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Do you eat fruit and vegetables daily, but sometimes wonder how many pesticides are actually on them? Not all fruit and vegetables are created equal when it comes to pesticides. The latest American figures from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) show that some varieties contain remarkably high levels of pesticide residues, while others are virtually clean.
In this blog, you will read exactly which fruit and vegetables deserve your extra attention, which varieties are actually safe, and what simple actions you can take today.
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are substances that farmers use to combat insects, fungi, and weeds. They protect crops, but can also leave residues on the final product that ends up on your table. Research by the EWG's Shopper's Guide shows that 75% of all non-organic fruit and vegetables contain pesticide residues, even if everything has been washed, scrubbed, or peeled before being tested.
That doesn't mean you should be afraid of your fruit bowl. However, it is smart to know what to look out for. The
Dirty Dozen 2026: these 12 contain the most pesticides
These are the twelve types of fruit and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels this year:
1. Spinach
2. Kale, Swiss chard, and mustard greens
3. Strawberries
4. Grapes
5. Nectarines
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Apples
9. Blackberries
10. Pears
11. Potatoes
12. Blueberries
Green beans and bell peppers also score high and deserve extra attention.
Practical tip:
buy these products organically where possible, or choose the frozen section. Frozen vegetables and fruit are often just as nutritious and cheaper than fresh.
The Clean Fifteen 2026: these 15 are actually safe
Fortunately, there is also good news. These fifteen types contain little to no pesticide residues:
1. Pineapple
2. Sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
3. Avocado
4. Papaya
5. Onion
6. Green peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage
9. Cauliflower
10. Watermelon
11. Mango
12. Banana
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi
Almost 60% of the samples in this group contained absolutely no measurable pesticides. You can safely buy these products non-organically without having to worry about it.
Practical tip:
use this list as a guide when grocery shopping. With this Clean Fifteen selection, you save money by choosing the conventional variant, and you would rather spend your budget on organic versions of the Dirty Dozen.
Why is this research important for your health?
Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms, and that does not automatically make them harmless to humans. Research links high exposure to pesticides to risks for the endocrine system, the nervous system, and fertility. Children, in particular, are vulnerable because their brains and bodies are still fully developing.
A striking finding from the latest analysis: the most frequently found substance is a so-called PFAS pesticide, also known as a "forever chemical." These substances hardly break down in the environment or the body, and scientists are still investigating exactly how harmful they are. More than a third of all tested products contained a PFAS pesticide.
This does not mean you should stop eating fruits and vegetables. On the contrary: the health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables far outweigh the risks of pesticides.
Making conscious choices does make a difference.
Five practical tips to reduce your pesticide exposure
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Always wash your fruits and vegetables under running water, even if you are going to peel them. This does not remove everything, but it does remove some of the residues and any dirt or bacteria.
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Make a conscious organic choice for products from the Dirty Dozen selection, especially if you eat them often.
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Feel free to reach for conventional products from the Clean Fifteen selection. That saves you money without any health disadvantages.
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Vary your choices. By switching between types, you reduce the chance of the same pesticides accumulating in your body.
Frequently asked questions about pesticides in food
Is washing enough to remove pesticides?
No, not completely. Washing under running water reduces some of the pesticide residues and also removes dirt and bacteria, but it does not remove everything. The EWG tests were even performed on washed, scrubbed, or peeled fruits and vegetables, and residues were still found.
Do I have to buy everything organic?
That is not necessary. Focus primarily on the Dirty Dozen products, such as spinach, strawberries, and apples.
For the Clean Fifteen, such as avocado, pineapple, and carrots, it makes hardly any difference whether you buy organic or conventional.
Are frozen vegetables a good alternative?
Yes, certainly. Frozen vegetables and fruit are often frozen immediately after harvest and contain just as many nutrients as fresh products, at a lower price.
What exactly are PFAS pesticides?
These are pesticides that, in terms of chemical structure, belong to the group of "forever chemicals." They hardly break down in the environment or the body. Scientists are still conducting extensive research into the precise health effects of these.
Why are potatoes and green beans on the list?
New test data showed that potatoes often contain a substance used after harvest to prevent sprouting. Green beans scored high due to the combination of both the quantity and toxicity of the pesticides found.
Source reference
EWG “EWG’s 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™” (March 24, 2026)
EWG 'Why does EWG release its Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ each year?' (March 2024)
EWG 'Frequently asked questions about EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™'
