Produce
Grapes
Grapes average more distinct residues per sample than almost any other fruit — a consequence of long growing seasons, dense clusters that trap moisture, and skins that are eaten whole and never peeled.
Organic upgrade priority
Prioritize organic
Score 45/100 · about $3.40 a week extra for a household of two
- →Conventional samples index 73/100 against 11/100 for organic — a 62-point difference.
- →At about 3 servings a week, the difference applies to a smaller share of what you eat.
- →Sample confidence is moderate, so the score is weighted down by 10%.
Key numbers
- Residue evidence
- 73/100
- Higher residue evidence
- Nutrient density
- 62/100
- Per calorie, across the whole database
- Typical price
- $3.29
- per lb · organic +52%
- Servings a week
- 3
- Per person, at typical purchase volume
- Samples
- 2,046
- Conventional, 2016–2023 · 75 organic
- Data confidence
- Moderate
- Set from sample size and year coverage
Organic vs conventional grapes
| Measure | Conventional | Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Samples analysed | 2,046 | 75 |
| Program years | 2016–2023 | 2016–2023 |
| Samples with any residue | 97% | 27% |
| Mean residues per sample | 6.1 | 0.5 |
| Samples above the EPA tolerance | 0.29% | 0.00% |
| Relative residue evidence index | 73/100 | 11/100 |
| Typical price | $3.29 / lb | $4.99 / lb |
Nutrition
Per 1 cup (151 g).
104
calories
1.1 g
protein
1.4 g
fiber
23.4 g
sugar
- Vitamin K 22% DV
- Copper 21% DV
- Resveratrol in red varieties
How to wash grapes
Wash grapes off the stem in a colander, agitating with your hands for 30 seconds. Residues concentrate where the berry meets the stem, which is exactly the spot a quick rinse misses.
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
- ◆Grapes are among the highest-sugar fruits per cup. They are a fine snack, but if you are watching blood sugar, a cup of berries delivers a third of the sugar and more than twice the fiber.
- ◆Frozen grapes are an underrated dessert swap and freeze well straight from the bag once washed and dried.
Common questions
›Should I buy organic grapes?
Yes, if you are upgrading anything. Grapes scores 45/100 on organic upgrade priority — conventional samples index 73/100 against 11/100 for organic, and at roughly 3 servings a week per person that difference applies often. The upgrade costs about $3.40 a week for 2 people.
›Are grapes high in pesticides?
Grapes shows higher residue evidence — an index of 73/100 relative to other commodities. Across 2,046 conventional samples from 2016–2023, 97% contained at least one detected residue, averaging 6.1 distinct compounds per sample, and 0.29% exceeded the applicable EPA tolerance. A detection is not the same as an unsafe level.
›How much more does organic grapes cost?
About 52% more at typical U.S. retail — $3.29 per lb conventional against $4.99 organic. For a household of 2 at normal purchase volume that is roughly $3.40 a week.
›How should I wash grapes?
Wash grapes off the stem in a colander, agitating with your hands for 30 seconds. Residues concentrate where the berry meets the stem, which is exactly the spot a quick rinse misses.
›What can I buy instead of grapes?
If the organic version is out of budget or the fresh price has spiked, Watermelon, Kiwi, Mangoes cover similar ground on this list. Each one is either lower on residue evidence, cheaper per serving, or both.
Related foods
Kiwi
$0.79 / each · organic $1.19
Mangoes
$1.69 / each · organic $2.69
Watermelon
$6.49 / whole melon · organic $8.99
Blackberries
$3.49 / 6 oz container · organic $4.99