Just over three quarters of non-organic fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful pesticides, a reality that makes grocery shopping more complex than ever. Walking through the produce aisle, you’re confronted with a decision: should you spend extra on organic, or is conventional good enough? The answer depends on what you’re buying. The Environmental Working Group releases an annual “Dirty Dozen” list identifying the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues when grown conventionally. This year’s lineup includes some surprises that might change how you shop.
Spinach Takes the Top Spot
Spinach ranked first on the 2025 list, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other type of produce. After strawberries held the top spot for nine straight years, spinach bumped it to second place. The numbers are staggering when you really dig into them. USDA data on spinach, and the findings were troubling enough to earn this leafy green the dubious honor of being the dirtiest produce item in America.
Strawberries Hold Strong in Second Place
Fresh strawberries might look perfect in their containers, yet appearances deceive. The average American eats about eight pounds of fresh strawberries a year, and with them dozens of pesticides. More than 29 percent of strawberry samples contained residue of bifenthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide that the Environmental Protection Agency and California regulators have designated a possible human carcinogen. Even after washing, these berries carry concerning chemical loads that make them a prime candidate for buying organic.
Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens Together in Third
Kale, collard, and mustard greens collectively placed third, and more than half of kale samples were tainted by a possibly cancer-causing pesticide. The USDA tests found 100 different pesticides in leafy greens as a category, with samples having detectable levels of more than five different pesticides on average, and up to 21 different pesticides on a single sample. These greens have become popular superfoods, packed with vitamins and minerals, which makes their contamination levels particularly disappointing for health-conscious shoppers.
Grapes Come in Fourth
Table grapes and wine grapes both appear on the problematic list. Grapes ranked fourth on the Dirty Dozen list, carrying multiple pesticide residues. Honestly, this isn’t surprising given how susceptible grape vines are to pests and diseases throughout their growing season. The thin skin on grapes means pesticides can penetrate more easily, and because most people eat them whole without peeling, exposure is direct and unavoidable.
Peaches Land in Fifth Place
Peaches ranked fifth on the Dirty Dozen list. Their fuzzy skin seems like it would protect the fruit, yet it actually traps pesticide residues quite effectively. Nearly 100 percent of conventional fresh peaches had detectable residues of 59 pesticides. The high water content and delicate flesh of peaches make them vulnerable to insect damage, which leads farmers to apply more protective chemicals during cultivation.
Cherries Take Sixth Position
Cherries placed sixth on the list. These small fruits pack a pesticide punch despite their size. Summer favorites at farmers’ markets and grocery stores alike, cherries require significant chemical intervention during their short growing season. The fact that we typically eat the entire cherry, skin and all, means there’s no barrier between the residues and our bodies.
Nectarines Rank Seventh
Nectarines ranked seventh on the Dirty Dozen, closely related to peaches but with smooth skin. More than 90% of samples of nectarines tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides. Their lack of fuzz compared to peaches doesn’t make them any safer from a pesticide standpoint. The smooth skin might seem easier to wash, yet residues cling stubbornly even after rinsing.
Pears Come in Eighth
Pears ranked eighth, and their position surprised many researchers. Almost all fresh pear samples and pear-based baby food samples had pesticide residues, with 95 percent of whole pear samples and more than 98 percent of baby food testing positive. That last statistic should give parents pause. The widespread contamination of both fresh pears and processed pear products suggests systemic issues in how these fruits are grown and handled.
Apples in Ninth Place
Apples ranked ninth, a staple in American households for generations. The classic phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” takes on new meaning when you consider the chemical load. Apples are sprayed repeatedly throughout their growing season to prevent pest damage and maintain that perfect appearance consumers expect. Peeling helps reduce exposure, though it also removes beneficial nutrients concentrated in the skin.
Blackberries Make Their Dirty Dozen Debut at Number Ten
Blackberries ranked tenth, added to the list based on new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which tested blackberries for the first time in 2023. The USDA data found that 93% of blackberry samples had pesticide residues, with an average of four different pesticides per sample. More than half of the blackberry samples contained residue of cypermethrin, which the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as a possible human carcinogen. Their complex structure with multiple small drupelets makes thorough washing difficult, trapping residues in tiny crevices.
