2024 Guide to the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: Smart Choices for Pesticide-Free Eating
Navigating the grocery store aisles in search of the healthiest options for your family can be daunting, especially when it comes to minimizing exposure to pesticides in fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually updates its lists of the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen to help consumers make informed choices. The 2024 lists provide essential insights into which items are best bought organic, and which are typically cleaner and safer from pesticide residues.
The 2024 Dirty Dozen
This list highlights the fruits and vegetables that have the highest concentrations of pesticides and are therefore best purchased organic:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Bell and hot peppers
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
Fun Fact: A single strawberry sample was found to contain 22 different pesticides, making it the top contender for the most contaminated item.
The 2024 Clean Fifteen
These items generally have the least pesticide residues, making them safer to purchase in non-organic form if needed:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Watermelon
- Cabbage
- Kiwi
- Sweet potatoes
- Mushrooms
- Mango
- Carrots
Whether you’re making a quick grocery run or planning a detailed shopping list, keeping the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen in mind can help you reduce your family’s pesticide intake without breaking the bank. Opt for organic when buying from the Dirty Dozen list, and feel more relaxed about purchasing non-organic items listed in the Clean Fifteen. Eating cleaner starts with being informed, so use these lists as your go-to guide for healthier eating choices in 2024.
This information is based on the latest findings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which you can find detailed at EWG’s official website.
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