Produce
Carrots
Carrots grow underground and show about half the detection rate of leafy greens. They are also one of the cheapest vegetables per serving and the densest common source of provitamin A.
Organic upgrade priority
Consider organic
Score 33/100 · about $1.00 a week extra for a household of two
- →Conventional samples index 41/100 against 2/100 for organic — a 39-point difference.
- →At about 3.5 servings a week, the difference applies to a smaller share of what you eat.
Key numbers
- Residue evidence
- 41/100
- Moderate residue evidence
- Nutrient density
- 80/100
- Per calorie, across the whole database
- Typical price
- $2.49
- per 2 lb bag · organic +40%
- Servings a week
- 3.5
- Per person, at typical purchase volume
- Samples
- 1,219
- Conventional, 2020–2022 · 165 organic
- Data confidence
- High
- Set from sample size and year coverage
Organic vs conventional carrots
| Measure | Conventional | Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Samples analysed | 1,219 | 165 |
| Program years | 2020–2022 | 2020–2022 |
| Samples with any residue | 64% | 4% |
| Mean residues per sample | 1.2 | 0.1 |
| Samples above the EPA tolerance | 0.66% | 0.00% |
| Relative residue evidence index | 41/100 | 2/100 |
| Typical price | $2.49 / 2 lb bag | $3.49 / 2 lb bag |
Nutrition
Per 1 cup chopped (128 g).
52
calories
1.2 g
protein
3.6 g
fiber
6.1 g
sugar
- Vitamin A 428% DV
- Fiber 13% DV
- Vitamin K 13% DV
How to wash carrots
Scrub rather than peel — the layer just under the skin holds a disproportionate share of the carotenoids. Baby carrots are already washed in chlorinated water and need only a rinse.
Washing reduces surface residue and soil. It does not remove systemic compounds taken up into the plant, and no soap, vinegar, or commercial produce wash has been shown to beat 30 seconds of plain running water by a margin worth paying for. Full washing guide.
Buying and storing
- ◆Cooking carrots in a little fat roughly triples how much beta-carotene you absorb compared with eating them raw.
- ◆"Baby carrots" are full-size carrots cut and tumbled to shape. Nutritionally identical, about twice the price per pound.
Common questions
›Should I buy organic carrots?
It is a reasonable upgrade when the budget allows, but not the first one to make. Carrots scores 33/100 on organic upgrade priority, with conventional samples at 41/100 against 2/100 organic. At about $1.00 extra a week, it competes with several higher-priority items.
›Are carrots high in pesticides?
Carrots shows moderate residue evidence — an index of 41/100 relative to other commodities. Across 1,219 conventional samples from 2020–2022, 64% contained at least one detected residue, averaging 1.2 distinct compounds per sample, and 0.66% exceeded the applicable EPA tolerance. A detection is not the same as an unsafe level.
›How much more does organic carrots cost?
About 40% more at typical U.S. retail — $2.49 per 2 lb bag conventional against $3.49 organic. For a household of 2 at normal purchase volume that is roughly $1.00 a week.
›How should I wash carrots?
Scrub rather than peel — the layer just under the skin holds a disproportionate share of the carotenoids. Baby carrots are already washed in chlorinated water and need only a rinse.
Related foods
Spinach
$3.29 / 5 oz container · organic $4.49
Kale
$2.79 / bunch · organic $3.79
Broccoli
$2.49 / lb · organic $3.69
Bell peppers
$1.49 / each · organic $2.29