MAHA Certified Merchandise

Azure Standard founder & CEO David Stelzer talks about our list of banned ingredients for the products we sell. He walks through each, describing the particular health dangers.

At Azure we’ve set high standards for ourselves — and for our vendors. We require transparency from all the companies we work with, and Azure only chooses suppliers that produce real foods made with only natural ingredients. Azure Product Standards - Azure Standard 

That means you get nutrient-rich foods that are minimally processed with no artificial additives, no preservatives, no GMOs or MSG, no artificial colors or flavors. That doesn’t mean every item is organic. Some are made with organic ingredients but are not Certified Organic. Some go far beyond organic. They all are earth-friendly, GMO-free and meticulously chosen for their healthful qualities.

Every product that Azure lists as organic must be certified by a third-party organization. Third-party verification ensures that the vendor has undergone a rigorous process to adhere to strict organic standards, as required by law. Many of our products, including those grown on the Azure Farm and advertised under the Azure Husbandry brand, go well beyond the minimum organic standards to provide a superior, clean and nutrient-dense food. Consumers should be aware that products cannot be advertised or labeled as organic in the open marketplace without an organic certification. Check each product’s organic label for more details. And remember, if it’s Certified Organic, it IS non-GMO.

With Azure, every new vendor is required to sign a non-GMO verification letter if they are not already certified non-GMO. Many products we carry are made with mostly organic ingredients but are not Certified Organic for a variety of reasons. We believe our non-organic products are stepping stones in a personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle, which we hope will eventually include more organic. But it’s important for us to offer many options so customers can make the most sensible choice based on what’s best for their family and budget.

Choosing organically grown products is the best approach to avoiding glyphosate (and RoundUp) residues.  Although the conventional products we carry are non-GMO, this does not mean they are free of glyphosate.  Please read our full statement on glyphosates here.

Animal products that are labeled organic must be certified by a third party and are held to a strict standard. The animals must be raised in an organic environment, free of pesticides, herbicides and hormones and have access to the outdoors. The animals are fed organic feed, with no animal byproducts, no GMOs, no antibiotics or artificial hormones, no mRNA vaccines. For more information, check each product’s organic label regarding the standards for their organic livestock.

We are proud to offer quality, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats that are not necessarily Certified Organic. Some vendors are currently following organic practices but have not yet been certified. (It takes at least three years.) All of Azure’s meat and dairy products are from animals that are humanely raised in a hormone-free and antibiotic-free environment (no mRNA vaccines). While none of our products are genetically modified, the animal may have eaten feed that was not non-GMO verified. For non-organic dairy and poultry items, Azure will accurately describe the conditions under which the animal is raised, as provided by our suppliers. By definition, an animal product that is not Certified Organic is not required to adhere to organic standards.

Historically, some supplement companies have sourced ingredients from corn or soy that may have been genetically modified. Today, many of our supplement industry suppliers are moving toward non-GMO verification and/or organic certification. Azure is currently reviewing all our natural supplement products accordingly. Not only that, every new vendor is required to sign a non-GMO verification letter if they are not already certified non-GMO. We encourage customers to read ingredient lists on each natural supplement product to ensure that it meets your needs.

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
• Refined Conventional Sugars
• Artificial Colors
• Artificial Flavors
• Artificial Preservatives
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Bleached Flour
• Certified Colors
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Fluoride
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
• Artificial Nitrates/Nitrites in Meat Products
• Pork Products
• Shellfish Products (except when used as an ingredient in nutritional supplements)
• Tobacco

Most so-called “natural” flavorings are actually excitotoxins in disguise. These can have negative neurologic effects. Azure reviews all products that include “natural flavorings” for items that are unacceptable. All new vendors are required to sign a certification letter clearly stating that their natural ingredients do not contain any of the following items:

• No Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
• No Monoammonium Glutamate (MAG)
• No Monopotassium Glutamate (MPG)
• No Glutamate
• No Glutamic Acid
• No Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• No Hydrolyzed Protein
• No Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
• No Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
• No Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten
• No Plant Protein Extract
• No Sodium Caseinate
• No Calcium Caseinate
• No Autolyzed Yeast
• No Yeast Extract
• No Autolyzed Yeast Extract
• No Textured Protein
• No Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
• No Textured Soy Protein (TSP)
• No Textured Wheat Protein (TWP)
• No Malt Extract
• No Malt Flavoring
• No Stock Flavoring
• No Carrageenan Enzymes
• No Soy Protein Concentrate
• No Soy Protein Isolate

Your skin “eats” what you put on it.  So, for all of our products, including products for external use we exclude the following because they can be absorbed and gain cellular access which could possibly create unsuspected adverse systemic effects.

• No Propyl­ene Glycol
• No Parabens (including Propylparaben, an endocrine disruptor).
• No Peg-8 stearate
• No Talc and Talcum Powder
• No Titanium Dioxide
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• No Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)
• No Aluminum Salts (such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY)

We continually review our product lineup for ingredient compliance, and we work hard to discontinue any items that do not match our standards. If we discover a product that includes unacceptable ingredients, we will investigate and take action, including the discontinuation of that product. We welcome your comments, suggestions and concerns. 

Commonly known as trans fat, these oils extend the shelf life of processed foods such as margarine, chips, and baked goods. These foods can sit on supermarket shelves for months without going bad, but the cost to your health is considerable.

Eating trans fat increases your risk of heart disease and stroke and should be avoided at all costs. The good news is that trans fat has been slowly phased out of many processed foods — but check the label before buying!

Check food labels to confirm your food is trans-fat-free or low in trans fats.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener in processed foods and beverages. It has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues due to its high simple sugars.

Some studies found that Americans consume more calories from high fructose corn syrup than any other added sugar. Why? It’s added to almost everything, from soda and candy to bread and condiments.

Look for foods with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Read labels carefully and avoid beverages with added high fructose corn syrup.

MSG or Monosodium glutamate is an additive used to enhance the flavor of processed foods. It has been linked to various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and even seizures in some people.

It’s not always easy to identify as it can be listed under other names, such as yeast extract or autolyzed yeast. To avoid MSG, look for products labeled as “No Added MSG” and check the ingredient list for any of its other names. Better yet, flavor your food with herbs and spices instead.

Artificial colors are commonly used to give processed foods vivid hues but are not without risks. It contains small amounts of lead and arsenic. Consuming large quantities can increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, cancer, and other health issues.

Navigate the aisles of your supermarket with caution, as these artificial colors may be lurking in processed foods such as soft drinks, candy, and even breakfast cereals.

Look for products labeled “All Natural” or “No Artificial Colors” and opt for foods with natural colorings such as beet juice, turmeric, and paprika instead. Additionally, choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed versions with added dyes.

Commonly found in diet sodas and other low-calorie products, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose can help to reduce your calorie intake — but at what cost? Some research has linked them to metabolic syndrome, weight gain, cancer, and more.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to processed foods, opt for natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. These are still high in calories and should be used sparingly, but they contain more nutrients than artificial sweeteners.

Commonly added to processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and sausages, these preservatives are linked to an increased risk of cancer due to the formation of compounds called nitrosamines.

When shopping for processed meats, look for products labeled “No Added Nitrites/Nitrates” or those cured with plant-based alternatives such as celery powder. Also, get fresh proteins like chicken and fish instead of processed versions to limit your exposure to sodium nitrite/nitrate.

Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are preservatives in many processed foods, from soft drinks to salad dressings. Benzene is a known carcinogen formed when these preservatives are exposed to high temperatures or light. That carcinogen can be found in the atmosphere but is especially dangerous when consumed through food.

Limit your exposure to these preservatives by avoiding processed foods with added preservatives. Too much preservative exposure is not good for your health, so choose fresh, natural ingredients whenever possible.

Processed grains like white flour, rice, pasta, and bread are stripped of their nutrient-dense outer layers during refining. While the remaining white, the starchy center is technically a carbohydrate, it lacks essential nutrients such as fiber and vitamins.

Also, these grains are easy to digest, so they can cause your blood sugar to spike. This is especially problematic for people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight. Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats, or look for products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” to ensure you get all the beneficial nutrients.