If you asked most people in this space what they're actually chasing, texture would come up before flavour almost every time. That's not me being precious about it, it's just how this works. Some people want the crisp snap of a baked chalk stick. Some want the slow, almost creamy dissolve of a soft clay. Both are completely legitimate, and neither one is "correct."
Broadly, you're looking at three camps. Crunchy and brittle stuff that snaps and crumbles easily, which tends to be what people describe as the most moreish. Smooth and powdery clays that melt on the tongue almost like dust, which a lot of people find genuinely calming rather than exciting. And then gritty or layered pieces, which give you a slower, rougher chew and often a stronger earthy finish, the kind some people love and others actively avoid.
There's a meditative side to this that doesn't get talked about enough. The sound, the way a piece feels as it breaks apart, choosing which one to reach for, it adds up to something a lot of people use to unwind or feel a bit more grounded, which I don't think is a coincidence given the name of the whole practice.
I try to sort my stock so you can actually find what you want rather than gambling on it. Stash boxes exist so you can sample a spread of textures rather than committing to one bag blind, and I write proper descriptions so you know in advance whether something is a creamy crumble or a hard, snappy stick. There's no universal "best" texture here. The fun is in working out what yours actually is.
Disclaimer: This is written for informational and hobbyist purposes. My products aren't certified food-grade and are sold for collection, crafting or sensory enjoyment. Some people choose to taste natural earth materials like these; that's entirely a personal decision and entirely at your own risk. I don't promote ingestion and can't be held responsible for any adverse effects.
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