Every year, the Environmental Working Group looks at pesticide testing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to identify the fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue. The results are published in its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which is widely known as the “Dirty Dozen.”
For the 2025 report, 47 types of produce were tested. The 12 fruits and vegetables below ranked highest based on the amount of pesticide residue found and how often residues showed up in the samples.
That doesn’t mean you should stop eating fruits and vegetables. Produce still has an important place in a balanced diet, and the Dirty Dozen list is more useful as a shopping and food prep guide than a reason to avoid fresh produce. Washing your fruits and vegetables well and choosing organic options when they fit your budget are two ways some shoppers try to reduce their exposure.
Here are the 2025 Dirty Dozen.
1. Spinach
Spinach takes the top spot on this year’s list, with testing showing more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce item included in the report. Its broad, leafy surface can also hold onto dirt and residue, so giving it a thorough wash before eating is a good habit.
Rinsing spinach under cool running water and gently rubbing the leaves can help remove dirt and some surface residue. Bagged greens that are labeled ready to eat should still be handled according to the package directions.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries have been a regular name on the Dirty Dozen list, and they appear near the top again in 2025. Testing found that strawberry samples often contained residues from more than one pesticide, which is one reason the fruit continues to draw attention in these reports.
Because strawberries are delicate, it helps to wash them carefully under cool running water before eating. Washing them right before you plan to eat them can also help prevent them from becoming soggy while they sit in the refrigerator.
3. Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens also ranked high this year. The report found pesticide residues in many of the samples tested, with some of the detected chemicals raising concerns based on existing research.
The leaves can have plenty of folds and uneven surfaces where dirt and residue may collect. Separate the leaves, rinse them well under running water, and rub the surfaces gently before cooking or serving.
4. Grapes
Grapes are another fruit that often shows several pesticide residues in testing. Since most people eat grapes whole, including the skin, washing them before serving is an easy step to add to your routine.
Put the grapes in a colander and rinse them under cool running water, moving them around with your hands so the water reaches different areas. Washing can remove dirt and some surface residue, though it won’t remove every pesticide that may be present.
5. Peaches
Peaches have thin, delicate skin and frequently appear high on pesticide residue reports. This year was no different, with testing finding multiple residues on conventionally grown samples.
Rinse peaches under cool running water and gently rub the surface with your hands. If the fuzzy skin bothers you, a soft produce brush can be used gently, though scrubbing too hard can damage the fruit.
Related: 10 Homemade Organic Pesticides You Can Make With Ingredients You Already Have
6. Cherries
Cherries also made the 2025 list after testing found measurable pesticide residues in samples. Since cherries are typically eaten whole, the skin stays on and can come into contact with whatever residue remains on the fruit.
Give cherries a good rinse under cool running water before eating them. It also helps to check for damaged or spoiled fruit while you’re washing them, especially if you’ve had them sitting in the refrigerator for a few days.
Related: 16 Nostalgic Cherry Recipes That Never Go Out of Style
7. Nectarines
Nectarines are closely related to peaches, and they tend to show up in similar pesticide residue reports. Their smooth, thin skin can have residue on the surface, and the fruit is usually eaten without peeling.
Wash nectarines under running water and rub the skin gently with your fingers. Let them dry before storing them if you have washed them ahead of time, since extra moisture can cause some produce to spoil sooner.
8. Pears
Pears ranked among the fruits with the highest pesticide residue levels in this year’s report. Testing of conventionally grown pears found multiple pesticide residues in samples, which kept them near the top of the list.
A thorough rinse under cool running water can help clean the outside of the fruit. Rub the skin gently with your hands, paying attention to the stem and bottom where dirt can collect.
9. Apples
Apples can be treated during the growing season and after harvest, which helps explain why they frequently appear on pesticide residue lists. Since many people eat apples with the skin, washing the fruit well before taking a bite is a simple step worth keeping up.
Hold the apple under cool running water and rub the entire surface with your hands. A clean produce brush can also be used on firmer apples, especially around the stem and bottom.
10. Blackberries
Blackberries have shown up on the Dirty Dozen list after more testing of the fruit in recent years. Their many small sections can make them tricky to wash, and the berries can be delicate enough to break apart with too much handling.
Place blackberries in a colander and rinse them gently with cool running water. Try not to soak them for a long time, since they can absorb water and become soft before you have a chance to eat them.
11. Blueberries
Blueberries returned to this year’s list, with testing finding traces of several pesticides in the samples examined. Their thin skin means there’s no thick outer layer that needs to be removed before eating.
Rinse blueberries under cool running water and gently move them around with your hands. Wash only the amount you’re ready to eat if you want to help keep the rest of the container from becoming damp and soft.
12. Potatoes
Potatoes made the list this year and remain one of the most commonly eaten vegetables in American households. Since they grow underground, they can pick up soil and may also be exposed to pesticides during cultivation. Rinse potatoes under running water and scrub the skin with a clean produce brush before cooking. This is especially useful if you plan to eat the skin, such as with baked potatoes or roasted potato wedges.
