The Latest Uk Dirty Dozen - What To Buy Organic in 2026 & How To Save

Every year, Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) analyses government testing data to uncover which fruits and vegetables are most contaminated with pesticide residues. Not just one pesticide, but often a cocktail of them.

The 2026 Dirty Dozen list is now out, and it’s one of the most useful tools you can use to make informed choices about where buying organic really matters - especially if you’re supporting your fertility, hormonal health, or overall wellbeing.

Why the Dirty Dozen Matters

In the UK, legal safety limits are set for individual pesticides. However, these limits don’t account for the combined effect of multiple chemical residues found on a single piece of produce.

Emerging research shows that this “chemical cocktail effect” may be more harmful than individual pesticides alone, particularly for:

• Hormonal health

• Fertility and reproductive health

• Developing babies and children

• Long-term health and disease risk

  
  

This is why PAN UK’s Dirty Dozen is so helpful - it allows us to prioritise organic choices where they’ll have the biggest impact, without needing to buy everything organic.

The UK Dirty Dozen 2026

These are the fruits, vegetables and foods most likely to contain multiple pesticide residues in order of worst impact. Where possible, these are the ones I recommend prioritising organic.

2026 Dirty Dozen:

• Grapefruit

• Grapes

• Limes

• Bananas

• Peppers

• Melon

• Beans (fresh)

• Chilli peppers

• Mushrooms

• Broccoli

• Aubergine

• Beans & lentils (dried)

  
  

Small swaps here can make a meaningful difference over time - both for your health and for the planet 🌿

What About Previous Dirty Dozen Foods?

Interestingly, some foods that have ranked highly in previous years don’t appear on the 2026 list - but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re “clean”.

Past high-risk foods included:

• Leafy greens including spinach, rocket and kale

• Berries

• Tomatoes

• Bread

  
  

I’d still encourage choosing organic for these where possible, especially if you eat them regularly or are supporting fertility or pregnancy.

Where to Buy Organic (Without Spending a Fortune)

One of the biggest concerns I hear is that organic food is too expensive. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

💡 Top Tips for Saving on Organic

• Aldi & Lidl - consistently the lowest prices for organic staples

• Tesco, Sainsbury’s & Asda - mid-range pricing and good availability

• Waitrose, Ocado & M&S - more expensive, but excellent range and convenience

• Local markets & greengrocers - often cheaper for organic fruit and veg

• Organic box schemes - can be great value, especially for seasonal produce

• Frozen organic fruit & veg - perfect for smoothies, soups and cooking

  
  

Brands I Love

Riverford is my go to for organic seasonal local produce and you can save £15 off your first box as a new customer using my referral link here. 

Duchy Organic has a brilliant range of organic, pesticide-free alternatives that are widely available at Waitrose. They’re a great option if you’re just starting to make organic swaps and want something accessible and reliable.

Pack’d has a fantastic range of frozen organic fruit and vegetables which you can show with 25% off using my code JEN25 and link here.

The Takeaway

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight.

Using the Dirty Dozen as a guide allows you to:

• Reduce pesticide exposure where it matters most

• Make informed, realistic food choices

• Support your fertility and long-term health

• Shop more sustainably

  
  

Remember - small, consistent changes really do add up.

If you’d like more support with fertility-friendly nutrition, organic shopping swaps or meal inspiration, make sure you’re signed up to my newsletter here - and as always, I’m only an email away.

With love,

Jen xx