The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen: When to Buy Organic and When It’s Less Important

We’ve all heard that it is best to buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, but when you’re on a budget, you might be wondering whether it is really always necessary.  

What Does Organic Really Mean

If produce is labeled as organic, it means that that produce has met strict regulations against the use of synthetic pesticides, regulations that conventionally grown produce does not need to meet. By choosing organic produce, you are protecting your exposure to pesticide residue, which is a good thing because pesticides have been linked to a whole host of health conditions, including cancer.

However, it is not necessary to buy organic all the time, as certain types of produce are more likely to have pesticide residue than other types of produce.

The “Dirty Dozen” & “Clean Fifteen”

To help you to prioritize your organic shopping, each year, the Environmental Working Group (“EWG”) releases two lists: “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean Fifteen.”  

The Dirty Dozen is the EWG’s list of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables. It is important to make sure to purchase organic versions of these items as by doing so, you will significantly cut down on your pesticide exposure. 

In contrast, the Clean Fifteen are the EWG’s fifteen least contaminated fruits and vegetables. The produce on this list has the least amount of detected pesticides. So if you are looking to save money, this is where you can skimp on buying organic. 

THE DIRTY DOZEN

  1. Strawberries

  2. Spinach

  3. Nectarines

  4. Apples

  5. Grapes

  6. Peaches

  7. Cherries

  8. Pears

  9. Tomatoes

  10. Celery

  11. Potatoes

  12. Sweet bell peppers

THE CLEAN FIFTEEN

  1. Avocados

  2. Sweet corn

  3. Pineapples

  4. Cabbage

  5. Onions

  6. Sweet peas (frozen)

  7. Papayas

  8. Asparagus

  9. Mangoes

  10. Eggplants

  11. Honeydew melon

  12. Kiwi

  13. Cantaloupe

  14. Cauliflower

  15. Broccoli