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West African Calaba Clay - Clay for Pica/ Geophagia
£11.25
£16.30
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Details
Product Overview
Calaba is a premium, unsmoked kaolin clay traditionally sourced from West Africa, including the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and surrounding regions. Celebrated for its smooth crunch and gentle earthiness, each piece displays natural tonal variation — soft whites, blush pinks, and pale yellow hues scattered across a chalky, matte surface. The clay delivers a firm, clean snap when bitten, breaking down into a creamy, lightly sticky chew in larger mouthfuls. Low in grit and entirely free from additives, Calaba offers a pure, authentic mineral experience for those who appreciate a refined yet interactive crunch.
Size
Varies; approximately 2–4 cm chunks and balls
Weight
Available in 100 g and 250 g
Shape
Mixed, irregular chunks
Colour
Naturally varied. “Pink” varieties feature soft pink, white, and pale yellow undertones. Some pieces may have darker grey outer layers or appear fully white.
Texture
Smooth and dry with a crisp bite; becomes slightly sticky when chewed. Low grit.
Crunch Factor
4 – firm, clean break with a creamy crumble
Taste Profile
Mildly earthy with smooth smoky notes and subtle charcoal undertones. Clean and mineral-rich, often compared to rain-soaked soil or damp earth (petrichor). Initial crispness softens into a creamy, slightly gummy chew, with occasional hints of saltiness and a gentle tang.
Ingredients
100% natural kaolin clay (Calaba / Calabar / Lokpo)
Country of Origin
West Africa depending on batch – Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon
Vendor
African Clays Distributor
Traditional Clay Origins
Calaba — also known as Lokpo or Calabar chalk — has been enjoyed for generations across West African communities. Traditionally harvested from kaolin-rich deposits and air-dried without smoking, this clay is valued for its balanced texture, natural colour variation, and clean mineral profile. Long associated with cultural practices, grounding rituals, and traditional food customs, Calaba remains a staple within geophagy communities. Its unsmoked purity, gentle flavour, and striking appearance have made it one of the most sought-after African edible clays, now thoughtfully curated for collectors and clay enthusiasts alike.
Uses
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Geophagy / Pica: Enjoy for its firm crunch, creamy crumble, and smooth earthy–smoky mineral profile.
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Traditional practices: Suitable for grounding or cleansing routines.
Materials + Care
Storage Tips
To keep your clays and treats fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour, always store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture, humidity, and strong odours. Exposure to air or dampness can alter both texture and taste.
We highly recommend using our stash boxes, available on the website — designed specifically to protect and organise your clay collection with ease.
Handling Guidelines
- clean, dry hands
Fragility Disclaimer
All clay treats and terracotta pot products are handmade and naturally fragile, making them susceptible to breakage during delivery.
While we take great care in packing each item securely, minor cracks, chips, or crumbled pieces may occur. This is a natural part of working with handcrafted clays and does not affect taste or enjoyment.
Delivery + Returns
Tracked & Reliable Shipping
We offer fast, fully tracked delivery via Royal Mail to ensure your order arrives safely and on time.
Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor its journey every step of the way.
Breakage Policy
Our clay treats are naturally delicate and handmade, and despite our best efforts to pack them securely, some breakage is expected in transit.
Broken items are not eligible for refunds, as the flavour and enjoyment remain the same, even if the item arrives in pieces. Each parcel includes a wooden spoon to help you enjoy crumbs or powder just as easily.
Returns & Refunds
Due to the edible and handmade nature of our products, we do not accept returns or offer refunds, unless:
- wrong item, or
- missing items.
In such cases, please email us at info@earthycrunch.co.uk within 48 hours of delivery, along with clear photo evidence of the issue.
CONSUMPTION DISCLAIMER
This product is not food-grade and is intended for collection, sensory use, or crafting purposes only. While some members of the pica community may taste it, any consumption is entirely at your own discretion, and Earthy Crunch UK cannot be held responsible for any effects from ingestion.