Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Colleen
Here at Zego, we go above and beyond the norm to make sure you get the highest quality oatmeal!
First, I do a sniff test. Seriously. I get a sample from the farm and look for the grassy earthy smell unique to oats. If it’s not raw, it may smell like the cardboard it comes in.
We generally buy from the same farms and our tests are consistent and great! (Because we are buying from the same farms, we should only need to test once post-harvest but we spot check just in case.)
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.
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
2025 was one for the books 💚✨
From Winter Fancy Food and Natural Products Expo West to a perfect Spokin’s Galentine’s Day Pilates pop-up event, from launching our Regenerative Organic Oats to showing up at events like the National Restaurant Show, Newtopia Now, International Baking Expo, FNCE, and FAACT, 2025 was full of connection, growth, and momentum.
We loved hitting the road for demos at Erewhon, Raley’s, and Sprouts and sharing our delicious products. And of course, connecting with farmers and food leaders at the Montana Organic Association Conference reminded us why this work matters so much.
We’re so grateful for every partner, retailer, farmer, and customer who made this year possible. Here’s to continuing to grow, innovate, and bring truly nourishing food to more tables in 2026. 🌾✨
Dec 31
New Year, Same Healthy You Sale
Kick off the year with more protein, more fiber, and more of what your body loves. For a limited time, we’re offering a case deal on our Double Protein Oatmeal — buy a full case (5 bags) and get one bag FREE.
That means you’ll receive 5 bags for the price of 4 when you purchase a case.
Whether your goal is more plant-based protein, fibermaxxing, or just love a good deal on oatmeal, this is the perfect time to stock up!
Offer valid through 1/3/2026. Case purchase required.
Dec 30
Our New Year’s resolutions 🌾✨
As we step into the new year, we’re recommitting to the values that guide everything we do at ZEGO:
• Transparency, continuing to provide traceable, easily accessible purity data so you always know what’s in your food
• Put farmers first, supporting pricing models that work for farmers, help expand organic and regenerative acreage, and strengthen rural farming communities.
• Champion U.S. farmers, sourcing from domestic growers and investing in regional supply chains that build resilience and reduce risk.
• Contribute to healthier soil, advancing regenerative and organic practices that restore soil, protect water, and support biodiversity.
• Bring truly nourishing food to market, creating products that are safe, thoughtfully sourced, and made to help people be their best selves.
We believe the future of food is transparent, farmer-focused, and rooted in care for people and the planet. Here’s to a year of better food and better systems -together. 💜🌱
Dec 29
Of course we made oatmeal cookies (and oat milk!) for Santa 🎅🍪
Wishing our ZEGO community a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, good food, and joyful moments around the table. 💜🌲
However you’re celebrating, we hope your day is sweet and your bowls (and cookie plates!) are full.
Dec 24
Happy Holidays from all of us at ZEGO ✨
As the year winds down, we’re grateful for our farmers, partners, and this thoughtful community that believes in safe food, transparency, and caring for people and the planet.
However you’re celebrating this season – gathered around the table, enjoying a quiet morning, or cooking something warm and nourishing – we’re wishing you comfort, joy, and a healthy start to the new year. 🌾🥣
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Dec 22
Big news from Erewhon 📸✨
Our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal has officially debuted at Erewhon locations in Southern California and we couldn’t be more excited! 🌾💙
These oats are U.S. farmer-grown, Traceable Purity Verified, and produced with practices that build soil health and support regenerative agriculture, because how food is grown matters.
If you’re shopping Erewhon in SoCal, keep an eye out for our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and let us know when you spot it!
Dec 20
We wanted to take a moment during this busy holiday season to thank you all for believing in our mission – everyone deserves to know what’s in their food.
We’ve teamed up with @purity_coffee for a giveaway that’s aligned with our mission of purity and transparency!
Purity Coffee is a fantastic partner to talk about purity – they are lab tested and confirmed free from pesticide residues, mold and mycotoxins! Purity Coffee is free from additives and top allergens. They are also regeneratively grown and of course, USDA certified organic. Their high standards are what sets Purity Coffee apart from other coffee.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because ZEGO also tests for pesticide residues, mold, mycotoxins, and heavy metals often found in grains like oats. Our high standards are what sets us apart from other oats and we’re so proud to serve our product in homes just like yours.
One lucky winner will receive two bags of Purity Coffee whole beans and a set of ZEGO oatmeal bags, including our Double Protein Oats and Regenerative Organic Oats.
To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @purity_coffee @zegofoods
3️⃣ Tag a friend you’d love to have over for brunch to share a cup of coffee and warm bowl of oatmeal.
Giveaway ends 12/25 at 5pm PT. 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.
Dec 19
🎥 From the Montana Organic Association Conference
Our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh shared a powerful message with farmers, producers, and organic leaders: the way organic food is priced today may actually be holding the industry back.
When the gap between conventional and organic is too wide, demand suffers and that limits farmers’ ability to expand organic acreage. Colleen is working on a new, farm-focused pricing model that narrows that gap and makes organic more accessible to more people, without shortchanging the growers who make it possible.
Watch the clip to hear why rethinking pricing could be one of the most important steps toward growing organic for farmers, consumers, and the future of our food system. 🌾💜
We`d love to hear your thoughts! Do you think price is the biggest barrier to buying organic? Why or why not?
Dec 17
Looking for a warm, nourishing meal that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with real ingredients? Try this Pumpkin Ginger Sweet Potato Soup featuring homemade ZEGO Double Protein Oatmilk and Pure Plant Protein. 🥣💛
Ginger + turmeric bring anti-inflammatory benefits, pumpkin and sweet potato add fiber and minerals, and our homemade oatmilk and protein give this soup a creamy texture with a plant-powered boost. 🌱✨
Add toasted pepitas or sprouts on top for crunch and extra nutrients.
Full recipe below ⬇️
Pumpkin Ginger Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients
• 1 cup prepared ZEGO Double Protein Oatmilk (oatmilk recipe available on our website 💜)
• 2 Tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cans pumpkin puree
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: cayenne pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
• Toasted pepitas
• Sprouts
To Make
Mince garlic and dice onion. Add onion to a large soup pot with olive oil and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and diced sweet potato. Stir to combine.
Cover with lid, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Turn off heat. Add the oatmilk, lemon juice, protein powder, and maple syrup.
Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Top with toasted pepitas and/or sprouts.
Enjoy this cozy, nourishing bowl! 🍁💜
Dec 12
🌾💜 This week, our founder & CEO Colleen Kavanagh and CCO Cybele Pascal are in Montana for the Montana Organic Association (MOA) Conference, where CIVC is a proud sponsor!
MOA plays an essential role in strengthening organic agriculture, supporting farmers, advancing education and research, promoting safe, nutritious food, and helping protect the land and wildlife that make Montana so special. We’re honored to be part of this incredible community.
While there, our team connected with two extraordinary leaders in organic agriculture:
✨ Nate Powell-Palm @powellpalm_organics of Cold Springs Organics — Nate started his farming journey in high school and has since built an 800+ acre certified organic grain, cattle, and milling operation. He’s a tireless advocate for agriculture and rural prosperity. He was appointed to the National Organic Standards Board in 2019. Truly an inspiring force in agriculture!
✨ Bob Quinn, @bobquinnorganicfarmer is the Director at the Quinn Institute. After earning his PhD in plant biochemistry, Bob returned to his family farm in Big Sandy and converted all 3,000+ acres to regenerative organic farming in just three years. He also pioneered Kamut International, transforming an ancient grain into a global symbol of health and community. Bob’s commitment to regenerative farming is nothing short of remarkable.
We’re grateful for leaders like Nate and Bob and the @montanaorganicassociation who are shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all. 💜
Dec 10
Radical transparency. Farmer-first systems. Cleaner food for everyone.
A new article dives deep into how our founder, Colleen Kavanagh, is reshaping the organic grain world, not just with ZEGO’s Purity Verified standard, but through the Collaborative Integrated Value Chain (CIVC), the regional mill and regenerative supply-chain model she now leads.
CIVC is helping farmers process oats, millet, and buckwheat locally, lowering costs, reducing toxins, and opening access to organic ingredients for brands and consumers alike.
We’re excited for you to read the full story and get a closer look at the impact happening behind every bag of ZEGO.
📖 Link in bio.
Dec 9
If you’re shopping at @raleys, Nob Hill Foods, or Bel-Air in Northern CA or NV, don’t forget to look for our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and Double Protein Oatmeal in the GET CURIOUS innovation set! 🌾✨
We’re in 50+ select locations across the region, including Sacramento, Natomas, Elk Grove, Lincoln, Napa, Benicia, South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno. 📍
We’ll only be part of the GET CURIOUS set through early January, so now’s a great time to grab a bag while you can. ⏳🛒
Dec 8
Nothing makes our day like reading your experiences with our Double Protein Oatmeal. Marisa S shared:
“I love how the oats cook, very creamy. They are so tasty. I just love them and the fact that they contain more protein is a huge plus. And that they are as pure as they can get. Thank you so much!”
Thank you, Marisa, for choosing ZEGO and supporting transparency and purity in food!
Dec 3
ZEGO recently launched our Regenerative Organic Oatmeal and Double Protein Oatmeal at Raley`s in their GET CURIOUS innovation set! You can find us at 50+ select @Raleys, Nob Hill Foods and Bel-Air across northern CA and NV!
This past week our hardworking team visited Raley`s, Bel-Air and Nob Hill Foods locations in Sacramento, Natomas, Elk Grove, Lincoln, Napa, Benicia, South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno! Hurry, we`ll only be at Raley`s until the beginning of January! Head to our blog for the exact store locations.
Dec 1
When our friend Sarah Walcott said her family makes stuffing pancakes, we just had to try it.
Our healthy, delicious, stuffing recipe makes amazing savory gluten-free pancakes and waffles that you can pop in the toaster oven and enjoy with any meal.
Savory Gluten Free Pancakes and Waffles: The Recipe
Makes Approx. 8 Serving (3/4 cup)
Ingredients
1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cups ZEGO Vegan Stuffing
2-3 eggs or egg replacement
Optional: add in an extra pinch of salt and heat with some cayenne
Omnivore variation: Add bacon bits or chopped cooked sausage.
Method
Heat skillet with oil (do not let smoke)
Beat eggs with any extra spice and salt.
Stir eggs into stuffing.
Cook on medium-low like pancakes (use approx. 1/3 cup per pancake or make silver dollar sized bites) or put batter into your waffle maker (amount will depend on size).
Eat immediately with syrup for breakfast or in fried chicken and waffles or refrigerate or freeze and reheat in the air fryer, stovetop, oven, or toaster.
Find our Vegan Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe on our Blog:
https://zegofoods.com/vegan-gluten-free-stuffing-2/
Nov 29
✨ Dress up your holiday breakfast! ✨
Add a festive, sweet–tart twist to your morning bowl with this bright and cozy combo.
🍊 Stir in:
– A spoonful of cranberry sauce
– Fresh orange zest
– A handful of pumpkin seeds for extra crunch
Made with our Organic Double Protein Oatmeal, this bowl is naturally gluten-free, plant-based, and full of nourishing goodness to start your day strong.
A simple way to bring a little holiday cheer to your morning!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂
Nov 27
Bring color, comfort, and allergen-friendly goodness to your holiday spread with our savory Cranberry Muesli Stuffed Acorn Squash. Made with ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesli, this dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and bursting with fall flavor. 🍂🎉
Perfect as a Thanksgiving side or a plant-based main—serves 6!
Ingredients
For the Savory Cranberry Muesli
1 cup ZEGO Organic Cranberry Muesli
1 ⅔ cups vegetable broth
¼ cup dried cranberries (plus extra for topping)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Roasted Squash
3 whole acorn squash
2 Tbsp maple syrup
3 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
For the Stuffing
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
1. Roast the Squash
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Slice each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
Season the cut sides with salt and pepper.
Brush with olive oil and maple syrup.
Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for ~35 minutes, or until tender.
2. Make the Savory Muesli
While the squash roasts, bring vegetable broth to a low boil.
Add cranberry muesli, dried cranberries, garlic, salt, olive oil, and pepper.
Simmer for 10+ minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
3. Prepare the Stuffing
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Add onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt.
Cook on medium heat until onions are translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
Stir in the savory muesli and chopped spinach.
Cook until spinach is wilted.
4. Assemble
Fill each roasted squash half generously with the stuffing mixture.
Top with extra dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, and/or fresh thyme.
Serve warm and enjoy!
It’s hearty, beautiful on the table, and easy to prepare.
Save this recipe for your holiday menu! 🍁🧡
Nov 26
There’s a lot of chatter right now about farm labor, fruit harvests, and why certain produce prices are climbing, so ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh is breaking it all down in this week’s Food Gossip. 👀🍓
Colleen shares an important update from the California Farm Bureau, along with some surprising insights about this year’s fruit harvest and what we might see next season. And yes… strawberries are part of the story.
Curious what’s really going on?
🎥 Watch the new episode of Food Gossip to get the full scoop.
Sources:
California Fresh Fruit Association:
Facebook.com/calfreshfruit
California Farm Bureau @cafarmbureau
#farming #organicfarms #farmlabor #foodgossip
Nov 24
