Environmental Working Group Shopper’s Guide 2026

by Joyce Peters

As food costs climb, let’s take a hard look at the higher cost of organic produce vs. conventionally grown. Whether or not you believe that the health and environmental benefits of organically-grown fruits and vegetables are a certainty, it is good to know which crops are grown commercially with heavy pesticide use.

Unless the produce is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is no guarantee that the produce is truly grown without pesticides or does not contain PFA’s. Of course, I can control the growing process from seed to harvest in my home garden but since I can’t grow enough to feed my household, I supplement with farmers markets and supermarkets.

I am often suspicious whether an item (especially if it’s not certified) is really grown without pesticides. In the U.S. the quantity of foods sold as organic is much larger than what is actually grown. The Environmental Working Group’s annual list improves my chances for avoiding pesticides.

It is especially hard to find organic foods in Asian and Hispanic markets. There aren’t many farmers that grow ethnic produce in the U.S. and even fewer farms grow them organically. Asian and Hispanic customers cook with a lot of produce and they are very price-sensitive. Their customers might be skeptical about the merits or authenticity of organic products.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which ranks popular fruits and vegetables based on data from the USDA and FDA regarding pesticide residues. This guide helps consumers make informed decisions on when to buy organic (to reduce chemical intake) and when conventional produce is safe, allowing for better budgeting.

The guide is divided into the "Dirty Dozen"—produce with the highest levels of pesticide contamination—and the "Clean Fifteen"—produce with the lowest levels.

The 2026 Dirty Dozen (buy organic if you can)

According to the 2026 report, over 96% of samples in this category showed detectable pesticide residues, including "forever chemicals" (PFAS).

1. Spinach
2. Kale, collard & mustard greens
3. Strawberries
4. Grapes
5. Nectarines
6. Peaches
7. Cherries

8. Apples
9. Blackberries
10. Pears
11. Potatoes
12. Blueberries
+ Green Beans
+ Bell & hot peppers

Note: Leafy greens (kale, collard, mustard greens) and peppers were noted for having high concentrations of multiple pesticides.

The 2026 Clean Fifteen (buy non-organic to save money)

The Clean Fifteen represents conventionally grown produce that is least likely to have pesticide residue. Nearly 60% of these samples had no detectable residues. 

Why they are cleaner: Many items on this list have thick, protective skins or peels that are removed before eating, reducing consumption of pesticides.

1. Pineapple
2. Sweet corn
3. Avocados
4. Papaya
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage

9. Cauliflower
10. Watermelon
11. Mangoes
12. Bananas
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• Prioritize Organic for "Dirty" Items: If your budget is limited, focus on buying organic for the Dirty Dozen list.
• Safe Conventional Choices: You can save money by purchasing conventional produce from the Clean Fifteen list.
• Wash Thoroughly: Always wash all produce under running water for 15-20 seconds, even if it is organic or has a peel that is removed.
• 2026 Shift: For the first time, the 2026 report highlighted that PFAS pesticides are frequently detected, making it more critical to choose organic for the "Dirty Dozen".

Don't Stop Eating Produce: The health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. The goal is to make healthier choices, not to avoid produce.

For more information go to EWG.org The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit advocacy organization that researches and advocates for public health and environmental safety.