Clean Fifteen’ 2026: The least contaminated fruits and vegetables

Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Clean Fifteen list for 2026 was released last month identifying the conventionally grown produce with the lowest pesticide residues. Analyzing the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture testing data, the EWG found that 75 percent of non-organic, or conventionally grown, produce samples contained pesticide residues released its 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™.

For these items, nearly 60 percent of samples had no detectable pesticide residues, making them safer options to buy non-organic.

“Consumers have a right to know what’s on their food,” said Varun Subramaniam, science analyst at EWG, said. “This year’s findings underscore the presence of PFAS pesticides in the food supply. At the same time, the guide shows there are simple steps shoppers can take to reduce exposure while still eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.”

The 2026 guide “analyzed USDA residue data from 54,344 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables, detecting 264 pesticides and breakdown products,” according to EWG.

Some of the key findings from the EWG’s study include:

• The top items also ranked among the lowest for overall pesticide toxicity.
• Nearly 60 percent of Clean Fifteen samples had no detectable pesticide residues.
• Only 16 percent had residues of two or more pesticides.

“A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential,” Dayna de Montagnac, associate scientist at EWG. “The Shopper’s Guide empowers families to continue enjoying these significant health benefits while making informed choices to reduce pesticide exposure, particularly for children, without sacrificing nutrition.”

No samples from the first five items on the list (Pineapple through Onions) had residues of more than three pesticides. While the list remains largely identical to 2025, cauliflower and mangoes shifted slightly higher in the rankings for 2026.

Experts suggest focusing an organic budget on the Dirty Dozen (like spinach, kale, and strawberries) while confidently saving money by choosing conventional versions of these Clean Fifteen items.

The 2026 Clean Fifteen List:

1. Pineapple
2. Sweet Corn (fresh and frozen)
3. Avocados
4. Papaya
5. Onions
6. Sweet Peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage
9. Cauliflower
10. Watermelon
11. Mangoes
12. Bananas
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi