The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen: What Should You Actually Buy Organic?

You don't need to buy everything organic. But knowing where to prioritise your money can make grocery shopping a little easier.

Have you ever stood in the supermarket wondering whether you really need to spend the extra money on organic strawberries, apples or spinach?

I certainly understand the dilemma.

As a mum, I'm conscious of what comes into our home, from the food we eat to the products we use every day.

What Is the Dirty Dozen?

The Dirty Dozen highlights 12 types of produce that ranked highest for pesticide residues.

If choosing organic is important to you, these are some of the foods you might consider prioritising buying organic.

 

The 2026 Dirty Dozen

1. Spinach
2. Kale, collard & mustard greens
3. Strawberries
4. Grapes
5. Nectarines
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Apples
9. Blackberries
10. Pears
11. Potatoes
12. Blueberries

Those are the ones you want to buy organic to eliminate pesticides.

My little shopping tip: If organic isn't within your budget for everything, consider starting with the foods your family eats most frequently.

For example, if strawberries, apples and blueberries are everyday favourites in your household, you might choose to prioritise those.

What Is the Clean Fifteen?

Now the good news!

The Clean Fifteen includes produce that ranked lowest for pesticide residues.

These may be useful options when you're trying to balance your grocery budget.

The 2026 Clean Fifteen

These foods generally had lower detected pesticide residues and would be ok to buy non- organic.

That doesn't mean they're completely pesticide-free, but it can help you decide where you feel comfortable saving money.

My Approach to Buying Organic

For me, conscious living isn't about getting everything perfect.

It's about being intentional with the choices available to us.

Here are a few ways I like to approach grocery shopping:

Prioritise what your family eats most.

If your children go through several punnets of berries each week, organic berries might be a worthwhile priority for your household.

Shop seasonally.

Seasonal produce can be more affordable, taste wonderful and give you opportunities to try different foods.

Explore local growers.

Farmers' markets can be a lovely way to learn where your food comes from and ask questions about growing practices.

Wash your produce.

Whether you choose organic or conventional, wash fresh fruit and vegetables. Research shows that soaking your produce in water and bicarb soda for at least 15 minutes can reduce toxins significantly.

Don't let perfection stop you from eating well.

And sometimes, the best option is simply the fresh food that's available and affordable for your family.

 

Want to make grocery shopping a little easier?

I've put together a simple Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen shopping guide for you to save to your phone or print out.

Keep it handy for your next supermarket trip.

Download Your Free Shopping Guide