Recent research has shown a link in pesticides and the rise of early onset colon cancer. This can serve us all as a reminder that pesticides have very real risks and damaging effects on our bodies and our lives. There are significant reasons to eat organic foods, and this seems like a good time to review EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for 2026, as well as their ‘Clean Fifteen’.
EWG
As a reminder, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tests fruits and vegetables each year to gauge how contaminated they are. The list of the most contaminated foods is called the Dirty Dozen and it changes slightly each year. These are the foods to prioritize buying only organic options because they have the most toxic residue on them when grown conventionally. The Clean Fifteen is the list of the produce with the least amount of toxic residue when grown conventionally. The lists on EWG’s website have more information, so I recommend checking that out, but for the TL; DR:
The 2026 Dirty Dozen
- 1. Spinach
- 2. Kale, Collard Greens, and Mustard Greens
- 3. Strawberries
- 4. Grapes
- 5. Nectarines
- 6. Peaches
- 7. Cherries
- 8. Apples
- 9. Blackberries
- 10. Pears
- 11. Potatoes
- 12. Blueberries
The 2026 Clean Fifteen
- 1. Pineapples
- 2. Sweet Corn (fresh and frozen)
- 3. Avocados
- 4. Papaya
- 5. Onion
- 6. Sweet Peas (frozen)
- 7. Asparagus
- 8. Cabbage
- 9. Cauliflower
- 10. Watermelon
- 11. Mangoes
- 12. Bananas
- 13. Carrots
- 14. Mushrooms
- 15. Kiwi
Eat well and thrive🍓🌿✨.
