If you’ve ever found yourself wondering which fruits and veggies are worth buying organic, you’re not alone. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Dirty Dozen list, a guide to the twelve fruits and vegetables most likely to carry pesticide residues when grown conventionally.
At Fresh Box Organics, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the food you feed your family. Here’s what the Dirty Dozen means, why it matters, and how to shop smarter for fresh, healthy, chemical-free produce.
What is the Dirty Dozen?
The Dirty Dozen forms part of the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™. It is based on thousands of produce tests conducted by the USDA and FDA. The goal isn’t to scare you away from fruit and vegetables. It is to help you prioritise which items to buy organic if you’re trying to reduce pesticide exposure.
Because these foods are often eaten unpeeled, any chemical residue on the surface is more likely to end up on your plate.
The 2025 Dirty Dozen List
Here are the twelve conventional items most likely to contain pesticide residue, according to the latest reports:
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Strawberries
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Spinach
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Kale, collard and mustard greens
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Grapes
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Peaches
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Pears
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Nectarines
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Apples
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Bell and hot peppers
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Cherries
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Blueberries
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Green beans
If these are staples in your household or feature in your kids’ lunchboxes, it’s worth seeking out certified organic versions whenever possible.
Why It Matters
Many of the foods on the Dirty Dozen list are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, exactly the produce we want to eat more of. Choosing organic ensures you get all the goodness of fresh fruit and veg without the chemical cocktail.
At Fresh Box Organics, we source every item from certified-organic Australian growers, meaning you can enjoy your apples, strawberries and kale just as nature intended, clean, nutrient-dense and full of flavour.
How to Shop Smart
If your budget or access to organic produce is limited, try this simple approach:
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Prioritise organic for Dirty Dozen items, especially those you eat daily or don’t peel.
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Shop conventional for the Clean 15, which includes avocados, onions and sweetcorn, produce known for lower pesticide residue.
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Wash produce thoroughly, even organic, to remove dust and natural residues. A quick rinse in water and a baking soda soak works wonders.
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Support local organic growers to reduce your carbon footprint and boost your community’s sustainable food system.
The Balanced View
Critics of the Dirty Dozen list argue that pesticide traces on conventional produce often remain below regulatory safety limits. This is true. The list isn’t a measure of health risk, but of residue frequency. Still, many Australian families prefer to minimise unnecessary exposure, particularly for children and those with sensitivities.
We see the Dirty Dozen as a helpful shopping compass, not a scare tactic. The key message is to eat plenty of fruit and veg, but when you can, choose organic for the highest-risk crops.
Why We Only Stock Certified Organic Produce
We believe peace of mind should come free with your groceries. Every apple, pear and leafy green in your Fresh Box Organics delivery is 100% certified organic, never “spray-free” or “low-spray”. You’ll taste the difference, and your body will thank you for it.
Organic produce is better for the planet, better for your health and better for the growers who make it all possible. It’s one small choice that creates a big ripple from farm to family table.
Final Thoughts
The Dirty Dozen list is a simple reminder that not all produce is grown equally. By choosing organic versions of the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry pesticide residues, you can eat confidently and care for your family’s long-term health.
At Fresh Box Organics, we’re here to make that choice effortless, delivering the cleanest, freshest organic produce from local farms straight to your door.
Explore our seasonal boxes today and taste the difference that truly clean eating makes.
