The Dirty Dozen – everyday chemicals and how to make informed choices
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We encounter chemicals every day - often without noticing it
From brushing your teeth in the morning to the plastic lunch container in the microwave - every day we come into contact with chemicals. Most are permitted within limit values, but research shows that we still know too little about how different substances interact in the body.
As early as 2000, a global report showed that around 90% of all chemicals people are exposed to have not been adequately studied. Some substances affect the hormonal system or the immune system over time, even at very low levels of exposure.
This is not about becoming afraid - but about becoming aware. Every time we choose clean ingredients and organic products, we reduce the burden on the body and the environment.
Did you know? Parabens and phthalates - hidden chemicals in everyday life
Parabens and phthalates are common in beauty products, plastic packaging, and personal care items.
Studies show that women who use several products daily can be exposed to up to 250 chemicals, more than half of which can be identified in the body the same day.
That is why it is wise to read ingredient lists and choose products with short, natural ingredient lists. The same philosophy applies to the food we eat - the fewer synthetic additives, the better for the body.
Pesticides and crop protection chemicals in food
Crop protection chemicals (pesticides) are used to protect crops, but traces of them often remain in food.
According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than 200 different pesticides were detected in samples from this year's Dirty Dozen list 2025.
Within the EU, PFAS-based pesticides - so-called "forever chemicals" - have also been found in up to 30% of tested fruits and vegetables.
Choosing organic and locally grown products is therefore a simple and effective way to reduce exposure.
What is The Dirty Dozen - the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides?
Every year, EWG publishes the The Dirty Dozen list, showing which fruits and vegetables contain the most pesticides.
The 2025 list includes:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard greens, mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries (cultivated)
- Potatoes
Alternatives and natural substitutes
Choosing organic is especially wise for these foods - but you can also switch to clean, nutrient-rich alternatives with similar flavor or nutritional content. Plus some organic Superfood & berries alternatives and tips.
| Dirty Dozen | Can be replaced with (cleaner alternatives) | Superfood & berries tips (organic) |
|---|---|---|
| Celery | Fennel, courgette, cucumber (organic) | - |
| Peach | Mango, papaya, cantaloupe melon | Berry Beautiful - with lucuma, rosehip, baobab, blueberry & acai. |
| Strawberries | Raspberries, wild blueberries, blackberries | Berry Beautiful - a berry blend with no additives, perfect in a smoothie. |
| Apples | Pears (organic), watermelon, kiwi | Wake Up Wonder - with cocoa, guayusa & chaga for natural energy. |
| Cultivated blueberries | Wild blueberries, blackcurrants, aronia | Berry Beautiful - naturally rich in antioxidants. |
| Apricot | Mango, papaya, figs | Belly Boost - with baobab, ginger & cinnamon, provides mild sweetness & fibre. |
| Nectarine | Raspberries, watermelon, kiwi | Hormon Harmony - with ashwagandha, lucuma & maca, balancing & nutrient-rich. |
| Green bell pepper | Broccoli, peas, romaine lettuce | - |
| Red bell pepper | Tomato, asparagus, carrot, broccoli | - |
| Spinach / lettuce | Chard, asparagus, Brussels sprouts | Hormon Harmony - green adaptogens & plants for balance. |
| Kale | Cress, beet greens, chard | Hormon Harmony - rich in plant nutrients. |
| Cherries | Raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants | Berry Beautiful - natural colour, sweetness & glow. |
| Cucumber | Courgette, fennel, celery (organic) | Belly Boost - with lemongrass, psyllium husk & star anise. |
| Potatoes / squash | Sweet potato, carrot, parsnip | Belly Boost - natural fibre blend for everyday balance. |
| Grapes / wine | Kiwi, watermelon, mango, natural wine (organic) | Wake Up Wonder - with guayusa & reishi, for focus & energy. |
Tip: Swedish organic ingredients are often a safe choice thanks to strict regulations and high food safety standards.
Recipe: Overnight oats with applesauce & Berry Beautiful
Ingredients:
- 2 dl organic oats
- 2 tsp organic chia seeds
- 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- 1-2 tsp Berry Beautiful, Organic superfood blend organically certified by SMAK
- 1 dl homemade applesauce (preferably made from Swedish apples)
Method:
- Mix the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and Berry Beautiful.
- Pour over milk of your choice and leave in the fridge overnight.
- Top with applesauce and blueberries.
A simple way to choose clean, colourful, and naturally delicious food.
Choose clean, choose consciously
Reducing the amount of pesticides in your food is not about perfection - but about conscious choices.
With Superfood & berries, you get natural, organic products developed to make everyday life easier, tastier, and cleaner. Simply a great complement.
Explore all Superfood & berries products here
Sources & references
Environmental Working Group (2025). Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ Lists.
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews
PAN Europe (2024). Toxic Harvest: PFAS pesticides in fruit and vegetables in Europe.
https://www.pan-europe.info
EFSA (2023). Annual Report on Pesticide Residues in Food.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (2024). Chemicals in everyday life - facts and advice.
https://www.naturvardsverket.se
