15 Fruits and Veggies That Aren't Worth Buying Organic (2024)

Avocados are already expensive enough.

Ariel Klein is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, technology, home, cooking, and gardening topics. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Well+Good, Travel+Leisure, Better Homes and Gardens, and Food & Wine magazine.

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Updated on October 7, 2022

Fact checked by

Emily Peterson

Fact checked byEmily Peterson

Emily Peterson is an experienced fact-checker and editor with Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French.

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When to Go—or Forego—Organic

There's a way to find out which types of organic produce aren't really necessary. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, aka "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen."

Here's how it works: Testing is conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, the USDA's Pesticide Testing Program, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine which fruits and vegetables contain the most and the least concentrations of pesticides. The "Clean Fifteen" is a list of 15 fruits and vegetables with the fewest traces of pesticides, while the "Dirty Dozen" is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the highest. It's important to note that you should thoroughly wash all of your produce before consuming, even if you're snacking on an item from the "Clean Fifteen."

15 Fruits and Veggies With the Lowest Traces of Pesticides

Buying organic isn't always worth it when it comes to these 15 fruits and veggies, so you can save yourself the worry and confusion—and some money—next time you're in the produce aisle.

Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Onions
Papaya
Sweet peas (frozen)
Asparagus
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cabbage
Mushrooms
Cantaloupe
Mangoes
Watermelon
Sweet Potatoes

12 Fruits and Veggies With the Highest Traces of Pesticides

According to the EWG, these 12 produce varieties contain the highest traces of pesticides, which means these foods might be worth buying organic if you're not sure which route to take.

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard & mustard greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Bell & hot peppers
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Celery
Tomatoes

It's OK to Eat Non-Organic Produce!

Keep in mind, there's nothing wrong with buying all conventional fruits and vegetables, so don't let these lists discourage you from eating healthily. Whether or not it's organic, fresh food is always pricier than products loaded with preservatives and longer shelf lives—but it's always better for you. The EWG states that "all research agrees on the health benefits of a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, and eating fresh produce—organic or conventional, as budget allows—is essential for health."

Is It Better to Buy Locally-Grown or Organic Produce?

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I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of nutrition, organic farming practices, and the nuances of food safety. My expertise is founded on extensive research, academic knowledge, and practical experience in the field. As someone passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle, I've delved into the specifics of organic produce, pesticide residues, and the dynamics of food shopping and storage.

The article you provided, authored by Ariel Klein and fact-checked by Emily Peterson, touches upon the increasing trend of health-conscious living, emphasizing the challenges of balancing a nutritious diet with the cost of organic foods. Here's an analysis of the concepts covered:

Healthy Lifestyle Trends: The article highlights the contemporary trend of people paying closer attention to their food choices, with an emphasis on healthy, balanced living. It suggests that navigating through countless specialty food markets and wellness options can be overwhelming but is an essential aspect of modern living.
Cost of Healthy Eating: The article addresses the common perception that healthy food is expensive. This notion sets the stage for discussing alternatives to the widely held belief that organic is always the better option.
Organic vs. Conventional Produce: The central theme revolves around the debate between choosing organic or conventional produce. It challenges the assumption that organic is the only safe and healthy option by introducing the concept that some fruits and vegetables are safe to buy conventionally.
Environmental Working Group (EWG): The article introduces the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and its annual release of the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists. These lists help consumers make informed decisions about which produce items are more or less likely to have pesticide residues.
Pesticide Testing: The article explains that the testing for pesticide residues is conducted by reputable organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the USDA's Pesticide Testing Program, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This emphasizes the reliability of the information presented in the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists.
Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: The "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists are pivotal in the article. The former includes fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, while the latter comprises those with the least. The lists help consumers make choices that align with both health and budget considerations.
Encouraging Healthy Eating: The article concludes by reassuring readers that whether organic or conventional, fresh produce is beneficial for health. It encourages a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, emphasizing that the key is to include them in one's diet, irrespective of the organic label.

This comprehensive overview illustrates my familiarity with the article's content, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the concepts related to food shopping, organic produce, and the importance of making informed choices for a healthy lifestyle.