Are carrots on the Dirty Dozen list? The Truth About Pesticide Rankings

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) latest annual report, carrots are not on the infamous Dirty Dozen list; instead, they are consistently featured on the Clean Fifteen, which highlights produce with the lowest pesticide residue. This means that for those following a nutrition diet, carrots can be a safe and budget-friendly conventional choice, though proper washing is always recommended.

Quick Summary

Carrots are not on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list but are consistently ranked on the Clean Fifteen, indicating low pesticide residue. This guide explores what these produce rankings mean, provides information on the current Dirty Dozen, and details the robust nutritional benefits of carrots for a healthy diet.

Key Points

Clean Fifteen Status: Carrots are on the Clean Fifteen list, not the Dirty Dozen, due to their low pesticide residue.
EWG's Annual Guide: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes these lists to help consumers prioritize organic purchases based on USDA pesticide testing data.
Nutrient-Rich Vegetable: Carrots are a powerful source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins K1, B6, and C, supporting vision, heart health, and digestion.
Effective Washing Methods: Simple washing under running water, often with scrubbing, is sufficient to remove surface residue from carrots. A baking soda soak can offer an extra layer of cleaning for those who wish.
Don't Fear Conventional Carrots: The goal of the EWG lists is not to discourage produce consumption. Conventional carrots are considered a safe and affordable option.

Understanding the EWG's Produce Lists

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit health advocacy organization, publishes its 'Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce'. This guide includes the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists, which aim to help consumers make informed choices about which produce to consider buying organic. The lists are compiled using government testing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Dirty Dozen

This list identifies 12 types of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that have the highest levels of pesticide residues, even after washing. Produce on this list often has characteristics that make it more likely to retain pesticides, and many samples contain residues from multiple pesticides.

The Clean Fifteen

Conversely, the Clean Fifteen list features 15 types of conventional produce found to have the lowest pesticide residues. A significant number of samples from the Clean Fifteen have no detectable pesticide residues, and many have protective outer layers, although this is not a universal characteristic.

The 2025 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

The 2025 reports provide the most current rankings of produce by pesticide residue levels. The full lists can be found on {Link: CNN https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/health/2025-dirty-dozen-pesticide-wellness} and {Link: Food and Wine https://www.foodandwine.com/dirty-dozen-produce-environmental-working-group-report-2025-11751048}.

The 2025 Dirty Dozen List

The 2025 Dirty Dozen includes produce such as spinach, strawberries, kale, and grapes.

The 2025 Clean Fifteen List (including carrots)

The 2025 Clean Fifteen features produce with low pesticide residue, including pineapples, avocados, sweet corn, and carrots. Carrots have been consistently included on this list.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Carrots are a Healthy Choice

Beyond their low pesticide ranking, carrots offer numerous health benefits making them a valuable addition to any balanced diet. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, essential for vision, immunity, and skin health. Carrots are also high in fiber, aiding digestion and potentially helping lower cholesterol. They provide other vital nutrients like Vitamin K1, biotin, and potassium. The carotenoids and fiber in carrots may support heart health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Their high fiber and water content make them a low-calorie option that can help with satiety and weight management.

Reducing Pesticide Exposure: Washing and Choosing Produce

While carrots are on the Clean Fifteen, proper washing is always recommended for all produce to minimize any potential residue.

Comparison of produce categories


Feature	Dirty Dozen Produce	Clean Fifteen Produce
Pesticide Residue Risk	Highest residue detected	Lowest residue detected
Organic Priority	High priority to buy organic	Lower priority; conventional is a safe bet
Skin & Texture	Often delicate, porous skin	Often protective, tough outer layer or grown underground
Washing Effectiveness	Less effective due to absorption	Very effective at removing surface residues

How to Wash Produce Effectively

Running Water: Rinse firm produce like carrots under cold running water.
Scrubbing: Use a soft brush to scrub the surface of vegetables with firm skin.
Baking Soda Soak: Some research suggests that soaking produce in a solution of baking soda and water (1 teaspoon per 2 cups) for 10-15 minutes, followed by rinsing, can help remove some surface pesticides.
Avoid Soaps: Do not use soap or detergents as they can be absorbed by the produce.

Conclusion: Carrots Are a Wise Choice

To answer the question, are carrots on the Dirty Dozen list, definitively: no. Carrots consistently appear on the Clean Fifteen, indicating low pesticide residue levels and making conventionally grown carrots a safe and healthy option. The EWG's lists are helpful guides for consumers looking to reduce pesticide exposure, but they should not discourage the consumption of any fruits and vegetables, which are essential for a healthy diet. By understanding these lists and practicing proper washing techniques, you can confidently include carrots in your nutrition diet and enjoy their many benefits.

For more detailed information on the EWG's methodology and lists, please refer to their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrots are on the Clean Fifteen list because government testing data consistently shows they have very low levels of pesticide residue. Many items on this list, like carrots, grow partly underground, which can offer protection from some topical pesticides.

The Dirty Dozen is an annual list compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that identifies 12 types of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, based on USDA testing.

Yes, it is always a good practice to wash all produce, both organic and conventional, before eating to remove dirt, bacteria, and any remaining pesticide residue. For firm vegetables like carrots, a gentle scrub with a brush is recommended.

There is no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional produce. The lists are concerned with pesticide residue levels, not the overall nutrient content. All carrots provide excellent nutritional benefits.

Peeling carrots can remove some of the pesticide residue on the surface. However, some pesticides are systemic, meaning they are absorbed into the plant's flesh. Additionally, peeling removes healthy fiber and nutrients contained in the skin.

Washing carrots under cold, running water while scrubbing with a clean vegetable brush is effective. A baking soda soak (1 tsp baking soda per 2 cups water) for 10-15 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse, is also a recommended method.

No, the EWG's lists are meant as a guide for consumers who want to minimize pesticide exposure, not to discourage consumption of fruits and vegetables. Experts agree that the health benefits of eating produce far outweigh the minimal risk from regulated pesticide residues.