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April 2, 2025
Buying Organic: Is It Worth the Hype?
Go to any grocery store, and you’ll see organic products on the shelves and specific sections dedicated to organic produce. These foods are often expensive, raising the question of whether they’re worth the higher price tag. Let’s take a look at what organic really means when it comes to fruits and vegetables.
Does organic mean no pesticides?
Just because a label says organic does not mean that it’s pesticide-free and more nutritious than non-organic produce. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates organic produce to ensure that it’s raised using approved methods. It does not mean that it’s grown without pesticides. It just means that synthetic and man-made pesticides are not used. Organic farms can use natural pesticides that are approved by the USDA. Farmers must use natural fertilizers such as compost and natural pest control methods to be certified organic. There is no evidence showing there is a big nutritional profile difference between organic and non-organic produce.
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
You may have heard about the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) creates these lists annually to assist consumers in making decisions about their produce consumption.
The Dirty Dozen refers to the 12 crops on which farmers typically use the most pesticides, including strawberries, spinach, kale, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell and hot peppers, cherries, blueberries and green beans.
The Clean 15 refers to the 15 crops that tend to use the least amount of pesticides. These include avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon and carrots.
The amount of information on the internet regarding organic vs. non-organic produce can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. When deciding what produce is right for you and your family, keep in mind your goals and budget. Remember, no matter what you choose to buy, adding color to your plate will boost your health!
What is Organic Produce? Facts, Limitations, & Alternatives | Eden Green
Decoding the EWG Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen | Pompa Program
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April 2, 2025
Buying Organic: Is It Worth the Hype?
Go to any grocery store, and you’ll see organic products on the shelves and specific sections dedicated to organic produce. These foods are often expensive, raising the question of whether they’re worth the higher price tag. Let’s take a look …
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Authored By
Catherine Kirkhoff, CHES, CLS
Vice President, Kinetiq Health
As Vice President of Kinetiq Health, Catherine Kirkhoff leads the Kinetiq health clinical teams and collaborates closely with wellness vendors to help clients implement, manage, and measure impactful health and wellness initiatives. She oversees the successful onboarding of new clients and manages the day-to-day operations of a dynamic team of analysts and clinicians; all focused on driving strategic health solutions tailored to client needs.
With over a decade of experience in the health and wellness space, Catherine brings a strong background in public health and a deep understanding of cost-containment strategies for employers and their benefit plans. Her approach combines analytical attention with human-centered care, helping organizations achieve better outcomes for both their employees and bottom lines.
Catherine resides in Indianapolis with her husband, three children, a dog, and a cat. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends—especially at their family lake house. A passionate home cook and audiobook enthusiast, you can often find her on a walk with her family, gardening, relaxing with a Netflix series, or diving into her next favorite listen.