Pesticide residue on produce

spraying-pesticidesList of the Produce in the U.S. with the Highest and Lowest Pesticide Residue

If you are slowly transitioning to organics, I believe it’s important for you to know which produce items have the highest and lowest pesticide residue.  So, if the budget only allows for a couple of organic items, and you consume produce from the highest list, I would suggest buying that item organically grown.

The list below is from the Environmental Working Group.

Produce with the Highest Pesticide Residue 2026

  • Spinach
  • Kale, collard and mustard greens
  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Nectarines
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Apples
  • Blackberries
  • Pears
  • Potatoes
  • Blueberries

Produce with the Lowest Pesticide Residue 2026

  • Pineapples
  • Sweet Corn – Not Genetically Modified*
  • Avocados
  • Papayas – Not Genetically Modified*
  • Onions
  • Sweet peas frozen
  • Asparagus
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Watermelon
  • Mangos
  • Bananas
  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Kiwi

*Refer to the list of Genetically Modified foods on the resource page.