Changes on the 2024 Dirty Dozen List
Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tests various fruits and vegetables for pesticide residues to give us the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists. These lists are essential guides for those of us who strive to eat healthily while being mindful of pesticide exposure. Over the last several years the lists have stayed pretty much the same as the year before, but not this year!
The Dirty Dozen: What’s Changed?
The Dirty Dozen are the top twelve fruits or vegetables with the highest amounts of pesticides on them, making them the “dirtiest”. These are the ones that you want to avoid if at all possible, and eat organic. This year, there have been some interesting changes to the Dirty Dozen list. Green beans and blueberries have joined the list, making it more crucial than ever to buy these organic if possible. These nutrient-packed foods are now among the top twelve to watch out for due to higher levels of pesticide residues.
Here’s the updated 2024 Dirty Dozen list:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & Hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
Tomatoes and celery dropped from the Dirty Dozen list this year replaced by blueberries and green beans. However, even though tomatoes and celery were bumped from the list, since they have held a prominent spot on the list for years, I am still wary of them, and for myself, I am choosing to still buy these ones organic.
The Clean 15: What’s New?
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Clean 15, which features fruits and veggies with the lowest pesticide residues. This list helps us choose produce with minimal pesticide exposure, even if we can’t buy organic.
Exciting news for carrot lovers! Carrots have been added to the Clean 15 list, making it easier to enjoy this crunchy, nutritious vegetable without worrying too much about pesticides.
Here’s the updated 2024 Clean 15 list:
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet Peas (Frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew Melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Carrots
So what if the produce you’re looking for doesn’t exist on either of the lists? For myself, I tend to worry the most about what is on the Dirty Dozen list. Everything else is generally considered safer (and usually cheaper!). However, if you are concerned, then you should definitely buy it organic if possible.
Making the Most of the Lists
In the past, remembering which fruits and vegetables were on the lists was quite a challenge. Googling the lists every time I went shopping was a hassle, often making it much more stressful than it needed to be. Then one day, inspiration struck—I decided to create the list as my phone screensaver. Now, with just a glance at my phone, I have the information I need right at my fingertips. It has made grocery shopping so much easier!
Feel free to grab my screensaver for yourself too!
Remember, these lists are tools to help guide our choices, not strict rules. If buying organic isn’t always possible, focus on washing and peeling produce to reduce pesticide residues. Every small step towards healthier eating makes a difference!
Stay amazing, and happy eating!
🌱🥕💚
