What You Need to Know About the 2025 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its much-anticipated Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists—two simple tools that help us make better choices at the grocery store, especially when it comes to reducing our exposure to pesticides.
At Nature’s Fare Markets, we only stock 100% organic produce and we’re big believers in choosing organic whenever possible—not just for our health, but for the health of the planet and the people who grow our food. But we also know organic isn’t always accessible or affordable every time you shop. That’s where the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen come in.
So, what are they?
The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that contain the highest levels of pesticide residue—even after washing and peeling. These are the ones we recommend buying organic whenever you can.
On the flip side, the Clean Fifteen highlights produce with the lowest levels of pesticide residue, making them safer bets when organic isn’t an option.
Why it matters
Even low levels of pesticides can add up over time, and certain populations—like kids, pregnant people, and those with chronic health issues—may be more vulnerable to their effects. The EWG’s list is based on rigorous testing done by the USDA and FDA, so it gives us a solid foundation to make informed, empowered choices.
It’s not about fear—it’s about awareness. Because when you know better, you shop better.
The 2025 Dirty Dozen
These items tested highest for pesticide residues, with some showing traces of multiple different pesticides per sample:
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Kale, Collards, and Mustard Greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Nectarines
- Pears
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Potatoes
➡ Tip: If you’re stocking up on any of these, opt for organic to limit your pesticide exposure—especially for little ones in your household.
The 2025 Clean Fifteen
These fruits and veggies had the lowest pesticide residues—some with none detected at all:
- Pineapples
- Sweet Corn
- Avocados
- Papaya
- Onion
- Sweet Peas (Frozen)
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Kiwi
➡ Tip: These are safer to buy conventional if you’re prioritizing your organic budget elsewhere.
We’re here to help you feel good about the food you bring home. Whether that means shopping 100% organic or picking and choosing where it counts most, these lists are a helpful guide—not a rulebook.
We work closely with local and organic growers to offer the cleanest, most transparent produce possible. And when in doubt, just ask—our team is always happy to help you make a choice that feels right for your body, your family, and your budget.
