If you’re trying to reduce your toxic load, your grocery list is a powerful place to start. But as soon as you step foot in the grocery store – things start to get a little overwhelming. With the continuous rise in toxin exposure and a growing distrust in food labeling (looking at you, “organic”), the pressure to shop for toxin-free produce can send even the slightly-crunchy into a downward spiral and straight to the frozen treats’ aisle.
Luckily, every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes USDA data and publishes two highly anticipated lists that makes shopping smarter a little bit easier:
- 🧼 The Clean Fifteen (lowest pesticide levels)
- 🛑 The Dirty Dozen (produce with the highest pesticide contamination)
Whether you’re shopping for your family or looking to detox your diet, the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen 2025 deserve a spot on the essential reading list and a bookmark in every browser.
🚫 The Dirty Dozen 2025: Highest in Pesticide Residue
This year’s Dirty Dozen includes two new additions: blackberries and potatoes.
2025 Dirty Dozen List:
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Kale, collard & mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Nectarines
- Pears
- Apples
- Blackberries (new)
- Blueberries
- Potatoes (new)
Did you know?
- 95% of Dirty Dozen samples had detectable pesticide residue.
- Blackberries showed contamination with up to 48 different pesticides.
- Potatoes often contain chlorpropham, a chemical banned in the EU that inhibits sprouting.
✅ The Clean Fifteen 2025: Safest Produce Picks
The Clean Fifteen is where you can feel better about choosing conventional produce. Almost 60% of these tested with no detectable pesticide residue.
2025 Clean Fifteen List:
- Pineapple
- Sweet Corn
- Avocados
- Papaya
- Onions
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Cauliflower (new)
- Bananas (new)
- Mangoes
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Kiwi
🛒 Grocery Strategy: What to Buy Organic (and What You Can Skip)
When to buy organic:
- Prioritize organic Dirty Dozen items to minimize pesticide exposure.
- Great for kids, detox protocols, hormone support, and long-term prevention.
When conventional is okay:
- Clean Fifteen items are generally low-risk.
- A budget-friendly way to eat more fruits and vegetables without added toxins.
MDL CLEAN TIP: SOAK/SCRUB or PEEL
Washing your produce well goes a long way in removing pesticides. The simplest and easiest way to remove/reduce pesticides is to soak in a solution of:
1 part vinegar
3 parts water
Allow your produce to sit in the solution for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush and rinse. Peeling produce is the best way to remove pesticides whenever possible.
Also make sure your produce and fruits are stored properly once you have washed and dried them if you are not going to use them immediately.
The Hidden Toxins Go Beyond Produce
Your pantry staples might be part of the problem, too. For example:
Over 65% of rice-based baby foods contain arsenic, posing hidden risks to families.
Want to know how toxins might impact your health?
Our expert team at MDLifespan offers customized protocols to help you detox at the cellular level, starting with what’s on your plate.
🔗 REFERENCES & LINKS
Jessica Rafaeil is a journalist and wellness writer specializing in therapeutic plasma exchange, sleep, nutrition, and alternative medicine. With over eight years of experience covering health trends, she has contributed to publications such as US Black Engineer and IT, Women of Color, Hispanic Engineer, Digital Journal, and Sway’s Universe. Jessica combines journalism with branding expertise to elevate the voices of health-focused brands while advocating for diversity and inclusion in media.
