Do blueberries absorb pesticides? An in-depth look at berry contamination

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

USDA testing between 2020 and 2022 revealed that pesticides were found on 90% of conventional blueberry samples, a significant increase from 81% in 2014. These findings raise important questions about whether do blueberries absorb pesticides and what consumers can do to mitigate their exposure.

Quick Summary

Blueberries are frequently included on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list due to high pesticide residues found on their surface and absorbed through their semi-permeable skin. While washing helps remove surface contaminants, it is not fully effective against all absorbed chemicals.

Key Points

Pesticide Absorption: Blueberries have a semi-permeable skin that can absorb certain pesticides, meaning they aren't just on the surface.
Dirty Dozen Status: Conventional blueberries consistently appear on the EWG's 'Dirty Dozen' list due to high levels and variety of pesticide residues.
Washing's Limitation: While washing is important for removing surface contaminants, it cannot eliminate pesticides that have been absorbed into the fruit's flesh.
Organic is the Safest Option: Choosing organic blueberries is the most reliable way to minimize pesticide exposure, as USDA organic standards restrict the use of harmful chemicals.
Health Benefits vs. Risk: The overall health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, outweigh the low risk posed by conventional pesticide residues, especially with proper washing.
Effective Washing Methods: Soaking blueberries in a baking soda solution is scientifically shown to be more effective at removing surface residues than a simple water rinse.

The question of whether berries absorb pesticides is a complex one, but the short answer for blueberries is yes. Unlike fruits with thick, inedible rinds, the semi-permeable skin of a blueberry can allow certain chemicals to penetrate its flesh. This fact has significant implications for consumers trying to minimize their exposure to agricultural chemicals.

The Blueberry's Surface: A Waxy, Semi-Permeable Layer

At first glance, the delicate, waxy coating on a fresh blueberry, known as the "bloom," might seem like a protective shield. This white layer helps to protect the fruit from moisture loss and external elements. However, scientific evidence shows that this protection is far from complete. The blueberry's skin is semi-permeable, meaning some substances, including pesticides, can pass through it and be absorbed into the fruit's interior.

The Evidence: Are Pesticides Absorbed?

Studies have confirmed that pesticides do not remain solely on the surface of blueberries. For instance, testing conducted by an Australian researcher on washed supermarket blueberries still detected concerning levels of chemicals. The researcher confirmed that berries have a semi-permeable skin, allowing chemicals to get in, and that washing cannot remove all contaminants. Further research, such as an in-vitro assessment of pesticide bioaccessibility published on ResearchGate, investigated how residues behave within the human digestive system. The study found that while digestive processes reduced the total amount of detectable residues, some compounds remained, demonstrating that initial absorption into the fruit's matrix had occurred.

Conventional vs. Organic: What the Dirty Dozen Reveals

For consumers concerned about pesticide exposure, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual 'Dirty Dozen' list highlighting produce with the highest levels of pesticide residue. For several recent years, conventional blueberries have appeared on this list due to concerning test results.

According to the EWG, recent USDA tests on conventional blueberries found that:

90% of samples contained pesticide residues.
Over 80% of samples had two or more different pesticide residues.
Individual samples sometimes contained as many as 17 different pesticides.
Neurotoxic organophosphates like phosmet and malathion were frequently detected.

In stark contrast, organic blueberries have a much lower pesticide risk profile. The strict regulations of the USDA organic program significantly restrict or prohibit the use of the most hazardous pesticides, resulting in significantly fewer residues.


Feature	Conventional Blueberries	Organic Blueberries
Pesticide Contamination	90% of samples in recent USDA tests had residues.	Very low or no detectable residues in most samples.
Residue Variety	Often contains multiple pesticide types (up to 17 per sample).	Strictly regulated; very few or no approved pesticide residues.
Specific Risks	Higher risk of neurotoxic organophosphates like phosmet and malathion.	Minimal risk due to strict regulations on chemical use.
EWG Status	Frequently on the 'Dirty Dozen' list.	Not on the 'Dirty Dozen' due to low pesticide profile.

Effective Washing Techniques for Reducing Surface Residues

While washing can't eliminate all absorbed pesticides, it remains an essential step for reducing surface-level contaminants, as recommended by the FDA. Some methods are more effective than a simple rinse.

Cold Water Rinse: For a basic wash, place berries in a colander and rinse gently under cold running water. Rubbing soft produce like berries while rinsing can remove more residue.
Baking Soda Soak: A 2017 study found that soaking produce in a baking soda solution was significantly more effective than tap water at removing surface pesticides. A simple recipe involves soaking berries in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of baking soda for 15 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse.
Vinegar Solution: A three-parts water to one-part vinegar solution can also be used to soak and wash berries. The acidity helps remove some bacteria and residues. Always rinse thoroughly afterward to remove the vinegar taste.

Minimizing Overall Pesticide Exposure

The best way to reduce exposure to pesticides that have been absorbed by blueberries is to opt for organic produce whenever possible. For those on a budget, prioritize purchasing organic versions of items that consistently appear on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list, which includes blueberries. When choosing conventional berries, remember that proper washing is crucial for removing surface residues, even if it can't eliminate what's been absorbed. However, it is also important to remember that the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh the potential risks from pesticide residues, especially when consuming them in moderation. For more information, you can review the EWG's comprehensive Shopper's Guide at https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Yes, blueberries do absorb pesticides due to their semi-permeable skin, meaning some chemicals can penetrate beyond the surface. This is why conventional blueberries frequently appear on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list, with tests revealing high levels and a wide variety of pesticide residues. While thorough washing with solutions like baking soda can help remove surface contaminants, it cannot eliminate all absorbed chemicals. For maximum peace of mind and to significantly reduce pesticide exposure, choosing organic blueberries is the most effective strategy. Ultimately, staying informed and practicing careful washing can help consumers enjoy the nutritional benefits of blueberries while minimizing potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional blueberries are on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen list because USDA tests have found a high frequency of pesticide residues on them, with some samples containing multiple types of chemicals.

No, you cannot wash all pesticides off. While washing effectively removes surface-level residues, research shows that some chemicals are absorbed through the blueberry's semi-permeable skin and cannot be washed away.

Yes, a baking soda wash is more effective than plain water for removing surface pesticide residues from fruits like blueberries. A 15-minute soak in a solution of baking soda and water, followed by a rinse, can be very helpful.

Organic produce is not entirely pesticide-free, as some natural-based pesticides are approved for use. However, organic standards strictly regulate and limit pesticide use, resulting in significantly lower residue levels compared to conventional alternatives.

Conventional blueberry samples have been found to contain a variety of pesticides, including concerning organophosphates like phosmet and malathion, which are known to be toxic to the nervous system.

Yes, studies have indicated that conventional frozen blueberries can also pose a very high pesticide risk, similar to fresh ones. Always check the EWG's Shopper's Guide for the latest information on both types.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the EPA set safety levels for pesticide residues, and most food samples fall well below these thresholds. The health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, even conventional ones, outweigh the minimal risk for most people, especially with proper washing.