Geophagia and Pica Blog

Basement to Petrichor: How We Name Flavours of Clay – A guide to the quirky vocabulary of clay tasting
Basement to Petrichor: How We Name Flavours of Clay – A guide to the quirky vocabulary of clay tasting
If you’ve spent any time in the world of edible clay, you’ll know it has its own language—a glossary of flavours that sound more like poetry or weather reports than... Read more...
Why Does Crunch Satisfy? The Science of That First Bite – Exploring the sensory psychology of crunch
Why Does Crunch Satisfy? The Science of That First Bite – Exploring the sensory psychology of crunch
There’s something about that first crisp, crackling bite that makes your brain light up. Whether it’s into a perfectly roasted clay nugget, a biscuit straight from the tin, or a... Read more...
Pots, Plates, and Palates: Clay in Everyday Life Beyond Eating – Looking at clay’s role in pottery, cooking, and culture
Pots, Plates, and Palates: Clay in Everyday Life Beyond Eating – Looking at clay’s role in pottery, cooking, and culture
Clay isn’t just for chewing. While edible earth might have its own devoted fanbase, the story of clay in everyday life goes far beyond the crunch. From kitchens to marketplaces,... Read more...
Clay in Myth and Folklore: Legends from the Soil – Ancient stories and spiritual beliefs about earth
Clay in Myth and Folklore: Legends from the Soil – Ancient stories and spiritual beliefs about earth
Long before clay was ever baked into pots or crunched between teeth, it lived in our imaginations. Civilisations across the world have seen clay as more than just damp earth.... Read more...
From Mud Huts to Munchies: The Surprising History of Clay in Human Life – Blending architecture, medicine, and cravings
From Mud Huts to Munchies: The Surprising History of Clay in Human Life – Blending architecture, medicine, and cravings
From Mud Huts to Munchies: The Surprising History of Clay in Human Life Clay. Humble, squishy, often underfoot—and yet it’s been shaping human life for thousands of years. It’s in... Read more...
Why Chalk Squeaks: The Role of Calcium Carbonate
Why Chalk Squeaks: The Role of Calcium Carbonate
Ever wondered why chalk makes that distinctive squeaking sound? It’s all thanks to calcium carbonate crystals rubbing against your teeth. Discover the science behind the crunch and squeak with Earthy... Read more...
When it rains, it clumps: How weather and climate affect edible clays
When it rains, it clumps: How weather and climate affect edible clays
The world of edible clays may feel timeless and earthy, but it's far from immune to the whims of weather. From scorching heat to relentless monsoon rains, the climate plays... Read more...
How moisture affects texture
How moisture affects texture
Moisture plays a key role in the texture of edible clay. Learn how keeping your clay dry preserves that satisfying crunch and why moisture levels can make or break your... Read more...
Coming out crunchy: tips for telling people about pica
Because “I eat clay” isn’t exactly a conversation starter… or is it? Let’s face it — telling someone you like to crunch on clay, chalk, or dirt isn’t as simple as confessing you binge reality TV or still sleep with a stuffed animal. Pica is one of those cravings that comes with side-eyes, raised brows, and a healthy dose of wait, you do what now? But for many of us, pica isn’t just a weird quirk — it’s a deep-rooted craving, a sensory pleasure, and honestly, a part of who... Read more...
Why Texture Matters More Than Taste
Why Texture Matters More Than Taste
For lovers of edible clay and earth snacks, texture often matters more than taste. Discover why the satisfying crunch, mouthfeel, and sound create a richer, more enjoyable experience than flavor... Read more...
Why is edible clay so expensive?: A thoughtful look at price, perception & the crunchy truth
Ever wonder why a bag of edible clay costs more than your lunch? You're not alone — but there's more to that price tag than meets the eye. From international shipping and exchange rates to the handmade nature of each treat, edible clay is a niche luxury, not a bargain snack. And let’s be honest — we're willingly eating the ground, so maybe it’s time to stop expecting it to come cheap. Especially when it’s coming from places like India, where sellers are putting in serious work to ensure clean,... Read more...
A Taste of the Hills: The History of Chilterns Chalk and Earth-Eating Traditions in England
A Taste of the Hills: The History of Chilterns Chalk and Earth-Eating Traditions in England
The Chiltern Hills may be best known for their postcard views and ancient walking paths, but beneath those grassy slopes lies a crumbly white secret: chalk. Formed over 90 million... Read more...