Grapes are a perfect fridge staple. They’re handy to have on hand for a fruit salad, a lunch you’re packing for school or work, or directly from the bowl whenever you need an extra boost of energy. But, whether they come straight from the farmers’ market or the grocery store, you don’t want to gobble those grapes up right away. They’ll first need a little love and attention before they’re safe enough to snack on.

Do You Really Need To Wash Grapes?

Yes! Grapes are part of the “Dirty Dozen,” a list compiled annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to identify the foods most contaminated with pesticides. While the use of pesticides in farming is essential for protecting crops, they’re certainly not the healthiest for us to consume. According to the EWG, as of 2025, grapes are the fourth most contaminated crop, ranking behind only strawberries, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.

If you buy organic produce, this may be less of a concern since organic produce generally contains fewer pesticide residues. However, buying organic can add up fairly quickly, so not everyone can opt for them.

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