Understanding the Dirty Dozen and the EWG
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization focused on environmental health, publishes its 'Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce'. This guide includes two well-known lists: the 'Dirty Dozen' and the 'Clean Fifteen'. The Dirty Dozen names the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residue levels, while the Clean Fifteen lists the produce with the lowest. The lists are based on data from tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For its 2025 guide, EWG refined its methodology to not only assess the percentage of samples with pesticides and the number of different pesticides found, but also to evaluate the overall toxicity of the chemicals detected. This update led to some changes in the rankings, confirming or adding several types of berries to the list.
Which Berries Made the 2025 Dirty Dozen?
For 2025, the EWG's Dirty Dozen list includes three popular types of berries: strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
- Strawberries: Consistently ranking near the top, strawberries are a frequent feature on the Dirty Dozen list. A high percentage of conventional strawberry samples have shown multiple pesticide residues. This is due to how they are grown and the large number of fungicides and pesticides used to protect them from pests and mold.
- Blackberries: Making their debut on the Dirty Dozen list in 2025, blackberries were tested by the USDA for the first time in 2023. The results showed that 93% of blackberry samples contained pesticide residues, including cypermethrin, a possible human carcinogen.
- Blueberries: After a multi-year absence, blueberries reappeared on the list in recent years. The EWG's 2024 data (used for the 2025 list) showed that a high percentage of conventional blueberry samples had pesticide residues, with many containing multiple different types.
The Broader Context: Beyond the Black and White
The EWG's lists are intended as a tool for consumers, not a directive to avoid certain foods entirely. The organization itself emphasizes that the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic, are plentiful. Critics, such as the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), argue that the list's focus on pesticide residues might discourage people from consuming produce, which poses a greater health risk than low-level pesticide exposure. The key is understanding the information and making informed decisions based on your budget and health goals.
Can washing remove all pesticides from berries?
While effective washing can significantly reduce surface-level pesticide residues, it's not a foolproof solution, especially for fruits with thin, porous skins like berries. A simple rinse under running water is better than nothing, but a more thorough wash, like a baking soda soak, can be more effective. However, some systemic pesticides can be absorbed by the plant, meaning they are present inside the fruit itself and cannot be washed away. This is where the organic choice becomes more relevant for Dirty Dozen items.
Comparison: Conventional vs. Organic Berries
| Feature | Conventional Berries | Organic Berries |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Residue | High levels, can include multiple types; some are systemic. | Minimal to no synthetic pesticide residue. Must meet strict organic standards. |
| Price | Generally less expensive than organic counterparts. | Often higher priced, reflecting cost of organic farming methods. |
| Availability | Widely available in most grocery stores year-round. | Less common in all stores, may have seasonal availability limitations. |
| Nutritional Value | Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. | Provides comparable nutritional value; some studies suggest slightly higher nutrient content in certain organics. |
| Best Practice for Consumers | Wash thoroughly, ideally with a baking soda soak, to reduce surface residues. | Enjoy with minimal concern over synthetic pesticide residues; still wash to remove dirt and microbes. |
Making Smart Choices: Budget-Friendly Tips
If buying all organic produce isn't feasible, you can use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists strategically to stretch your grocery budget. Prioritize buying organic versions of the berries on the Dirty Dozen list, but feel confident in purchasing conventionally grown items from the Clean Fifteen, which include produce like pineapple, avocado, and sweet corn.
To make your conventional berries as clean as possible, try the baking soda soak method recommended by UCLA Health. A solution of two teaspoons of baking soda to one quart of water, with a 30-second soak and thorough rinse, is a cost-effective way to reduce pesticide residue.
A Concluding Perspective on Berries and Pesticides
Ultimately, eating more fruits and vegetables is crucial for good health, regardless of how they are grown. The EWG's Dirty Dozen list provides valuable information for consumers who wish to minimize their exposure to pesticides. The answer to "are berries on the dirty dozen?" is a definitive yes for strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries in 2025, but this information should serve as a guide for conscious consumption, not a deterrent. Whether you opt for organic berries or simply take extra care in washing conventional ones, the most important takeaway is to keep these nutritious foods in your diet.
For more information on the criteria used to create the list, you can read the Environmental Working Group's updated methodology on their official site.
