Which fruit has the most pesticides? The EWG's Dirty Dozen Explained

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2024 and 2025 annual reports, strawberries consistently contain the most pesticide residues, topping the “Dirty Dozen” list for conventionally grown produce. For many health-conscious consumers, knowing which fruit has the most pesticides is a key factor in their shopping decisions.

Quick Summary

The Environmental Working Group's annual “Dirty Dozen” report consistently names strawberries as the fruit with the most pesticide residues. Other contaminated items include peaches and grapes, while avocados and pineapples are on the "Clean Fifteen" list. Mitigating exposure involves buying organic or thorough washing.

Key Points

Strawberry Contamination: Strawberries consistently contain the most pesticide residues among conventionally grown fruits, topping the EWG's Dirty Dozen list.
Dirty Dozen vs. Clean Fifteen: The EWG publishes annual lists; the 'Dirty Dozen' features the highest pesticide items, while the 'Clean Fifteen' lists the lowest.
Other Top Contaminated Fruits: Grapes, peaches, nectarines, and apples are also frequently found on the Dirty Dozen list due to high pesticide levels.
Effective Washing Methods: Rinsing produce thoroughly under running water, scrubbing firm items, and a baking soda soak can help reduce pesticide residues.
Health Benefits Outweigh Risk: The overall health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables far outweigh the potential risks associated with pesticide residues.
Organic vs. Conventional: While organic produce generally has lower pesticide levels, conventional produce is considered safe by regulators and is a healthy choice when properly washed.

Understanding the EWG's Dirty Dozen

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create its annual 'Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce'. This guide includes the 'Dirty Dozen', a list of conventionally grown items with the highest pesticide levels, and the 'Clean Fifteen', which lists those with the lowest. The EWG emphasizes that these lists aim to help consumers make informed choices about potentially reducing pesticide exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups, without discouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Why Strawberries Lead the List

Strawberries frequently top the Dirty Dozen due to factors like their thin skin and ground-level growth, making them susceptible to absorbing various pesticides used to protect them from pests and mold. Studies indicate that over 90% of conventional strawberry samples test positive for residues from multiple pesticides.

The Top Fruits for Pesticide Residue

Recent EWG reports identify several conventionally grown fruits with high pesticide residues, such as strawberries, grapes, and peaches. Other fruits often appearing on the Dirty Dozen include pears, nectarines, apples, cherries, and blueberries, all showing varying levels and types of pesticide residues.

Comparison: Dirty Dozen vs. Clean Fifteen

The EWG's 'Clean Fifteen' list guides consumers to conventionally grown produce with minimal pesticide residues, offering options for lower exposure.


Feature	'Dirty Dozen' Produce	'Clean Fifteen' Produce
Pesticide Residue	High levels	Very low or no detectable residues
Typical Fruits	Strawberries, grapes, peaches, apples	Avocados, pineapple, mangoes, kiwi
Skin Characteristics	Thin or edible skin	Thick outer skin
Contamination Level	95% of samples contained pesticides (2024 data)	Almost 65% of samples had no detectable residues
Buying Recommendation	Consider buying organic	Conventional options are generally low-risk

How to Minimize Your Exposure to Pesticides

Properly Washing Produce

Washing produce helps remove surface pesticides. The FDA recommends washing under running water.

Running Water and Rubbing: Rinse while gently rubbing the surface.
Scrubbing Firm Produce: Use a clean vegetable brush on firm items.
Baking Soda Soak: A baking soda solution can help remove some surface pesticides {Link: Consensus https://consensus.app/search/what-are-the-health-effects-of-consuming-fruits-an/TRZtTDOORDCXPVN47OdGHA/}.
Peeling: Peeling can remove residues but also nutrients.

The Health Debate: Risk vs. Reward

Most health organizations state that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables outweigh potential pesticide risks {Link: Consensus https://consensus.app/search/what-are-the-health-effects-of-consuming-fruits-an/TRZtTDOORDCXPVN47OdGHA/}. While some studies suggest potential issues from long-term, low-dose exposure, particularly in children, this is still being studied. Informed choices based on lists like the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen, along with proper washing, allow for a healthy diet within budget. For detailed information, consult the {Link: Environmental Working Group's official website https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php}.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Based on EWG data, strawberries consistently have the most pesticide residues, suggesting organic purchase if minimizing exposure is a priority. However, the 'Clean Fifteen' shows many conventional options have low pesticide levels. Using these resources and proper washing empowers consumers to include a wide array of fruits and vegetables in their diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in recent years, strawberries are the fruit that consistently has the most pesticide residues, placing them at the top of the "Dirty Dozen" list.

The Dirty Dozen is an annual list published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that identifies the 12 non-organic fresh fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of pesticide residues, based on USDA and FDA testing data.

No single washing method can remove all pesticides. Washing with running water or a baking soda solution can help remove surface residues, but some pesticides can be absorbed into the fruit itself.

No, organic produce is not entirely pesticide-free. Organic farmers are permitted to use naturally derived pesticides and some synthetic ones, though they use far fewer than conventional farms. Organic produce typically has a much lower pesticide load.

Yes, health experts agree that the nutritional benefits of eating any fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic, far outweigh the potential risks from pesticide residues.

Fruits and vegetables on the EWG's 'Clean Fifteen' list, which have the lowest pesticide residues, include avocados, pineapple, sweet corn, papaya, mangoes, and kiwi.

While regulatory bodies consider residues within legal limits safe, some long-term, low-dose exposures have raised health concerns, particularly for children. However, for most of the general population, studies show that health risks are low.