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.
🎉 Food Allergy Awareness Week Giveaway! 🎉
This past Sunday kicked off Food Allergy Awareness Week, and ZEGO is proud to stand with our food allergy community. 💙
At ZEGO, supporting the food allergy community is at the heart of what we do. That’s why all our products are made in a facility free from the top 14 allergens and we’re proud to bring the community clean, worry-free food that is healthy and nutritious.
To help spread awareness and support the incredible work being done in this space, we’re hosting a giveaway!
Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Make a donation—any amount helps!—to your favorite food allergy–related organization or charity
2️⃣ Leave a comment below with the name of the organization you donated to
3️⃣ You’ll be entered to win a ZEGO Prize Pack full of our gluten-free, allergy-friendly, transparency-first products ($50+ value)! 🙌
BONUS ENTRIES:
1️⃣ Share this post to your stories for an extra chance to win
2️⃣ Share a post from your favorite food allergy-related organization or charity to your stories for an extra entry to win. (Be sure to tag @zegofoods so we see it!)
💚 Let’s give a shout out to all the amazing nonprofits working to make life safer and better for everyone living with food allergies.
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Giveaway Terms:
Open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta, Instagram, or Facebook. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via DM. Giveaway closes 05/19/2025.
May 12
We’ve been counting down the days right along with you…
We’re thrilled to announce that our Organic Pure Plant Protein Powder is finally back in stock at zegofoods.com! 🎉
This simple-but-mighty powder is made from just one ingredient—organic sacha inchi seeds. We keep it minimally processed to preserve its nutrients, fiber, and naturally nutty flavor (with NO nuts!).
It’s clean, powerful, and crafted with integrity—just like you expect from ZEGO.
💪 Just ONE ingredient: 100% organic sacha inchi seeds
🌱 6g of complete protein per tablespoon
✅ Free from gluten + top 14 allergens
🌾 Glyphosate-tested + Purity Verified
🌍 Supports small organic farms
This is plant protein at its cleanest—and you can only get it at zegofoods.com! 🙌
May 9
📍 Where’s ZEGO? This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to feature @maysglutenfreemarket in Rhode Island! 🌟
Founded by Celeste Bremer in 2022, May’s was created to be a safe haven for those living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Today, Celeste, Guetty Antiste (aka the Empanada Assassin!), and Jay Romano continue that mission—offering a carefully curated, 100% gluten-free and allergen-friendly space where folks can shop with confidence.
💚 We’re so proud to have ZEGO on their shelves and to be part of their effort to make gluten-free eating simple, safe, and delicious—with food that tastes even better than its gluten counterparts.
If you’re local, be sure to stop in and support this incredible small business that’s doing big things for our community!
🛍️ Know another shop that should carry ZEGO? Tag them below—we’d love to connect!
May 8
🌟 Celiac Disease Awareness Month Tip from Colleen 🌟
This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, our founder Colleen shares an important reminder about the impact of GLP1 medications (like Ozempic) on nutrition, especially for those with celiac disease. These medications can affect your calorie intake, making it even more crucial to focus on nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy. 💚
👉 Watch Colleen’s video to learn why regular doctor visits and mindful nutrition are essential—especially for those managing celiac.
We’d love to hear from you: If you’re navigating this, what strategies do you use to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs? Drop your tips below! 👇#celiacdiseaseawarenessmonth #celiacdiseaseawareness #nutrition #glp1 #healthjourney #healthandwellness
May 6
🎉 It’s Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and we’re honored to stand with our celiac community.
At ZEGO, every product is made with you in mind—gluten-free, free from top allergens, and tested for toxins like glyphosate and heavy metals. Because safety, transparency, and nourishment should be the standard, not the exception.
This month, we’ll be:
📢 Sharing celiac facts & education
🎁 Hosting giveaways
💬 Uplifting voices from our community
Let’s talk, learn, and grow together this month. Drop your story in the comments or send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you! 💚
May 1
If you’re looking for a high-protein sweet treat for breakfast, these chocolate hazelnut protein oats are perfect for you. 🍫🌰This recipe uses chocolate and hazelnut simple syrup (like the kind you use to sweeten your coffee) to boost the flavor of toasted hazelnuts. 😋
✨ Vegan & dairy-free friendly
🌾 Gluten-free + Purity Verified
💪 plant-based protein
🌰 Contains nuts
Here’s how to make it👇
Ingredients
▪️ ⅓ cup ZEGO Double Protein Organic Oats
▪️ ¼ cup vanilla or unflavored plant-based protein powder
▪️ ½ tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
▪️ 1 tbsp hazelnut simple syrup
▪️ ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-fat milk)
▪️ 1 tbsp chocolate syrup or partially melted chocolate
▪️ ½ tbsp chopped hazelnuts, toasted
Optional toppings:
▪️ Chopped chocolate
▪️ Extra toasted hazelnuts
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a ramekin.
Blend oats, protein powder, flax/chia, hazelnut syrup, and milk until smooth (about 15 seconds).
Pour ½ of the mixture into the ramekin.
Add chocolate sauce to the center and sprinkle in hazelnuts.
Cover with remaining oat mixture.
Top with chocolate + hazelnuts.
Bake 20–22 min, until the center is just cooked and dry to touch.
Let cool slightly before digging in!
No hazelnut syrup? Try one of these:
▫️ 1 tbsp water + hazelnut stevia drops
▫️ 2 tsp water + 1 tsp sugar + ¼ tsp hazelnut extract
Tag us if you try it! #ZEGOEats 💚
Apr 30
Earth Day may be over, but its message should guide us all year long. 🌍
As Dr. Zach Bush says: “We can’t have healthy people on a sick planet.”
And the data backs him up.
Soil depleted of nutrients = crops lower in nutrition.
Chemical pesticides = toxins in our food and water.
Industrial farming = harm to the planet and our health.
That’s why ZEGO chooses a different path—
✅ Supporting regenerative and organic farming
✅ 3rd Party Lab Testing for toxins and heavy metals
✅ Sharing the results on our website, because you deserve transparency
Earth Day is a moment to reflect. Your next meal is a chance to act. 💚
Apr 25
🌱 Happy Earth Day from ZEGO! 🌾
This Earth Day, we’re celebrating one of the most sustainable crops on the planet—oats! 💚
Not only are oats nourishing and naturally gluten-free, they also use less water, help rebuild healthy soil, and require fewer inputs than many other grains. That makes them better for you and better for the planet. 🌍
📍 This stunning field in Montana is one of the places our oats are grown. We’re lucky to work with farmers who care deeply about the land and grow using Purity Protocol methods to ensure safety for those with celiac and food allergies.
This Earth Day, we invite you to pause and appreciate where your food comes from—and how it can help build a healthier planet. 🌍💚
Apr 22
🌟 Where’s ZEGO? In Eugene, Oregon @capella.market
— your neighborhood destination for high-quality, natural foods! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce that our nut-free, organic muesli is now available at Capella Market — a store that shines as brightly as the star it’s named after (seriously, Capella is one of the brightest stars in the northern sky ✨).
Capella Market has deep roots in Eugene’s natural foods community and is committed to providing nutritious, high-quality options for your family. And now, that includes ZEGO’s Purity Verified muesli — packed with gluten-free oats, seeds, and dried fruit, and always free from the top allergens.
🛒 Find us at:
📍 2489 Willamette St, Eugene, OR
📍 In the historic Oasis/Wild Oats building!
Next time you’re shopping for breakfast or snack staples, grab a bag (or two) and taste the ZEGO difference. 💚
Apr 21
🥕✨ Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Overnight Oats ✨🥕
If you love carrot cake, you’re going to love this wholesome twist — no baking required!
Our Cinnamon Spice Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend makes the perfect base, with warm cinnamon, allspice, sunflower seeds, and flax for added nutrition and crunch — all without any nuts, gluten, dairy, or added sugar.
This recipe is allergy-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and made in just minutes the night before.
What you’ll need for 1 serving:
🥣 1/3 cup ZEGO Cinnamon Spice Superfood Oatmeal Blend
🍇 1 tbsp golden raisins
🍇 1 tbsp raisins
🥥 1 tbsp shredded coconut
🥕 3 tbsp finely shredded carrots
🌿 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🍁 1 tbsp maple syrup
🥥 1/3 cup coconut milk (or oat milk if needed)
Toppings: More raisins, shredded carrots and coconut, walnuts (if no allergy concerns!), and a dollop of your favorite yogurt (we used vanilla bean coconut yogurt)
How to make it:
1️⃣ In a jar or lidded container, mix together milk, vanilla, and maple syrup
2️⃣ Stir in carrots, raisins, and coconut
3️⃣ Add your ZEGO oatmeal blend and mix until combined
4️⃣ Refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours
5️⃣ Top with more shredded carrots, raisins, and a dollop of your favorite yogurt
🥄 Perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even a healthy dessert.
💬 Tried it? Tag us — we love seeing your ZEGO creations!
Apr 18
🧡 Customer Love from Texas! 🧡
We’re always so grateful when you take the time to share how you enjoy ZEGO products! Here’s what one happy customer had to say about our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli:
“This muesli is really good. I like it mixed with cottage cheese or yogurt. I love anything with a cinnamon taste and have not ever had any muesli like this before. I recommend trying it.”
— CMVTexas
✨ Not too sweet. Full of cozy cinnamon spice. And completely unique — just like all our muesli blends.
Perfect stirred into yogurt, as a topping for baked goods, or enjoyed straight from the bag with your favorite milk as a healthy cold cereal alternative.
📍Have you tried Cinnamon Twist yet? Let us know your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments!
Apr 16
🫐🍋✨ Blueberry Lemon Poppy Oatmeal Cookies ✨🍋🫐
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet — these cookies are a breeze to make and totally allergy-friendly!
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Nut-Free
✅ Egg-Free
✅ Made with just a few simple ingredients!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
(makes approximately 22-24 cookies)
🥣 1 bag ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Organic Superfood Oatmeal Blend
🍌 2 very ripe bananas
🍁 1/4 cup maple syrup
🌿 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🌻 2/3 cup sunflower seed butter
🍋 Zest from 1 Lemon
Optional: 1/4 c dark chocolate morsels
Directions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F
2️⃣ Mash bananas in a medium bowl
3️⃣ Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and sunflower seed butter
4️⃣ Add the oatmeal blend and mix until well combined. The mixture will be very wet, not so much a dough
5️⃣ Using a cookie scoop, scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork
6️⃣ Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden
💡 Tip: Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes before removing — they’ll firm up as they cool. Try to move them too soon and they may fall apart!
💬 Enjoy and tag us if you bake a batch — we’d love to see!
Apr 14
💪 Why Protein-Packed Oats Are a Smart Start to Your Day 🌞
Did you know oats are nutritionally superior as a protein source compared to many other cereals? And ZEGO’s Double Protein Oats take that even further — with 10g of plant-based protein per serving. That’s double what most oats offer.
But why does that matter?
➡️ Protein helps keep you full and focused.
➡️ It supports muscle maintenance and growth.
➡️ And for many people — from athletes to aging adults — getting a bit more protein at breakfast can make a real difference.
In fact, a study of over 10,000 healthy adults found that breakfasts with 10–23g of protein were linked to better blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
✨ Pro Tip:
Cook your ZEGO oats with milk instead of water to boost protein even more (by ~8g) — plus you’ll get essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and iodine. Prefer dairy-free? Choose a fortified plant-based milk that suits your needs.
💬 Whether you’re eating gluten-free, plant-based, or just looking to stay energized, our Double Protein Oats make it easy to get a wholesome, protein-strong start to your day — no powders or additives needed.
Apr 10
Did you know last week was National Sourdough Day? We’re still celebrating over here! 🥖😋
We made our sourdough starter using our raw Double Protein Oats (yes, oats!). And guess what? We’ve been putting the discard to delicious use—like in these Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Rosemary Crackers! 🌿
They’re savory, herby, and totally snack board-worthy—plus they’re celiac and allergy-friendly 💚
✨ Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Rosemary Crackers ✨
Ingredients:
1 cup ZEGO Double Protein Oats, ground into flour
1 cup sourdough discard (gluten-free)
1/3 cup crushed sunflower seeds
4 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp gluten-free baking powder
4 tbsp olive oil
Extra herbs + flaky salt (like Maldon) for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Blend ZEGO oats into flour using a high-speed blender or food processor (1–2 min).
In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil with the sourdough discard (it won’t fully combine).
Combine wet and dry ingredients. If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tbsp oat milk.
Divide dough into two portions. Place between two sheets of parchment and roll it out (the thinner you roll it, the crispier your crackers will be!).
Peel off the top parchment. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the crackers lightly with olive oil. Then sprinkle with flaky salt and extra fresh or dried rosemary.
Slice into crackers using a pizza cutter, or use a small biscuit cutter for round shapes. Lightly score the middles with a fork.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
Let cool, then snack away!
Let us know if you give this recipe a try!
Have you ever used oat-based sourdough discard before?
Apr 8
🌾 San Diego friends! ZEGO’s Double Protein Oatmeal and Organic Mueslis are now available at Jimbo’s 🎉
We’re honored to be on the shelves at Jimbo’s, a San Diego favorite with four locations (and more coming soon!). Jimbo’s has been leading the way since 1984 with a strong commitment to organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture 🌱💚
Just like ZEGO, they believe in purity, transparency, and nourishing food that supports both people and the planet. That’s why we’re thrilled to team up.
✨ As always, we suggest calling ahead to make sure your favorite flavor is in stock!
Big thanks to @jimbosnaturally for supporting regenerative farmers and clean food for all 🙌
Apr 4
Happy National Sourdough Bread Day! 🍞✨
Did you know ZEGO’s HQ is in San Francisco, the city famous for its iconic sourdough? While sourdough has ancient roots in Egypt, it became a staple in SF during the Gold Rush, fueling miners with its tangy, nourishing goodness. Today, it’s still a favorite—often served as a bread bowl filled with creamy clam chowder!
Now, you can bring that tradition home with ZEGO’s Organic Double Protein Oats. Our raw gluten-free oats make an incredibly fast and effective sourdough starter—even quicker than traditional oatmeal or flour-based starters.
🥖 Why Our Sourdough Starter is a Must-Try:
✔️ Faster fermentation with ZEGO’s raw, Double Protein Oats
✔️ Gut-friendly & easier to digest thanks to prebiotic fiber
✔️ Naturally leavens your dough for fluffy pancakes, muffins, and waffles
And don’t toss that sourdough discard—it’s liquid gold! 🌟 We’re sharing some delicious recipes in our Stories to make the most of it (totally worth it just for the discard recipes!).
💛 Want to give it a try? Check out our Stories or zegofoods.com for step-by-step instructions + recipes!
Tag a sourdough-loving friend & let’s get fermenting! 🍞👇
Apr 1
As March comes to a close, we’re reflecting on two important celebrations—B Corp Month and Women’s History Month. 🌎💙 As a proudly women-owned and Certified B Corp company, ZEGO is committed to raising the bar in food safety, transparency, and sustainability.
✅ Being a B Corp means we meet the highest standards for social and environmental responsibility. From our Purity Verified testing for toxins like glyphosate and heavy metals to our direct partnerships with farmers, every decision we make is rooted in integrity and impact.
👩🌾 Women-Owned, Mission-Driven—Our founder, Colleen Kavanagh, has dedicated her career to creating a safer, healthier food system. Her leadership inspires us daily to push for more transparency and better food choices for all.
💡 As we wrap up these celebrations, we remain focused on what matters most: providing you with safe, nourishing, and delicious food while advocating for a better future for people and the planet. Thank you for being part of our journey!#genb #womenowned #sustainability #regenerativefarming #organic
Mar 31
🌱 New Episode of Food Gossip with ZEGO Founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh!
Colleen recently visited the Ulhorn family farm in Idaho to see their regenerative farming practices in action. 🚜✨
By growing their own high-quality seeds and coating them in a nutrient-rich compost slurry, they’re protecting their crops naturally from pests and disease—even on their conventional fields! 🌾✨
Check out the full episode to learn how these farmers are pioneering the future of food!
Mar 28
Spring Break Snack Hack: No-Bake Energy Balls! ☀️🌴🍎
Fuel your spring break adventures with these easy, no-bake energy balls! Whether you’re road-tripping, hitting the playground, or just soaking up the sunshine, these crunchy little bites are packed with protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and deliciousness to keep everyone satisfied.
These snacks are super easy to make, so your little ones can join in on the fun by mixing, rolling, and tasting everything! Plus, they’re gluten-free, nut-free, and safe for all top allergens, which means everyone can indulge without a care in the world. Let the baking adventure begin!
✨ Apple Cinnamon Crunch Energy Balls ✨
Ingredients:
🍏 1 1/3 cup ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli
🥜 ½ cup sunflower seed butter
🍯 4 tbsp maple syrup
🌿 1 tsp allspice
🌸 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🍏 3/4 cup broken up freeze-dried apple pieces
💪 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
👊 How to Make:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
2️⃣ Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes
3️⃣ Roll into bite-sized balls. (a small cookie scoop is great for this!)
4️⃣ Pack them up and GO! (or keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks😊)
The perfect allergy-friendly snack to keep your little explorers fueled all week long! Tag us when you make these and show us where you’re taking your ZEGO snacks this spring break! 🌸🏕️
Mar 26
☀️🥣 Double the protein, double the flavor. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory—this bowl has it all! 🍯🥥 We’ve been exploring some new and different oatmeal toppings to mix up our mornings. We’re just a little obsessed with this flavor combo—caramelized bananas + crispy coconut bacon = PERFECTION. 🤤
What’s the most unexpected topping you’ve ever put on oatmeal? Let’s hear it! 👇
Mar 21
