Did you receive a batch of our oats this summer that’s 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, what’s special about this batch of oats from South Dakota? What makes them different? Well, they’re a little bit higher in polyphenols and a little bit higher in protein. This can give them a slightly richer color—and sometimes a touch more bitterness. But don’t worry, they’re 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.
Did you know winter wheat is planted in the fall and meant to stay dormant until spring?
Colleen is out in the fields in Montana where unusually warm winter temperatures are changing how farmers think about timing and risk. She explains what’s happening—and why the weather matters—in today’s video.
Feb 18
This February, we’re celebrating regenerative agriculture—and the retailers who help make it accessible. 🌾
We’re proud to partner with Erewhon in SoCal, where you can find our Regenerative Oatmeal made with oats grown using farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
If you’re local, keep an eye out next time you shop and learn how your everyday food choices can help support a healthier planet.
Feb 16
❤️ Love Your Heart This Valentine’s Day ❤️
February is American Heart Month, a national observance since 1964 dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the #1 killer in the U.S. It’s a time to focus on heart-healthy habits like nourishing food, movement, stress management, and regular health check-ins.
One simple way to care for your heart? Start with breakfast.
Oatmeal is a heart-healthy whole grain backed by decades of research—and recognized by the FDA since 1997 for its cholesterol-lowering benefits.
💗 How oatmeal supports heart health:
Lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol thanks to soluble fiber called beta-glucan
Reduces heart disease risk by helping keep arteries clearer
Supports steady blood sugar levels, important for metabolic and heart health
Helps with weight management by keeping you fuller longer
Provides antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits
💡 Heart-healthy oatmeal tips:
Choose whole oats like rolled or steel-cut
Top with fruit, seeds, or nuts instead of added sugars
Make it a regular habit. Daily oats can lead to meaningful cholesterol reductions in just weeks
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re caring for yourself or someone you love, remember:
Supporting heart health doesn’t have to be complicated -whole foods go a long way.❤️🥣
Feb 13
Big news! 🎉 Our Organic & Gluten-Free Regenerative Certified® Old Fashioned Rolled Oats have officially landed at Gelson’s.
These oats do more than fuel your mornings, they help our farms thrive by rebuilding soil health. 🌱
Plus, they’re Purity Verified for heavy metals, glyphosate, and 500+ toxins, so you can feel good about every bowl.
Feb 9
🌱 Why regenerative and why U.S. farmers
In this video, our CEO & founder Colleen Kavanagh shares why regenerative oats mattered to her and why it was important that the benefits stayed here in the U.S.
As regenerative practices gained attention, Colleen wanted to make sure American farmers were the ones being supported and rewarded for nurturing the soil and restoring the land.
🎥 Hear Colleen share why this commitment has guided our regenerative work from the start.
Feb 6
Healthy soil isn’t just about climate metrics—it’s about people.
At the 2025 ASBN Business, Policy and Purpose Conference, Nick Beck highlighted how soil health intersects with rural prosperity, local decision-making, and civic engagement.
When sustainability is embedded in community and culture, it has the power to last. That’s the kind of food system we believe is worth working toward.
Feb 4
We’re thrilled to be heading to Denver for the #KeHESummer Show!
From February 4–5, we’ll be showcasing our products, connecting with industry partners, and sharing what’s new.
📍 Visit us at Booth #257
Looking forward to great conversations and meaningful connections throughout the show.
Feb 2
⏰ Last Chance! Our Month of Clean Breakfast Giveaway Ends Soon!
Don’t miss your chance to win a ZEGO breakfast bundle and enjoy a month of clean, thoughtfully sourced breakfast.
Transparency isn’t just a January theme – it’s what we do every day. This month, we’re highlighting it to show how much it matters in the foods we make.
To enter, comment on the original giveaway post:
1️⃣ Like that post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account — please don’t share personal information with any other page.
✅ Hurry—get your entries in on the original post before time runs out! Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 31
Transparency matters—especially when it comes to keeping oats pure and gluten-free.
At ZEGO, transparency doesn’t stop at the farm. It continues every step of the way, long after our oats arrive.
Our farmers follow rigorous growing practices like crop rotation (so gluten-containing grains aren’t grown in the same fields), seed purity (starting with seed free from wheat, barley, and rye), isolation strips (physical buffer zones between fields), and regular field inspections to protect the integrity of the crop from seed to truck.
Once a truckload of oats arrives at ZEGO, the work continues.
We are a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility, and every incoming load goes through multiple layers of verification:
We visually inspect samples and perform seed counts, which means identifying and counting any foreign grains to confirm purity.
We pull 3 random samples from the front, middle, and end of every truck, and from 5 different locations on each pallet, to ensure truly representative testing. We send those 3 samples to the Idaho Grain Inspection Service where they inspect every seed and report to us if they find any wheat, barley, or rye. In addition, we conduct strip testing (rapid gluten detection tests) on every load.
Our oats move through our dedicated gluten-free receiving, storage, cleaning, and milling equipment—always.
We test all oats to ensure they are below 10 ppm gluten, and internally we aim for 5 ppm or less to exceed GFCO certification standards.
All of this is done for one reason: to provide the safest oats possible and peace of mind you can trust—every bowl, every time.
Jan 31
🌾 Farmers We Admire: Nate Powell-Palm
We’re launching a new series spotlighting the farmers who inspire us — those shaping a more resilient, regenerative, and transparent food system.
Our first feature is Nate Powell-Palm (@powellpalm_organics), founder of Cold Springs Organics. A native Montanan, Nate got his start in Gallatin County 4-H and founded Cold Springs Organics while still in high school. Today, it’s an 800+ acre certified organic grain, cattle, and milling operation.
“As an organic farmer, transparency is the lifeblood of my business. I’d argue it’s also the primary motivator for organic farmers overall: consumers want to know what’s in their food — and we are eager to tell them. That creates a unique relationship between growers and eaters in our community.
When customers seek out certified organic products, they’re seeking transparency — an honest assurance their food is safe, with systems in place to guarantee that trust. I’ve admired Zego for making organic certification the foundation of their brand, and for the work they’ve done to identify the best sources for their trusted, tested ingredients.”
Beyond the field, Nate is a leading voice for transparency in organic agriculture. As former Chair of the National Organic Standards Board, he’s advocated for strong enforcement, clear standards, and accountability — because trust in the USDA Organic seal depends on a rigorous, transparent process.
When he’s not farming or working on better policy, Nate and his team are expanding their milling operation outside of Belgrade, MT — investing in the land and the people who steward it.
This is the kind of leadership we admire. 🌱
More Farmers We Admire coming soon.
Jan 31
GIVEAWAY 🎉 A Month of Clean Breakfast
Transparency isn’t just a trend – it’s something we live by every day. This January, we’re highlighting it to kick off the new year and show how much it matters in the foods we make.
We’re celebrating by giving one winner a month of clean breakfast with a ZEGO bundle, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and transparency from seed to bowl.
To enter (1/29–1/31):
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend who loves a healthy breakfast (each comment = extra entry!)
Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident to enter. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Winners will only be contacted by the @zegofoods account — please don’t share personal information with any other page.
Winner will be contacted via DM after 2/2.
Jan 29
Next stop: #KeHeSummerShow ✨
📍 Feb 4–5
📍 Booth #257
Come say hello and discover how simple, carefully sourced ingredients can also be seriously delicious. We’d love to connect!
Jan 26
🌾Fibermaxxing – What is it? Should I be fibermaxxing?
What is fibermaxxing? It’s a social media trend all about trying to meet and exceed the recommended daily value of fiber in your diet.
💚We think this is a great idea, because most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet! High fiber foods, like fruits and vegetables, seeds and legumes – and even oats – can help your GI system work it’s best and it can help you feel fuller longer!
🥣Focus on natural, nutrient dense foods over supplements. Women need about 25-28 grams of fiber daily. Thankfully our ZEGO oat products have 4-5 grams of dietary fiber per 1/3 cup serving! Starting your day with a bowl of ZEGO oats is a great way to add fiber to your diet.✨
But a word of warning, if you don’t really eat a lot of fiber now – take it slow! If you add a ton of fiber in your diet all at once, you might have some unexpected negative side effects – bloating, gas, constipation, etc.
If you have any questions about how you can increase your fiber, or FIBERMAXX, consult a registered dietitian or your gastroenterologist!
Jan 23
What happens when one chemical is removed from farming?
In this video, ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why that question matters more than most labels suggest and why transparency requires looking at the full system.
Press play to hear her perspective.
What questions do you wish food labels answered more clearly?
Jan 19
Happy International Hot & Spicy Food Day! 🔥🤎
These Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls aren’t overly spicy, but the cinnamon, ginger, and just a hint of cayenne give them a cozy, warming bite with a little kick. Think fudgy, chewy, chocolatey—with depth and balance.
Perfect for an afternoon snack or a make-ahead treat you’ll actually look forward to.
And thanks to ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli, they don’t just deliver a protein boost, they also bring the benefits of fiber and iron, making these feel just as good as they taste.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Protein Balls
Makes ~16–18 balls
Ingredients:
• 1½ cups ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli
• 2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Protein
• ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter (or favorite nut butter)
• ⅓ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️
Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients except the muesli until smooth.
2️⃣ Stir in the Cinnamon Twist Muesli.
3️⃣ Chill for 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Scoop, roll, and enjoy!
🧊 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Jan 16
Winter Fancy Faire has officially wrapped, and we’re heading home feeling energized. ✨
Connecting with retailers, partners, and fellow food lovers who care deeply about transparency, quality, and delicious food is always a reminder of why we do this work. Thank you for such a great show. 🤍
Jan 15
We hear this often: people stop eating oats not because they want to, but because they can’t be sure they’re safe.
Transparency means more than a label. It means showing how food is grown, handled, and tested—so people can make informed decisions, especially those living with celiac disease.
Throughout January, we’ll be sharing a closer look at our transparency process and the steps we take to ensure our foods are truly safe because transparency isn`t an extra; it`s essential.
Jan 12
We’re heading to sunny San Diego ☀️🌴
ZEGO will be at Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13, and we’d love to see you there!
📍 Booth #2011
Stop by to connect with our team, learn more about our farmer-first approach, and explore what’s new.
If you’re attending, be sure to swing by and say hello! 👋🌾
Jan 8
Transparency shouldn’t be optional. It should be the standard.
In this clip, our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh shares why ZEGO is committed to raising the bar for food transparency. From expanded testing to full access to results through QR codes on every package, we believe people deserve to know exactly what’s in their food and what’s not.
With growing concerns around contamination and heavy metals, access to clear, honest information matters more than ever. Because when people have access to real information, they can make choices that truly support their health and their families. 💚
Jan 5
Experts predict that fibermaxxing -intentionally increasing fiber intake through whole, nutrient-dense foods- will continue to shape wellness trends in 2026. 🌾
Fiber remains foundational as more people focus on gut health, longevity, and metabolic wellness. It supports digestion, feeds the microbiome, and helps promote steady energy and lasting fullness throughout the day.
Protein is also staying strong as a key wellness priority. Consumers are looking for high-quality protein sources that fit into everyday meals and snacks, support muscle health, and contribute to satiety, especially when paired with fiber from whole foods.
Another major trend shaping food choices is GLP-1 support. As more people use GLP-1 medications, nutrient density has become even more important. Fiber- and protein-rich foods can help support fullness, digestive comfort, and consistent nourishment, making it easier to meet nutritional needs while managing appetite.
At ZEGO, these aren’t passing trends. We focus on whole-food sources of fiber and protein, farmer-first sourcing, and minimal processing to bring truly nourishing foods to market.
Because when it comes to wellness, real food still leads the way. 💚
Jan 1
