Have you seen the newly released Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)? Each year, this report makes headlines in the U.S. for spotlighting the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues.
The Dirty Dozen™ is part of EWG’s annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™. Based on U.S. testing of conventionally grown crops, it helps you make safer choices by identifying the foods most likely to carry pesticides — even after washing and peeling. Paired with the “Clean Fifteen™,” which highlights produce lowest in residues, it has become a trusted tool for smarter shopping.
Our take: the 2025 list brings some shakeups compared to last year, with a couple of surprising newcomers. Here’s what you need to know and how to use this guide to make healthier choices.
Why the Dirty Dozen™ Matters
Many of the crops on the list are thin-skinned fruits or leafy greens that absorb sprays easily, which means residues remain even after rinsing. Over time, repeated low-level exposure has been linked to hormone disruption, developmental concerns in children, cancer risks, and weakened immunity.
Children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable.
The 2025 Dirty Dozen™
Here are the foods topping the list this year:
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Nectarines
- Pears
- Apples
- Blackberries (new this year)
- Blueberries
- Potatoes (new this year)
What Changed From 2024
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Blackberries debuted after the USDA began testing them in 2023, immediately ranking in the top ten.
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Potatoes returned after testing once again showed high contamination.
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Green beans and bell/hot peppers, on last year’s list, dropped off in 2025.
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Blueberries remained but shifted down with the addition of blackberries.
The list evolves as testing expands and farming practices shift — a reminder to check it each year.
Organic Isn’t Always Perfect
Choosing organic is one of the best ways to lower pesticide exposure, but it isn’t foolproof. In the U.S., organic and non-organic crops can be grown side by side, meaning some drift is possible. Large-scale organic farms may also follow the letter of the law without going beyond it.
That’s why asking about “no spray” or “low spray” at local farmers’ markets can sometimes give you more confidence than the label alone. Organic is still a valuable standard, but knowing your grower is even better.
How to Shop and Prep Smarter
You don’t need to avoid produce — you just need a strategy.
1. Choose Local
Imported produce often carries heavier spray loads. Farmers’ markets let you ask growers directly about their methods.
2. Prioritize Organics Where It Counts
If you can’t buy everything organic, focus on the Dirty Dozen first. For lower-risk produce, rely on the Clean Fifteen.
3. Wash Effectively
No wash removes every pesticide, but some work better than others:
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Baking soda soak: 1 teaspoon per 2 cups water, soak for 10–15 minutes.
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Salt water soak: 2 teaspoons salt per 4 cups water, soak for 10 minutes.
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Scrub or peel: For firm produce like apples or cucumbers, a brush and rinse can help.
These methods reduce residues more effectively than vinegar alone.
Make Grocery Shopping Easier
To simplify your shopping trips, we’ve created a free Grocery Shopping Guide with the Dirty Dozen™ and non-detox friendly food. Keep it on your phone or print it for quick reference.
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