Do Raisins Have Pesticides on Them?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 99% of conventional raisins tested by the USDA contained residues of at least two pesticides. This places them among the most pesticide-contaminated produce items, raising concerns for consumers, especially parents buying snacks for children.

Quick Summary

Conventional raisins are highly contaminated with pesticide residues, often containing multiple chemicals, which is a major food safety concern for consumers. Organic raisins have lower residue levels, but even they are not entirely free of contaminants, making mindful consumption and cleaning practices important.

Key Points

High Contamination: Conventional raisins are among the most pesticide-contaminated produce items, with 99% of samples having residues of at least two pesticides.
Organic is Better: Choosing organic raisins significantly lowers pesticide exposure, as organic farming prohibits synthetic chemical use.
Drying Concentrates Residues: The process of drying grapes into raisins concentrates sugars and also concentrates any pesticide residues present on the fruit.
Washing Helps: Soaking and rinsing raisins in a baking soda solution can help remove surface pesticide residues, though it won't eliminate all contamination.
Special Concern for Children: The high concentration of pesticides is particularly concerning for children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of some chemicals found on raisins.
Check Alternatives: Other dried fruits like prunes tend to have much lower pesticide levels than both conventional and organic raisins.

Understanding Pesticide Contamination in Raisins

Fruits like grapes, which are the source of raisins, are frequently treated with pesticides to protect against pests and diseases during cultivation. When grapes are dried to create raisins, the sugars and other components become concentrated, and unfortunately, so can the pesticide residues. The small surface area and crevices of raisins can also trap these chemicals, making them difficult to remove through simple rinsing.

The Environmental Working Group's Findings

In 2020, the EWG analyzed USDA testing data and found startling results regarding pesticide levels in raisins. Their findings showed that if raisins were included in the standard fresh produce Dirty Dozen list, they would have topped the list for pesticide load, surpassing items like strawberries and spinach. The report highlighted that 99% of conventional raisin samples had detectable residues of at least two pesticides, with the average sample containing 13 different types. Some of the specific pesticides found included imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid), bifenthrin, and tebuconazole, which have raised concerns due to potential developmental neurotoxicity.

Organic vs. Conventional Raisins: A Comparison

While conventional raisins carry a significant pesticide burden, choosing organic options can drastically reduce exposure. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fumigants. However, as the EWG's data also indicated, even organic raisins are not entirely free of pesticides due to potential cross-contamination. A 2024 study by ÖkoTest similarly found that conventional raisins had significantly more pesticide residues than organic products, though some organic items also showed low levels of contaminants like mycotoxins.


Feature	Conventional Raisins	Organic Raisins
Pesticide Residue Level	Very high; often contain multiple different types.	Significantly lower; grown without synthetic pesticides.
EWG Ranking	Would have topped the 'Dirty Dozen' list in 2020 if included.	Have lower residue levels, but not entirely pesticide-free.
Fumigation Use	Can be fumigated to control pests in storage.	Fumigation with pesticides is prohibited.
Health Concerns	Higher risk, especially for children, due to greater chemical load.	Lower risk due to minimal chemical input, though still requires mindful consumption.
Cost	Generally less expensive.	Typically more expensive due to regulated farming practices.

How to Clean Raisins to Reduce Pesticide Residues

Although washing may not remove all pesticide residues, especially those that have been absorbed, it can help reduce surface contamination. The most effective method involves using a baking soda solution.

Here’s a simple cleaning process:

Fill a bowl with water and add a teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups of water.
Soak the raisins in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub the raisins with your hands to help loosen any remaining residue.
Rinse thoroughly under cool, running water to remove the baking soda solution.
Pat the raisins dry with a clean towel.

Consumer Takeaways and Recommendations

For health-conscious consumers, especially those with children, the data on pesticides in raisins underscores the importance of making informed choices. Choosing organic raisins is the most effective way to minimize pesticide exposure. While even organic options may not be 100% free of all contaminants, they are a significantly safer choice. For those who purchase conventional raisins, a thorough washing process using a baking soda solution can help reduce some of the surface residue. Ultimately, being aware of the potential for pesticide contamination allows consumers to make decisions that prioritize their health and well-being. For a comprehensive list of produce rankings, consult the EWG's official guides online: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conventional raisins are indeed heavily laden with pesticides, a fact confirmed by USDA testing and highlighted by the Environmental Working Group. This is primarily due to the concentration effect during the drying process. While organic raisins offer a much safer alternative by avoiding synthetic pesticides, no option is entirely without risk of some contamination. By understanding these differences and employing proper washing techniques, consumers can reduce their overall pesticide exposure from this popular snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of drying grapes to make raisins removes water and concentrates all the remaining compounds, including sugars and any pesticide residues on the fruit's surface.

No, organic raisins are not completely free of pesticides. While organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, studies have detected residues, possibly from cross-contamination, though levels are significantly lower than in conventional raisins.

Studies have identified several pesticides, including neonicotinoids like imidacloprid and acetamiprid, as well as bifenthrin and tebuconazole, which have raised health concerns.

Washing can help remove surface residues, especially using a baking soda soak, but it is not guaranteed to remove all pesticides, particularly those absorbed into the fruit.

The most recommended method involves soaking the raisins in a solution of water and baking soda for 15-20 minutes, then rinsing them thoroughly.

Yes, children are considered more vulnerable to the potential effects of pesticides because their brains and bodies are still developing, and they consume larger amounts of these foods relative to their body weight.

If you are concerned about pesticide exposure, dried fruits like prunes have been shown to have significantly lower pesticide residues than raisins, based on USDA testing.

Conventional raisin production may involve fumigants for pest control, which are not always measured in standard pesticide tests. Organic production prohibits their use.