it hot like oatmeal, cold like cereal, as overnight oats, or baked into homemade granola bars. However you serve it, youâll know itâs clean, allergy-friendly, and made with your health in mind.â
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đŸ Organicâ
đ« Glyphosate-Freeâ
đȘ High Proteinâ
đ„Ł Gut-Friendlyâ
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Jul 29
Who doesnât love a chai latteâand in the summer, an iced chai latte just hits the spot.â
This overnight oats recipe brings those cozy, spiced flavors into a fuss-free breakfast thatâs full of flavor and all the good stuff. đâšâ
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We used our Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Oatmeal Blend, which isnât just deliciousâitâs loaded with benefits:â
đŸ ÎČ-glucan fiber for gut, brain, and immune healthâ
đż Ceylon cinnamon + allspice for antioxidants + blood sugar supportâ
âïž Vitamin D2 for immune and cognitive functionâ
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Add a scoop of ZEGO Pure Protein and youâve got a satisfying, make-ahead breakfast that helps keep you full, focused, and energized.â
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To Make Overnight Chai Protein Oatsâ
1/3 c ZEGO Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Blendâ
1 tbsp ZEGO Pure Proteinâ
1/4 c coconut milkâ
1/4 c brewed black teaâ
1â2 tbsp maple syrup (to taste)â
1/4 tsp vanilla extractâ
1/2 tsp ground cardamomâ
1 tsp fresh minced gingerâ
Pinch of saltâ
Pinch of ground black pepperâ
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Mix and refrigerate overnight.â
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Toppings:â
2 tbsp vanilla coconut yogurtâ
Fresh fruitâ
Dust of cinnamonâ
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Optional: 1 tbsp espresso concentrate for a âdirty chaiâ twist âïž
Jul 25
Weâre excited to share the next chapter in our journey toward building a better, more transparent food system.â
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Our founder Colleen is on-site in Belgrade, Montana to introduce you to the newest part of ZEGOâs story â our acquisition (with our sister company CIVC) of the Montana Gluten Free production facility.â
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This move allows us to:â
đŸ Vertically integrate our productionâ
đ€ Support more allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and regenerative brandsâ
đ Expand our capacity while maintaining the same high standards you trustâ
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đ„ Watch the video to hear from Colleen and get a first look at the facility!â
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And stay tuned â weâll be sharing more behind-the-scenes videos in the coming weeks to give you a closer look at how your food is grown, processed, and packaged with care. đâ
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đ Link in bio to read the full press release.
Jul 21
Trying to eat healthier?â
This new Washington Post article has smart, doable tips â and one of the big ones is about protein. đâ
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Itâs not just how much protein you eat…â
itâs when you eat it that matters, too.â
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đĄ Remember, your body doesnât store protein the way it stores carbs or fat. Youâve got to get enough every dayâand that starts with the first meal.â
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Most of us load up on protein at dinner and skimp on breakfast.â
But protein in the morning can help with:â
âïž Energyâ
âïž Fewer cravings throughout the dayâ
âïž More stable blood sugarâ
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And hereâs something many people donât know:â
đ Protein needs go up as we age.â
Our bodies get less efficient at using it, which makes it even more important to eat high-quality protein throughout the day.â
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So what can you do?â
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đ± Make some simple swaps and start your day with nutrient-dense, whole foods that naturally offer protein.â
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We like using oats that are naturally higher in protein and fiber than typical varieties â theyâre a great way to get more nutrition from the meals you already enjoy.â
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đœ Tip: Add seeds, a scoop of protein powder, nut/seed butter, or your favorite milk to boost your breakfast protein even more.â
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đ Tap the link in our bio or check our stories to read the full article and learn how to optimize your protein intake at every age.â
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/16/protein-how-much-do-i-need/
Jul 18
đ Mango Smoothie Bowl with a Crunch đŽđ„â
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This vibrant mango smoothie bowl gets a major upgrade with a sprinkle of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli on top â and itâs more than just a pretty garnish.â
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Hereâs why our muesli is the perfect smoothie bowl topper:â
âš Made with a special variety of oats that naturally deliver more protein, iron, and fiberâ
đ± Packed with crunchy seeds instead of nuts â making it safe for those with nut allergiesâ
đ§ Eco-friendly â seeds require 90% less water to grow than tree nutsâ
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Delicious, nutritious, allergy-friendly, and better for the planet? Thatâs a topping you can feel good about.â
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đ Whatâs your favorite smoothie bowl combo? Tell us below or tag us in your creation â weâd love to see how you muesli!
Jul 16
Whereâs ZEGO? Fairfax, VA đ±â
Weâre proud to be on shelves at MOMâs Organic Marketâa grocery store as passionate about sustainability as we are.â
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From their compostable produce bags to their support of organic farming, MOMâs is leading the way toward a healthier planet. And now you can find our Organic Double Protein Oatmeal and Organic Muesli in their aisles too.â
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Our oats are grown with care for both your body and the earthâusing purity-tested, organic practices that go beyond the standard.â
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If youâre in the Fairfax area, stop by MOMâs and grab a bag (or two) of ZEGO. Letâs grow something good together. đŸâ»ïž
Jul 14
Sweet, chewy, and bursting with berry flavor!â
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These no-bake bites are a powerhouse of plant-based nutritionâmade with our Cinnamon Twist Muesli and Pure Plant Protein, plus chia seeds and crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a delicious, allergy-friendly snack.â
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The strawberries add a huge flavor burst and just the right amount of crunch!â đâ
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Strawberry Crunch Protein Balls â
gluten-free, nut-free, and top allergen-free.â
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âš Ingredients:â
â«ïž2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Proteinâ
â«ïž1 cup ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesliâ
â«ïžÂœ cup sunflower seed butterâ
â«ïžÂŒ cup maple syrupâ
â«ïž1 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberriesâ
â«ïžÂŒ cup mini white chocolate chipsâ
â«ïž2 tbsp chia seedsâ
â«ïžSplash of vanilla extractâ
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Mix sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla, protein powder, and chia seeds until smooth. Stir in the muesli, strawberries, and chocolate chips. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes, then roll into balls.â
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đ§ These protein balls will be at their crunchiest when freshly made but you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.â
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Would you use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate in yours? đ«đâ
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Jul 10
đą Big news from ZEGO! Weâre excited to share a major development in the organic and regenerative gluten-free and allergy-friendly food space. đ±â
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ZEGO, a pioneer in purity-tested foods, is collaborating with a new venture, CIVC LLC, to acquire the Montana Gluten Free Processors (MGFP) facility in Belgrade, MT. This strategic move expands ZEGOâs capacity and strengthens the mid-tier supply chain for value-added oats and ancient grains in the United States. â
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Hereâs what this means:â
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đ€ Mission-Driven Collaborationâ
CIVC is more than a facilityâitâs a new model for farmer support, transparency, and equity in the food system.â
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âš Allergen- & Corn-Free Co-Packingâ
The upgraded facility will offer co-manufacturing in a certified gluten-free, allergen-controlled, glyphosate-free environmentâideal for better-for-you and wellness brands.â
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đŸ Support for Regenerative & Organic Cropsâ
Weâre strengthening the supply chain to help rotational crops thrive and give farmers more sustainable options.â
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đ Purity Verification You Can Trustâ
ZEGOâs industry-first transparency platform will extend to CIVCâs co-packing clients, supporting consumer trust in the value of organic and regenerative certifications. â
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đ Backed by USDA Grant Supportâ
Thanks to a 2024 Organic Market Development Grant, weâre investing in top-tier upgrades for quality, capacity, and traceability.â
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This is just the beginning. đȘâ
Head to the blog to read the full press release đ [link in bio]
Jul 7
Celebrating the life and legacy of Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Labâ
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Andrewâs work changed the way we think about business. He firmly believed that industry leaders must be responsible, recognizing that businesses have a duty to care, serve, and contribute to building a better world.That idea sits at the heart of the B Corp movement, and itâs a belief we hold tightly at ZEGO.â
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âCapitalism was built on the idea of carelessness⊠people should build wealth for themselves and that other people didnât matter. ⊠(Your business is) not just here to do good, youâre here to care.ââ
â Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Labâ
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As a certified B Corporation, we are proud to be part of the movement Andrew helped createâone that puts people, planet, and purpose at the core of what we do. His legacy lives on through every business working to be a force for good, and his words continue to challenge us to lead with care and courage.â
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âIn a time when so many people are careless, and so many people lack moral courage, itâs up to us to double down on care and courage. And thatâs a hell of a lot easier, and a hell of a lot more powerful, if we do it together.ââ
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Andrew, thank you for showing us whatâs possible. Your vision will continue to inspire us and so many others to build a better, more compassionate future.
Jul 3
Weâre so inspired by the work the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank is doing to support their communityâand especially moved by thoughtful volunteers like Gavin. đ
Gavin, a high school student, saw a need for more allergy-friendly options at the food bank and took action, reaching out to companies like ours to help fill the gap. As someone with a peanut allergy himself, he understan firsthand how important safe, inclusive food is.
Thanks to Gavinâs advocacy, families served by the food bank now have access to gluten-free, top-allergen-free oatmeal from ZEGO and other allergy-safe staples. đ„Łđ±
Thank you, Gavin, for using your voice to make a differenceâand thank you to the whole Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank team for all you do!
Want to support the food bank? Visit their page at https://www.ovfofb.org/volunteer to learn more!
Jul 3
đ„Ł Overnight Oats: 3 Ways with Our Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend đđâ
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When the temps rise, itâs time to cool down your breakfast routine. Overnight oats are the perfect no-cook option â quick to prep, loaded with nutrition, and ready to enjoy straight from the fridge.â
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Our Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend is the star of the show â featuring real dried fruit, nutrient-dense seeds, and lots of flavor. Plus, itâs a good source of vitamin D2, making it a smart way to start your day, especially if youâre dairy-free or plant-based.â
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âš Today, weâre sharing 3 refreshing flavor combos:â
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PB&J Vibesâ
â 1/3 cup ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blendâ
â 1/3 cup plant-based milkâ
â 1 tbsp peanut butter or sunflower seed butterâ
â 1/4 cup raspberries, lightly mashedâ
â 1 tbsp hemp seedsâ
â 1 tbsp honey or agave (optional)â
Chill and swirl in more seed butter before serving!â
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Mango Blueberry Blissâ
â 1/3 cup ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blendâ
â 1/3 cup coconut milkâ
â 1/3 cup diced fresh mangoâ
â 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconutâ
â 1 tbsp agave (optional)â
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Blueberry Banana Poppy Crunchâ
â 1/3 cup ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blendâ
â 1/3 cup plant-based milkâ
â 1/2 mashed bananaâ
â Pinch of cinnamonâ
â 2 tbsp sunflower seedsâ
â 1 tbsp honey or agave (optional)â
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đĄ Plant-based, gluten-free, and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin D2 â these oats are anything but basic.â
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Which flavor are you trying first? Tag us in your overnight oat creations!
Jul 2
âEssentially, all life depends upon the soil … There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together.ââ
â Charles E. Kellogg, USDA Yearbook of Agriculture, 1938â
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At ZEGO, we believe that truly clean food starts with healthy soil.â
Thatâs why our commitment to transparency and nourishment begins before the seed is planted.â
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We work with farmers who grow crops in ways that regenerate the soil, protect ecosystems, and produce nutrient-rich foodâwithout harmful chemicals or shortcuts.â
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Because when we take care of the soil, it takes care of us. đ±
Jun 27
Cool down with a pop that actually fuels you đ„â
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
đȘ 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
đ„Ł 1 cup ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oatmealâ
đ± 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
đŒ 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
đ„ Honestly, just a perfect summer treat
Jun 25