Understanding if Are Sweet Potatoes Heavily Pesticide-Treated?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2025 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), sweet potatoes consistently rank among the produce with the lowest levels of pesticide residues. This may surprise shoppers, but the evidence suggests conventional sweet potatoes are not heavily pesticide-treated.

Quick Summary

Despite pesticide use in conventional farming, sweet potatoes retain very low residue levels, placing them on the 'Clean Fifteen' list alongside other low-pesticide produce.

Key Points

Clean Fifteen Ranking: Sweet potatoes consistently appear on the EWG's Clean Fifteen list, indicating low pesticide residues compared to other produce.
Low Residue Detection: Less than 60% of conventional sweet potato samples showed any detectable pesticide residues in a USDA analysis.
Different from White Potatoes: Unlike conventional white potatoes, sweet potatoes are not typically treated with post-harvest chlorpropham, a sprout inhibitor.
Pest Management: While conventional farming uses pesticides, sweet potatoes are also managed with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to combat pests like weevils.
Thorough Washing is Key: Proper washing, and especially a baking soda soak, can significantly reduce any remaining residues on conventional sweet potatoes.
Skin is Edible and Nutritious: The skin is safe to eat and contains a high concentration of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Sweet Potatoes vs. The Competition: A Lower Pesticide Load

While consumers are increasingly concerned about pesticides on produce, sweet potatoes represent a comparatively cleaner choice. Unlike their white potato cousins, conventional sweet potatoes are not routinely treated with the sprout inhibitor chlorpropham post-harvest. The EWG's 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce notes that just under 60% of conventionally grown sweet potato samples tested by the USDA contained any pesticide residues, a stark contrast to the 94% of white potato samples. This consistently low level of detectable residues is why sweet potatoes frequently earn a spot on the EWG's annual 'Clean Fifteen' list.

Why Sweet Potatoes Carry Less Pesticide Residue

There are several reasons why sweet potatoes fare so well in pesticide residue tests. The tough skin and subterranean growth protect them from many aerial pests, reducing the need for extensive foliar spraying. The most serious pest for sweet potatoes is the weevil, which is managed through integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which can include non-chemical approaches, and careful harvesting and storage techniques. Additionally, the sheer amount of biomass the plant produces per hectare can naturally outcompete many weeds once established. However, pesticides are still used in conventional cultivation to manage specific threats, such as soil fumigants for pests like wireworms and grub, and targeted insecticides for weevils.

Conventional vs. Organic Sweet Potatoes

When considering your options at the grocery store, both conventional and organic sweet potatoes have their merits. While conventional sweet potatoes are a relatively low-pesticide option, choosing organic is the most effective way to minimize exposure to synthetic pesticides entirely.


Feature	Conventional Sweet Potatoes	Organic Sweet Potatoes
Pesticide Residue	Low levels consistently detected; often placed on the 'Clean Fifteen' list.	Trace amounts possible, primarily due to cross-contamination during processing or storage.
Cost	Generally more affordable than organic.	Often higher priced due to certification and production costs.
Chemicals Used	Utilizes a range of synthetic pesticides and fumigants for pest and weed control during growth.	Prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and relies on natural substances and integrated pest management.
Nutritional Value	Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, and fiber.	Comparable to conventional, with some studies suggesting potentially higher antioxidant content in some organic foods.
Environmental Impact	Can impact wildlife, water sources, and farmworker health due to chemicals used.	Promotes healthier ecosystems by avoiding synthetic pesticides.

Reducing Your Pesticide Exposure

For those who purchase conventional sweet potatoes, simple steps can further reduce any potential pesticide residue. First and foremost, a thorough washing is essential for all produce. Soaking vegetables in a solution of baking soda and water has been shown to be effective at removing some residues. The sweet potato's skin is also safe and nutritious to eat, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and should be scrubbed well before cooking.

How to Wash Sweet Potatoes

Rinse: Hold the sweet potatoes under cool, running tap water.
Scrub: Use a clean vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin all over.
Soak (optional): For added cleaning, a 15-minute soak in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water can be very effective.
Rinse Again: Give the sweet potatoes a final rinse to wash away any loosened residue or baking soda solution.
Dry: Pat the potatoes dry with a clean paper towel.

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Beyond their favorable pesticide profile, sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body, vital for vision and immune function. They are also high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, which support heart health and help stabilize blood sugar levels. The skin, often discarded, contains a significant concentration of these nutrients, making it particularly beneficial to consume. By understanding the facts about pesticide loads and employing proper cleaning techniques, you can confidently enjoy the robust health benefits of this versatile root vegetable.

Conclusion

The perception that all conventionally grown produce is heavily pesticide-laden is not true for sweet potatoes. Backed by USDA data and consistently recognized on the EWG's 'Clean Fifteen' list, sweet potatoes carry a relatively low pesticide residue load. While organic options offer the lowest exposure, a well-washed conventional sweet potato remains a healthy and safe choice for most consumers. By focusing on smart shopping, thorough washing, and knowing your food's origins, you can enjoy all the nutritional benefits sweet potatoes have to offer without undue concern. For more details on the EWG's methodology and annual findings, you can visit their resource pages on produce and pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sweet potatoes are not on the Dirty Dozen list. In fact, they are consistently featured on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 'Clean Fifteen' list, which highlights produce with the lowest levels of pesticide residue.

Unlike sweet potatoes, conventional white potatoes are often treated with a post-harvest sprout inhibitor called chlorpropham. This chemical is not used on conventional sweet potatoes, and white potatoes generally have a much higher rate of pesticide detection.

According to USDA data analyzed by the EWG, just under 60% of conventional sweet potato samples had detectable pesticide residues. This is a relatively low rate compared to many other fruits and vegetables.

While conventional sweet potatoes are a low-pesticide option, choosing organic is the most effective way to minimize exposure to synthetic pesticides. For budget-conscious shoppers, conventional sweet potatoes are still a safe and nutritious choice.

Washing can significantly reduce pesticide residues, but it may not remove all of them. Studies have shown that soaking produce in a baking soda solution is more effective at removing residues than water alone.

Yes, sweet potato skin is safe and healthy to eat, provided it is thoroughly washed. The skin contains a high concentration of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, offering additional nutritional benefits.

Pesticides and herbicides are used in conventional sweet potato farming to control specific threats like the sweet potato weevil, aphids, and nematodes, as well as to control weeds.