What Produce You Don't Need to Buy Organic: Save Money

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent studies show that organic produce can cost over 50% more than conventional options. Understanding which items are safe to buy non-organic is key to smart grocery shopping.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the Environmental Working Group's Clean Fifteen list, offering insights into which fruits and vegetables have low pesticide residues, allowing consumers to make informed choices.

Key Points

Clean Fifteen Benefits: The EWG's list identifies produce with low pesticide residue.
Protective Barriers: Thick skins on items like avocados and pineapples protect from pesticide exposure.
Budget Savings: Buying conventional Clean Fifteen produce saves money.
Produce Washing: Washing all produce removes surface contaminants.
Prioritize the Dirty Dozen: Focus organic purchases on the 'Dirty Dozen' items for the greatest impact.

The Clean Fifteen: Save Money by Knowing Your Produce

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases its 'Clean Fifteen' list. This list identifies produce with the lowest pesticide residue levels when grown conventionally, based on tests conducted by the USDA and FDA. Knowing this list can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Buying conventionally grown items from the Clean Fifteen list can reduce pesticide exposure and save money.

How the Clean Fifteen is Determined

Certain characteristics lead to produce being included on the Clean Fifteen. These include protective skins or rinds and natural pest resistance. The EWG's testing process analyzes produce as it is typically consumed, which means after washing or peeling. Avocados and sweet corn consistently have few detectable pesticide residues.

The Clean Fifteen List: Smart Grocery Choices

Based on recent EWG reports, here is the Clean Fifteen list, providing opportunities to save money by purchasing conventional varieties:

Avocados: Thick skin offers complete protection from pesticide sprays.
Sweet Corn: The husk serves as a natural barrier.
Pineapples: A tough outer layer shields the fruit.
Onions: Outer layers are peeled away, protecting the inner bulb.
Papayas: Thick skin provides a barrier, with most samples showing low residue.
Frozen Sweet Peas: Minimal pesticide residues are found.
Asparagus: Asparagus stalks have low pesticide residue.
Cabbage: Outer leaves protect the inner head.
Watermelon: The rind provides excellent protection.
Cauliflower: Minimal pesticide residues are detected.
Bananas: The peel offers strong protection.
Mangoes: Protective skin is present.
Carrots: Roots have lower residues, especially when peeled.
Mushrooms: Consistently low residue levels.
Kiwis: The fuzzy skin acts as a protective shield.

Making Informed Choices for Health and Budget

Eating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables is important for health. Using the Clean Fifteen as a guide helps consumers make choices that fit their budget without sacrificing nutrition. Saving money on these items allows for more spending on organic versions of produce on the 'Dirty Dozen' list, such as strawberries, spinach, and kale, which tend to have higher pesticide loads.

Organic vs. Conventional Produce: A Comparison


Item	Shopping Recommendation	Reason
Strawberries	Buy Organic	High pesticide residue, a 'Dirty Dozen' item.
Avocados	Buy Conventional	Part of the 'Clean Fifteen', protected by skin.
Spinach	Buy Organic	High pesticide absorption, a 'Dirty Dozen' item.
Onions	Buy Conventional	Part of the 'Clean Fifteen', outer layers protect edible part.
Grapes	Buy Organic	Frequently on the 'Dirty Dozen' list with high pesticide levels.
Pineapples	Buy Conventional	Part of the 'Clean Fifteen', protected by thick skin.

Proper Washing of Produce: A Necessary Step

Regardless of organic or conventional status, proper washing is recommended to remove dirt and bacteria. The CDC and FDA advise using plain water for washing, as it's often as effective as commercial washes. Studies suggest a baking soda solution may be effective at removing surface pesticide residues. Wash all produce under running water, using a brush for firm-skinned items, before eating.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Utilizing the Clean Fifteen list helps consumers make budget-conscious choices. Focus organic purchases on the most vulnerable produce to minimize pesticide exposure. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is crucial for a healthy diet. For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Clean Fifteen is a list created by the Environmental Working Group that identifies fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue when conventionally grown.

Yes, sweet corn is on the Clean Fifteen list. Its husk offers a barrier and the kernels have low pesticide residue.

There is no strong need to buy organic avocados. Their thick skin protects them from pesticides, and they have low residue levels.

Wash produce under running water. A baking soda and water soak may remove pesticide residues.

Produce on the Clean Fifteen with naturally low residue include avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, papayas, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangoes, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwis.

Some studies show slight increases in nutrients in organic produce, but there's no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods. The main benefit is reduced pesticide exposure.

Prioritize buying organic items from the EWG's 'Dirty Dozen' list and buy conventional for Clean Fifteen items to save money.