: High percentage of samples contain sprout-inhibiting chemicals banned in some other regions. The 2026 Clean Fifteen (Conventional is Fine)

: Includes Nectarines , Peaches , and Cherries , which often test positive for multiple chemical residues.

A Guide to Buying Organic: What Produce to Spend the Money on

These items typically have thin skins or large surface areas that absorb or retain high levels of pesticides.

: Blackberries and Blueberries are both on the 2026 list due to rising contamination rates.

For 2026, the best produce to buy organic are those with the highest pesticide residues, often referred to as the According to the latest annual report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) , you should prioritize organic versions of spinach , leafy greens (kale, collard, and mustard greens), and strawberries , as these top the list for the highest contamination levels. The 2026 Dirty Dozen (Prioritize Organic)

If you are on a budget, experts from Food & Wine and other health sources suggest you can safely buy conventional versions of the following, as they have the lowest pesticide residues.

: Nearly all samples test positive for multiple residues. Grapes : Highly susceptible to absorption due to thin skins.