Are Raspberries on the Dirty Dozen List? Answering the Top Produce Question

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent annual reports from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) confirm that raspberries are not included on the notorious 'Dirty Dozen' list of most pesticide-contaminated produce. This ranking often surprises consumers who assume all thin-skinned berries contain high pesticide loads.

Quick Summary

Clarifying the common question of whether raspberries belong on the 'Dirty Dozen' list, this guide examines data from the EWG. It covers why raspberries aren't on the list, discusses pesticide use on conventional berries, compares them to organic alternatives, and provides best practices for proper washing.

Key Points

Raspberries are not on the Dirty Dozen list: Official reports from the EWG show that raspberries consistently do not rank among the top 12 most contaminated types of produce.
Pesticide residue is possible in conventional berries: While not heavily contaminated, conventional raspberries are grown with pesticides, and studies have detected residues, though generally within safe limits.
Organic is the lowest risk option: For those wanting to avoid synthetic pesticide residue entirely, choosing organic raspberries is the best choice, as they are grown using natural methods.
All raspberries must be washed: Due to their delicate, porous skin and ground-level growth, both conventional and organic raspberries should be washed right before consumption to remove dirt and bacteria.
Nutritional value is high in both types: The primary reason to choose organic over conventional is for pesticide reduction, not superior nutrition, as studies show little difference in nutritional content.
Washing should be gentle: The delicate nature of raspberries requires a gentle washing technique, such as a brief soak, to prevent crushing and waterlogging.

For years, the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) annual "Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce" has been a cornerstone for consumers navigating the produce aisle. This guide, based on USDA data, ranks fruits and vegetables by pesticide residue load, with the "Dirty Dozen" having the highest and the "Clean Fifteen" the lowest. When asking, "Are raspberries a dirty dozen?" the definitive answer is no; they have consistently been left off the list of the twelve most contaminated items.

The Reality of Pesticide Residue on Raspberries

While raspberries are not a Dirty Dozen fruit, they also do not appear on the Clean Fifteen list. This places them in a middle category, indicating they may have some detectable pesticide residues, but not at the high levels found on items like strawberries or spinach. Scientific studies have confirmed that conventional raspberry samples can contain pesticide traces, sometimes multiple types, but these are typically below maximum residue limits (MRLs) and are not linked to significant chronic health risks for adults at normal consumption levels.

Why Pesticides Are Necessary for Conventional Raspberry Production

The vulnerability of raspberries makes them a challenging crop to cultivate without assistance. The reasons for pesticide application include:

Delicate Skin: The berry's thin, soft exterior offers little natural defense against pests and fungal infections, such as mildew and rot.
Pest Pressure: Raspberry crops are attractive to numerous insects, including aphids, Japanese beetles, and mites, which can cause significant damage to the fruit and canes.
Fungal Diseases: Growing conditions often increase the risk of fungal issues like Botrytis cinerea (gray mold), which is particularly detrimental to the soft berries.
Harvesting Needs: Because of their high perishability, treatments are often applied to ensure the berries survive the journey from farm to market.

Comparison: Organic vs. Conventional Raspberries

Choosing between organic and conventional raspberries depends on your priorities, particularly your comfort with potential pesticide residue. Here’s a detailed comparison:


Feature	Conventional Raspberries	Organic Raspberries
Pesticide Use	Growers use a broad range of synthetic pesticides and fungicides to control pests and diseases.	Only approved, naturally-derived pesticides are used, prioritizing soil health and biodiversity.
Pesticide Residue	Test results show detectable synthetic pesticide residues, though typically within legal safety limits.	Residues are virtually non-existent or significantly lower, consisting only of natural substances if any.
Environmental Impact	Potential for synthetic chemical runoff, which can affect water sources and wildlife.	Lower environmental impact, as farming practices focus on sustainable ecosystem health.
Health Risk	Regulated residues pose minimal risk for the general population, especially with proper washing.	Considered the lowest-risk option regarding pesticide exposure.
Cost	Generally more affordable due to higher yields and less labor-intensive pest management.	Higher cost reflects more challenging and labor-intensive growing methods.
Nutritional Profile	Several studies indicate no significant nutritional difference between conventional and organic.	Nutritionally comparable to conventional, with high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.

Best Practices for Washing Raspberries

Regardless of your choice, proper washing is non-negotiable. Raspberries are susceptible to dirt, mold spores, and bacteria. The delicate nature of the fruit requires a gentle touch to avoid crushing or waterlogging them.

The Recommended Washing Method:

Wait to Wash: Always wait until just before you are ready to eat the berries. Washing too early introduces moisture that speeds up spoilage.
Gentle Dunk: Place the raspberries in a colander. Fill a large bowl with cold water and briefly submerge the colander into the water. Gently swirl the berries with your hand to remove dirt and debris.
Vinegar Bath (Optional): For a more thorough clean, some sources suggest a dilute vinegar solution (e.g., three parts water to one part distilled white vinegar). Submerge briefly, then rinse well with plain water.
Air Dry: Lay the clean berries on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels on a baking sheet. Allow them to air dry completely to prevent excess moisture, which can accelerate mold growth.

Conclusion: Raspberries as a Healthy Choice

In short, the fear that raspberries are a "Dirty Dozen" fruit is unfounded. While they aren't completely free of pesticides in their conventional form, they do not rank among the most contaminated items. For consumers concerned about residue, the organic option provides peace of mind. For those purchasing conventional berries, a thorough and gentle washing is the most effective way to minimize any potential residue. Ultimately, the consensus is that the extensive health benefits of eating raspberries—packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins—make them a highly valuable addition to any diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally safe to eat conventional raspberries. U.S. government data indicates that any pesticide residue levels are typically well below regulatory safety limits, and proper washing removes most surface contaminants.

The most up-to-date 'Dirty Dozen' list is released annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). You can find it on their website, ewg.org, which compiles data from the USDA and FDA.

Scientific studies have found no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional raspberries. The health benefits, including high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, are present in both versions.

Not washing raspberries increases your risk of consuming dirt, bacteria, mold spores, and any residual pesticides. Proper washing is an essential food safety practice for all produce.

While washing effectively removes most surface pesticide residues, especially with a proper technique, it may not eliminate all traces. For complete avoidance of synthetic residues, organic is the only reliable option.

The freezing process does not affect pesticide residue levels. Frozen raspberries carry the same risk profile as their fresh counterparts. If sourced conventionally, they should be washed before freezing if possible.

Strawberries' thinner skin and specific growing practices often result in them carrying a heavier load of multiple pesticide types compared to raspberries. The EWG's ranking is based on specific test data, not just the type of fruit.