We all know that fruits and vegetables are essential to a healthy diet—but not all produce is equally clean. Some are grown with heavy pesticide use that can linger on the food even after washing or peeling.

At Radiant Health & Wellness, we care about reducing your toxic burden while fueling your body with real, whole foods. That’s why we’ve created two custom lists to help you shop smarter:

• The Less Toxin Produce List — Fruits and veggies with the lowest pesticide residues
• The Top Toxic Produce List — Produce that tends to carry the highest chemical exposure
  

These lists are based on the most recent USDA and EWG data—but we’ve reordered and renamed them to better support your wellness journey.

The Less Toxin Produce List

These 15 fruits and vegetables consistently tested low for pesticide residue—even when conventionally grown. If you’re shopping on a budget, these are safer to buy non-organic.

1. Avocados – Healthy fats, thick skin, minimal pesticide concern
   
   
2. Pineapples – Tropical and toxin-safe thanks to a tough outer shell
   
   
3. Sweet Corn (fresh or frozen) – Surprisingly low residue levels
   
   
4. Papaya – Gentle on digestion and low in contaminants
   
   
5. Mangoes – A sweet, juicy choice that’s generally clean
   
   
6. Bananas – Convenient and safe for kids
   
   
7. Watermelon – Hydrating and naturally protected by rind
   
   
8. Kiwi – Nutrient-rich and lower in pesticide use than you’d expect
   
   
9. Carrots – Root veggie favorite that stays relatively clean
   
   
10. Sweet Peas (frozen) – Minimal residues found
    
    
11. Asparagus – Detox-friendly and pest-resistant
    
    
12. Cabbage – Great for gut health and low in chemical sprays
    
    
13. Cauliflower – Versatile, clean, and low risk
    
    
14. Onions – Naturally repel pests, making them a clean pick
    
    
15. Mushrooms – Surprisingly low in pesticide residues
    
    

The Top Toxic Produce List

These fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide residues. When possible, buy these organic—especially if you or your children eat them frequently.

1. Spinach – Contains more pesticide by weight than any other tested produce
   
   
2. Strawberries – Often laced with dozens of pesticide traces
   
   
3. Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens – Found to contain a known carcinogen in over 50% of samples
   
   
4. Grapes – One fruit, multiple chemical residues
   
   
5. Peaches – Delicate skin allows chemicals to absorb easily
   
   
6. Cherries – Frequently carry residues even after washing
   
   
7. Nectarines
   
   
8. Pears – Often treated post-harvest with chemical coatings
   
   
9. Apples – Highly sprayed and often waxed
   
   
10. Blackberries – Tested high for newer pesticide varieties
    
    
11. Blueberries – Back on the list with multiple residue detections
    
    
12. Potatoes – A staple that frequently ranks high in contamination
    
    

Why This Matters

Pesticides aren’t just on the surface—they can disrupt your hormone balance, burden your liver, and affect your gut health. In Functional Medicine, we see how even small, chronic exposures can create ripple effects in the body over time.

Choosing lower-toxin produce is a simple, powerful way to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term health.

Smart Shopping Tips

• Prioritize organic versions of the Top Toxic Produce List
  
  
• Shop conventional when needed using the Less Toxin Produce List
  
  
• Always wash your fruits and veggies—even organic
  
  
• Use a vinegar soak or produce wash for extra cleansing
  
  
• When in doubt, rotate produce choices to avoid overexposure
  
  

You don’t need to eat perfectly—you just need to eat intentionally.

If you’re unsure how your food or toxic load is affecting your health, we’re here to help. Book a personalized visit at radianthealthandwellness.co and let’s work together toward radiant, resilient wellness.