Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce — a breakdown of which conventional fruits and vegetables carry the highest and lowest pesticide loads. The 2026 update is out, and while many of the usual suspects are back, there are some notable shifts — and a significant new concern that every health-conscious shopper should know about.
The Big Story This Year: PFAS
Before we get to the lists, here’s the headline from EWG’s 2026 report: 63% of Dirty Dozen samples contained PFAS pesticides — the class of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the body and environment.
The most commonly detected was fludioxonil, a PFAS fungicide found in 14% of all produce tested — and in nearly 90% of peaches and plums. Two other PFAS pesticides, fluopyram and bifenthrin, also ranked among the 10 most frequently detected chemicals across all produce.
PFAS chemicals don’t break down easily. Emerging research suggests they may accumulate in crops and carry potential reproductive and developmental risks. Regulators typically evaluate pesticides one at a time — but consumers are exposed to mixtures simultaneously, which is a growing area of concern.
The 2026 Clean Fifteen™
These 15 conventionally grown fruits and vegetables had the lowest detectable pesticide residues. Nearly 60% of Clean Fifteen samples had no detectable residues at all, and only 16% had residues from two or more pesticides.
- Pineapples
- Sweet Corn (fresh and frozen)
- Avocados
- Papaya
- Onions
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower (moved up from #10 in 2025)
- Watermelon (moved down from #9 in 2025)
- Mangoes (moved up from #12)
- Bananas (moved down from #11)
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Kiwi
What changed from 2025? The core Clean Fifteen lineup remained largely stable. Cauliflower, watermelon, mangoes, and bananas swapped positions slightly, but the composition of the list is essentially the same. If you shopped by this list last year, you’re in good shape.
The 2026 Dirty Dozen™
These 12 items had the highest pesticide contamination by number, amount, and toxicity of residues. Overall, 96% of Dirty Dozen samples tested positive for pesticides, with most carrying an average of four or more different pesticides per sample.
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Nectarines
- Blackberries
- Potatoes
- Pears
- Apples
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Blueberries
What changed from 2025? The ordering shifted meaningfully at the top of the list. In 2025, strawberries ranked #2 and spinach was #1 — both remain on the list. Kale, collard and mustard greens moved up. Blackberries, potatoes, and pears remain on the list with notable findings:
- Potatoes: 90% of samples contained chlorpropham, a sprout inhibitor banned in the EU due to health concerns.
- Blackberries: Averaged more than four pesticides per sample.
- Peaches and plums: Among the most PFAS-laden produce — nearly 90% of peach samples contained fludioxonil residue.
A total of 203 different pesticides were detected across the Dirty Dozen crops.
How to Use These Lists
The EWG is clear on this: the goal is not to discourage produce consumption. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables remains foundational to good health. These lists are tools to help you prioritize — not reasons to avoid the produce aisle altogether.
Practical guidance:
- Buy organic when purchasing items from the Dirty Dozen, especially for children or during pregnancy.
- Choose conventional when purchasing from the Clean Fifteen — you get the nutritional benefit without the pesticide burden.
- Consider frozen as a cost-effective alternative, particularly for berries and greens.
- Wash everything thoroughly before eating, even organic produce.
Why This Matters Beyond the Grocery Store
At Forum Health, we look at the whole picture. Pesticide exposure — especially to endocrine-disrupting and neurotoxic compounds — can affect hormone health, gut function, detoxification pathways, and more. For patients working on hormone optimization, fertility, or detox support, knowing which produce carries the heaviest chemical load is one simple, actionable step toward reducing total toxic burden.
If you’re concerned about pesticide exposure and how it may be affecting your health, our providers can help you assess your detoxification capacity and build a personalized nutrition strategy that supports your goals. Find a clinic near you.
Sources: EWG Shopper Guide
