So you’ve unwrapped your newest batch of crunchy chalk, raw clay chunks or smoky roasted treats… only to notice something a bit unexpected. A whiff of sandalwood, maybe? A floral smokiness? Or worse — a faint plasticky or soapy smell? Before you panic and think your order’s gone off, let’s pause. There’s a perfectly good explanation — and a few easy fixes.
Let’s get into the hows, the whys, and the very human traditions that might be tagging along with your tasty stash.
The sacred smell of incense — and why it might cling to your clay
First, a bit of cultural context. If you’re buying chalks and clays from vendors in India — especially small-batch, traditional sellers — there’s a high chance your treats have been stored, processed, or packed near places where incense is burned. In many Indian homes and shops, incense isn’t just for creating a relaxing mood. It holds deep spiritual, religious and cultural significance.
In the Hindu religion, incense is a daily ritual. It’s used during prayer, temple offerings, religious ceremonies and festivals, or simply to purify the air in the home. It’s a symbol of devotion, offering, and cleansing. Even the smoke rising from incense is thought to carry prayers to the divine.
So what does that have to do with your chalk?
Well, when your products are prepared or stored in environments where incense is regularly burned — whether at home, in a temple-facing window, or in a market stall — that rich scent lingers. It settles into the walls, the air… and yes, even your beloved earthy snacks.
Clay is porous — it soaks up everything around it
This brings us to the science bit. Natural chalks, clays, and earth-based materials are incredibly porous. That means they absorb odours, moisture, oils, and even flavours from the environment they’re in. They’re like little scent sponges.
So if your batch has taken on a background note of incense, perfume, soap, or something vaguely synthetic, chances are it’s not the clay itself — it’s just picked up surrounding smells during handling, storage or shipping.
We’ve heard everything from “this tastes like a yoga studio” to “why does this smell like laundry detergent?” Trust us, it’s not unusual — and it doesn’t mean your treat is bad. But we totally understand that when you’re craving that clean, earthy, mineral-rich taste, anything else can feel a bit distracting.
But what about plastic smells?
Now this is a big one — and a serious reason we’ve gone plastic-free at Earthy Crunch UK. Some customers have reported their stash smelling faintly of plastic or even tasting like soap. This is usually due to packaging — not the clay itself. When natural products like chalk or clay are wrapped in plastic, stored in plastic tubs, or shipped in heavy-duty plastic bags, they can absorb those synthetic smells.
This is one of the many reasons we said a big, crunchy NO to plastic.
We’ve eliminated plastic from almost every part of our business. That includes not just the packaging around your treats, but the tape we seal our parcels with (no plastic cellotape here), the mailing boxes, the stuffing, and even the way we store our stock.
We believe your clay should be as clean, natural, and untouched as possible — both for your enjoyment and for the planet. Microplastics are a growing environmental and health concern, and we don’t want any of them anywhere near your crunch.
Ditch the plastic — we certainly have
Besides the health reasons, plastic packaging just doesn’t feel right. It's bad for the planet, it cheapens the unboxing experience, and it gets in the way of what makes this whole craving so special — that earthy, grounded connection with the raw elements.
So if you’re shopping from vendors who still use plastic, don’t be surprised if your treats pick up a few unpleasant smells. Our advice? Choose vendors who take the same care in packaging that they do in selecting stock. Trust us — your tastebuds (and lungs) will thank you.
How to remove unwanted scents from your stash
If your new haul arrives with a bit of a fragrance, don’t panic — it’s easy to bring them back to neutral. Here are a few simple, tried-and-tested methods for freshening up your earthy snacks:
1. Air them out on a windowsill
This is by far the gentlest and most effective option. Choose a neutral part of your home — somewhere not near cooking smells or perfumes. A windowsill with natural airflow and a bit of sunlight is ideal. Lay your clay or chalk out on a clean plate or tray, and let them breathe. A few hours (or overnight) can make a huge difference.
2. Light misting with distilled water
If the scent is a bit stronger, give your stash a very gentle spritz with distilled water — just enough to slightly moisten the surface — then let them air dry naturally. This can help lift and carry away lingering aromas without damaging texture or taste.
3. Roast them (if you like it crunchy)
If you're someone who loves that deep crunch and rich roasted flavour, the oven can be your best friend. Pop your chunks on a baking tray, roast them at a low heat (around 100–120°C) for 10–15 minutes, and let them cool completely. This not only enhances flavour and texture, but often neutralises background smells too.
Pro tip: Always test roast a small piece first — especially with raw or rare clays. Some can get brittle or change colour with heat.
Keep it natural, keep it earthy
At Earthy Crunch UK, we’re all about letting the natural properties of clay and chalk shine through. That means choosing sourcing partners carefully, avoiding synthetic materials, and taking extra care to package things with love, not plastic.
So if your stash arrives with a little something "extra" in the scent department, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s been on — and know that with a little care, you can bring it right back to its earthy best.
Want more clay care tips and crunchy hacks?
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