The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce for 2026

The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce for 2026

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes the most recent USDA data to compile its Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists for produce in the USA. You will want to use this guide to help you with your grocery shopping, because it tells you which produce items you should definitely be only purchasing organic versus those produce items where it’s probably ok to purchase non-organic to save some money.

2026’s Dirty Dozen List

The Dirty Dozen consists of fruits and vegetables that tend to have the highest levels of pesticide residues when conventionally grown even after thorough cleaning. I recommend you buy only organic when purchasing these items below at your local grocery store or warehouse such as Costco or Sam’s club.

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

2026’s Clean Fifteen List

The Clean Fifteen consists of those fruits and vegetables that tend to have the lowest levels of pesticide residues when conventionally grown and cleaned. Some of these safe foods tend to have a tougher exterior or skin that is removed when prepared for eating. I always purchase organic carrots as the cost difference is minimal and I’m juicing most of my carrots. If the cost isn’t too drastic for your budget, try to stick to the organic or greenhouse grown produce for your overall health and toxic load.

1. Pineapple
2. Sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
3. Avocados
4. Papaya
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage
9. Cauliflower
10. Watermelon
11. Mangoes
12. Bananas
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi