The Clean Fifteen: Your Guide to Low-Pesticide Produce
Smart Shopping: 15 Produce Picks That Don’t Need the Organic Price Tag
The Clean Fifteen: Your Guide to Low-Pesticide Produce
When it comes to eating clean, the Dirty Dozen often gets all the attention, but what about the produce that naturally contains fewer pesticides? Enter the Clean Fifteen, a list of fruits and vegetables that are lowest in pesticide contamination, even when grown conventionally.
If you’re looking to eat healthier without overspending, this guide will help you prioritize which foods you can buy non-organic while still maintaining a clean, balanced diet.
With spring approaching, I know I’m looking forward to farmers markets as they start opening up again, especially since this will be my first time experiencing them in Colorado. There’s something special about wandering through stalls filled with fresh produce, connecting with local farmers, and knowing which items are naturally lower in pesticides makes shopping even easier.
This is part one of a two-part series where I’ll be covering both the Clean Fifteen and the Dirty Dozen. Today, we’re focusing on the low-pesticide produce you can buy conventionally, and in my next post, I’ll be diving into the fruits and vegetables you’ll want to prioritize buying organic.
This photo was taken in Bogotá, Colombia, right where we visited one of the city’s historic markets. This area was once a central hub for trade, and you can still feel the energy of all the stories it holds. I got to explore it with one of my good friends, and yes… we made friends with the pigeons too 🕊️✨
What Is the Clean Fifteen?
Each year, the Environmental Working Group releases a report on pesticide residues in produce. While the Dirty Dozen lists the most contaminated foods, the Clean Fifteen highlights the safest conventional produce options, meaning they retain little to no pesticide residue.
Many of these foods have natural protective barriers like thick skins or peels or require fewer pesticides due to their growing conditions.
As of now, the 2025 Clean Fifteen list has not yet been released, but based on the most recent update from 2024, here’s the latest ranking of low-pesticide produce. The updated list typically comes out in the spring, so I’ll be keeping an eye out and sharing any changes when the new data is available.
2024 Clean Fifteen List 🥑 🌽 🍄 🥭 🍉
These are the 15 fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide levels according to the most recent report
1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew Melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Mangoes
13. Watermelon
14. Sweet Potatoes
15. Carrots
These foods are considered safe to buy conventionally, making them a budget-friendly way to eat clean without worrying about excessive pesticide exposure.
Spotted this little market while wandering the streets of Grenoble, France. 🍊🍇 We stopped here for the night on our road trip from Italy, right before heading into the mountains for a ski trip. The air was crisp, the fruit stands were overflowing, and the whole town had that cozy in-between-seasons charm. One of those small, unexpected moments that sticks with you
Why Is the Clean Fifteen Safer?
Most of these fruits and vegetables have natural barriers or properties that reduce pesticide absorption, including
Thick Peels or Skins → Fruits like avocados, pineapples, and melons have a protective barrier that prevents pesticides from reaching the edible part
Natural Pest Resistance → Produce like mushrooms, onions, and cabbage naturally repel pests, reducing the need for chemical sprays
Different Farming Practices → Some crops, like sweet corn and papaya, are grown using methods that require fewer pesticides, leading to lower residue levels
This makes the Clean Fifteen a great choice for anyone who wants to balance organic and conventional shopping while still prioritizing a clean diet.
How to Shop Smart Using the Clean Fifteen
Even though these foods are lower in pesticides, there are still ways to ensure you’re getting the cleanest, freshest options:
Buy Seasonal → In-season produce is fresher, cheaper, and typically has fewer chemicals due to lower demand for preservatives.
Wash Thoroughly → A simple vinegar-water soak can help remove any remaining residue, dirt, or wax coatings.
Check for GMOs → Some items, like papaya and sweet corn, may be genetically modified. If you prefer non-GMO, look for labels like “Non-GMO Project Verified” or choose organic versions.
Balance with the Dirty Dozen → Save money by buying Clean Fifteen items conventionally while prioritizing organic purchases for the Dirty Dozen, which I’ll be covering in my next post.
Another photo from the market that I had to share. The colors, the energy, the fresh fruit… everything about it was just so vibrant and alive. Still thinking about how magical that whole day felt. 🍉✨
On a more personal note, I just found out about the cutest farmers market in our town that’s opening up very soon. I literally stumbled across it while I was touring apartments with my friend who’s thinking about moving closer to us (fingers crossed because I would love having her nearby!). Not only would it mean more hangouts, but imagine the two of us hitting the farmers market together on sunny mornings. That’s truly my favorite vibe, being outside early in the day, soaking in the sunshine, chatting with local farmers, and just getting a real feel for what’s fresh and relevant in our area. I always walk away with new knowledge whether it’s cooking tips, storage hacks, or simply learning what’s in peak season.
And speaking of grocery hacks, I was chatting with the cashier at Whole Foods the other day (yes, I’m that person who chats with everyone 😂) and learned that apparently Tuesdays and Fridays are when they have the best deals. Like how did I not know this?! I’ve officially updated my weekly routine to do my shopping on those days. Because let’s be real, ya girl is still tackling those student loans, and saving money where I can is essential. Hopefully this little tip helps you out too!
Pro tip: farmers markets are also such a great way to plug into a new community if you’ve recently moved. You get to meet local vendors, ask questions, and learn more about seasonal eating all while enjoying fresh air and good vibes. Win win win.
Let’s Chat About the Clean Fifteen
Okay, can we talk about how expensive organic produce can get? I love eating clean, but I also love not spending my entire grocery budget on a handful of veggies. That’s why I’m all about the Clean Fifteen, the produce that naturally has little to no pesticide residue even when it’s grown conventionally.
With spring finally rolling in, I can’t wait for farmers market season to start up again. This will be my first time experiencing them in Colorado and you know I’ll be making the rounds to see what local goodies I can find. Knowing which foods are already low in pesticides makes shopping way easier and not to mention, easier on my wallet too.
I’ll be covering the Dirty Dozen in my next post but for now, I’d love to know, do you already shop with the Clean Fifteen in mind? Are there certain fruits or veggies you always buy organic no matter what? Let’s chat in the comments! 🌽🥑🍄🟫🍍
Love and Light,
Jess 🫧
P.S. 📩 Want a free printable guide to the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen? Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll send one straight to your inbox.
Connecting with Me 📱
Let’s connect and swap tips on seasonal eating, local finds, and all things fresh and budget-friendly!
📸 Instagram – @vibrationalbloom
🎥 TikTok – @vibrationalbloom
🌿 Website – Vibrational Bloom
