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.
🌱 𝗭𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗙𝗦𝗜 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
ZEGO Foods was proud to sponsor and participate in the RFSI Forum 2026 in Denver, joining leaders across investment, finance, agriculture, and food to explore ways to build a more resilient and regenerative food system. 💚
Our Founder and CEO, @colleen_kavanagh_z , joined these important conversations on how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful change. We were also excited to partner with @philosopherfoods to bring nut butter to the event’s breakfast spread!
At ZEGO, we believe partnerships like these help bring people together around better food, support a more transparent food system, and create a healthier future for people and the planet. 🌎🌾
Thank you to the RFSI team and everyone working toward a more regenerative future!
#ZEGOFoods #RFSIForum2026 #PhilosopherFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodTransparency FoodSystemResilience
Oct 9
“Try it folks. It’s really the Best Breakfast Ever!” 🥣⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jo P. found a new morning favorite, and we love how they make it their own! Here’s what’s in their bowl:
🍎 Hot, creamy ZEGO Double Protein Organic Oatmeal
🍁 A dollop of applesauce or a drizzle of maple syrup for a special treat
🌾 Specialty raw rolled oats, grown by U.S. farmers
✅ Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals, and gluten-free (<5 ppm)
What’s your go-to oatmeal topping? Tell us in the comments! 👇
Shop link in bio
#ZEGO #ContainsPeaceOfMind #PurityVerified #OatmealLove #RealReviews
Oct 8
🌱 What do oats and chickpeas have in common? They can help support healthier soil when grown together in thoughtful crop rotations.
Oats use nitrogen from the soil as they grow and build protein. Chickpeas and other legumes have a unique ability to help replenish nitrogen in the soil through a natural process called nitrogen fixation.
One of the most fascinating signs of this process happens underground. Legume roots can develop small nodules that indicate the plant is actively working with soil microbes to support nitrogen cycling. 🌿
It`s a powerful reminder that healthy food starts long before harvest. What happens beneath the surface helps support resilient soil, thriving crops, and a stronger food system.
At ZEGO, we believe better food begins with understanding where it comes from, how it`s grown, and the health of the soil that makes it possible. 🌎
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #RegenerativeFarming #FoodTransparency
Oct 7
In August, Colleen stood in Jody`s oat field on the Manuel farm, and we have been waiting to show you these photos since.
National Farmers Day is next Monday, so this week belongs to the people who grow the food in your bowl. When we say know what`s in your bowl, it starts with knowing who planted it.
Swipe through the visit, and tell Jody hello in the comments.
#zegofoods #farmerswelove #nationalfarmersday #knowwhatsinyourbowl #oatfarm
Oct 5
Healthy soil. Stronger harvests. Better food.
On our Montana farm tour, we saw how thoughtful farming practices help support healthier growing systems. Crop rotation, including planting lentils and chickpeas alongside oats, helps naturally replenish soil nutrients and promote long-term soil health. It`s one example of how farmers work with nature to build more resilient food systems.
At ZEGO, we believe better food starts at the source, with transparency every step of the way.
#ZEGOFoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #FoodTransparency #OrganicFarming
Sep 25
🥣 Simple. Protein-packed. Made for busy mornings.
Breakfast is evolving, and more people are looking for foods that are quick, simple, nourishing, and made with ingredients they can trust.
That’s why we created ZEGO Organic Double Protein Oats. 💚
With nearly double the digestible protein of typical oats, 20–40% more fiber than standard rolled oats, and Purity Verified: third-party tested for 500+ agricultural chemicals and heavy metals; gluten-free (<5 ppm). It’s a simple way to bring more nutrition and peace of mind to your morning bowl.
The best part? Make it your own with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, nut butter, or yogurt. 🍓🍯🥜
👉 Read our latest blog: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #DoubleProteinOats #ProteinBreakfast #FoodTransparency #PurityVerified
Sep 19
Edacious FoodData just launched, and ZEGO LLC is proud to be included!
We tested with Edacious and are proud to share our results publicly and be part of a platform that`s finally showing the real variability that exists across the foods we all eat.
Check out our page, and explore the platform: LINK IN BIO
#ZEGOFoods #Edacious #FoodData #FoodTransparency #FoodTraceability
Sep 17
💚 Food transparency is gaining momentum.
California’s proposed “Non-Ultra-Processed” seal could be another step toward a future where consumers have greater access to meaningful food information and independent verification.
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know what’s in their food. That’s why our Purity Verified® program makes testing information easy to access. Simply scan the QR code on your package to see the information behind the food you choose.
Curious about what this proposal could mean for the future of food transparency? Read our latest blog article: LINK IN BIO
#FoodTransparency #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods #KnowYourFood #PeaceOfMind
Sep 16
💚🫐 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮 + 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 + 𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻 = 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼! This creamy, refreshing smoothie packs in plant-based protein, greens, and a delicious burst of blueberry-lemon flavor. ✨
Matcha Blueberry Lemon Protein Smoothie
🥛 1 cup gluten-free plant-based milk
🥬 1 cup baby spinach
🍌 1 banana
🫐 ½ cup blueberries
💪 2 tbsp ZEGO Sacha Inchi Protein Powder
🌾 3 tbsp ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
🍵 1½ tsp matcha powder
🧊 ½ cup ice
Blend everything on high for 30+ seconds until smooth. Add more milk for your desired texture, pour, and enjoy! 💚
Save this recipe for your next morning smoothie! ✨
#ZEGOFoods #MatchaSmoothie #ProteinSmoothie #SmoothieRecipe #HealthyRecipes
Sep 11
📍 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘’𝗦 𝗭𝗘𝗚𝗢? 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗! 🌆💚
We’re so excited to announce that ZEGO is rolling out across the Chicagoland area at Jewel-Osco! 🎉
You can now find some of your ZEGO favorites on shelves, including:
-Double Protein Oatmeal
-ROC Oatmeal
-Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal
-Cinnamon & Spice Superfood Oatmeal
From the city to the suburbs, we’re thrilled to be bringing ZEGO to more shoppers across the Chicago area. 🛒🌱
So the next time you’re shopping at Jewel-Osco, keep an eye out for ZEGO! 👀
📸 Find us? Snap a photo, tag @ZEGOFoods, and show us where you spotted us!
Chicago, we’re so happy to be here. 💚
#ZEGOFoods #WheresZEGO #JewelOsco #PurityVerified #BreakfastMadeBetter
Sep 9
🔎 Food transparency is gaining momentum.
New federal proposals related to GRAS ingredients and ultra-processed foods reflect a growing conversation about giving consumers better access to information about their food. At ZEGO, we believe people deserve meaningful, transparent information so they can make informed choices with confidence.
👉 Read more on the ZEGO blog – link in bio
#FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #KnowYourFood #ZEGO
Aug 28
🌾 A milestone for ZEGO!
Our first regenerative organic oat harvest is underway in Havre, Montana. 🌱
After years of drought and grasshopper damage, this crop is looking especially promising. As part of our commitment to gluten-free oats, we walked the fields to verify they were free of gluten-containing grains and were encouraged by how clean they looked. As with any organic farm, there are some weeds, including bindweed, alfalfa, and amaranth, but they can be easily cleaned out during processing.
Grateful for partners like Jody Manuel of Prairie Ranch Farm and Paul Lightfoot of Patagonia Provisions as we work together to strengthen a more transparent and resilient food system. 💚
#RegenerativeAgriculture #OrganicOats #Montana #ZEGOFoods
Aug 26
Newtopia Now 2026 @newtopianow was a good one! 🌱
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the ZEGO Foods booth and spent some time with us alongside GoodNow! We loved meeting so many people, sharing our products, and being part of such a great community.
A special thank you to @nanajoesgranola, @celiacandthebeast, and @collegeceliackc for connecting with us and helping make the event even more memorable. 💚
Until the next one! 🌱
#ZegoFoods #NewtopiaNow #GoodNow #PlantBased #PeaceOfMind
Aug 20
What’s driving the organic produce boom? 🌱
A recent Naturalist Podcast conversation with Nancy Coulter Parker and Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company, explored themes we care deeply about: transparency, consumer trust, supporting farmers, and understanding where food comes from.
As consumers ask more questions, transparency is becoming essential. We’re proud to be part of the movement toward a more trustworthy food system. 🌾
📖 Link in bio to read and watch.
#ZEGOFoods #OrganicFood #FoodTransparency #OrganicProduce #FutureOfFood
Aug 17
Did you know oats go through a “milk stage”? 🌾
Before an oat becomes the grain we know, it passes through a stage where a milky substance forms inside the hull after pollination. Next comes the dough stage, before the oat fully matures.
Right now, the crop needs the right balance of heat and moisture to thrive. 🌱
It’s a reminder that there’s a lot happening behind every oat and that understanding how food is grown helps us all make more informed choices.
#ZEGOFoods #Oats #KnowYourFood #FoodTransparency #oatfarming
Aug 14
What’s really in your food? 👀
At ZEGO, we believe everyone has a right to know what’s in their food and where it comes from. 🌱
Hear our founder @colleen_kavanagh_z share how ZEGO Foods is raising the bar for food transparency and consumer trust. 🎙️ On About Road to Retail @road2retail , she discusses what it takes to build a brand that stands out through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to helping consumers know what`s in their food.
📖 Read the blog and 🎙️ watch the podcast through the link in bio.
#ZEGOFoods #FoodTransparency #FoodSafety #PurityVerified #KnowYourFood
Aug 13
Join the movement toward a more transparent food future. 🌱
We’re excited to be at @newtopianow with GoodNow Foods. Stop by Booth #1812 to meet the ZEGO team and discover how transparency, traceability, and Purity Verified standards are helping build greater trust in food.
📍 Booth #1812 | August 18–20 | Denver, CO
💚 We can’t wait to connect with the people helping shape what’s next in conscious food.
#NewtopiaNow #PurityVerified #ZEGOFoods
Aug 7
🌾 𝗢𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀
While other grains bloom out in the open, oat flowers stay hidden inside the hull. That tiny detail is one reason oat breeding takes so much care, precision, and patience.
Pretty cool for a breakfast staple. 💚
#ZEGOFoods #OatFacts #DidYouKnow #KnowYourFood #FoodScience
Aug 5
💚 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!
We’re honored to be featured in @eatingwell ‘s ”7 Best Cereals to Reduce Heart Disease Risk.” Thank you to registered dietitian @sheridietitian for including ZEGO and sharing how fiber-rich whole grains can support heart health.
We’re proud to be part of the conversation around nutritious, transparent food choices that help people feel confident about what’s on their plate.
Read the full story: Link in Bio 💚
#EatingWell #HeartHealth #HealthyBreakfast #WholeGrains #Zegofoods
Aug 4
🌱 Good things are growing.
Our oat fields have safely cleared the critical flowering stage, bringing us one step closer to harvest and one step closer to the nutritious foods you know and love. 🌾
Moments like these remind us that great food starts long before it reaches your table. It starts with healthy soil, dedicated farmers, and a commitment to growing food the right way.
Here`s to strong crops and a promising harvest ahead. 💚
#FarmToTable #Oats #RegenerativeAgriculture #HealthySoil #SustainableFarming #HarvestSeason #FieldUpdate #GrowWithNature #CleanFood #ZEGO
Aug 2
