Should You Buy It Organic?

How It Works

Where these lists come from, and how to use them

The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen are published each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocacy organization. EWG ranks fruits and vegetables using pesticide residue results from USDA's Pesticide Data Program, in which produce is washed or peeled the way people normally prepare it before it's tested. This tool holds a copy of EWG's 2026 lists and matches what you type against them.

What the ranking does and doesn't tell you

• It ranks relative residue, not safety. USDA's own program reports generally find residues at or below the legal limits the EPA sets. EWG's ranking method has also been criticized by some scientists and industry groups, so we treat it as a way to prioritize a limited budget, not as a safety verdict.
• Organic isn't pesticide-free. Organic farming permits certain approved pesticides, so organic produce can carry residues too, though generally at lower levels.
• Only listed produce is covered. If an item isn't on either list, the tool says so. That doesn't mean it's high or low.
• The lists change every year. Items move on and off between editions, so check EWG for the current version.

Common questions

Do I have to buy every Dirty Dozen item organic?

No. Use the list to decide where to spend first if your budget is limited. Health organizations generally encourage eating plenty of fruits and vegetables whether they're organic or conventional.

Does washing produce help?

Rinsing under running water and scrubbing firm produce can reduce surface residue, though it won't remove everything. Peeling removes more, at the cost of some fiber and nutrients.

Why doesn't the list match one I saw before?

EWG publishes a new ranking every year, and items such as potatoes and blackberries have recently moved onto the Dirty Dozen. This tool reflects the 2026 edition.

Sources and further reading

• EWG Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce
• USDA Pesticide Data Program

Last reviewed: October 2026. Lists reflect EWG's 2026 edition. Spot a mistake? Tell us.