A growing trend has seen people purchasing and consuming edible dirt, clays, and chalks. People are claiming eating this has tons of health benefits like better digestion, mood enhancers, fixing acne, absorbing toxins from the body, and even anti-aging properties. Retailers on platforms like Etsy and eBay market these products as tasting “earthy,” “tart” or “crunchy,” while TikTok users gain millions of views eating these substances on camera.
Though eating clay for digestive aid has historical roots, experts like Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, warn that these products may contain harmful toxins, such as heavy metals, and lack safety checks. He advises seeking a medical professional for safer alternatives.