In case your TikTok feed has not too long ago crammed with loud crunching noises and tiny terracotta pots disappearing into individuals’s mouths, you’re not alone. The platform’s newest viral meals development entails customers filling miniature clay pots with lime or lemon juice, sprinkling them with Tajín seasoning, and consuming them entire on digicam.
The development is believed to have began with TikTok creator Janeth Herrera, who shared movies of herself consuming small clay vessels whereas experiencing being pregnant cravings. Her clips rapidly racked up hundreds of thousands of views, sparking a mixture of fascination, confusion and outright disgust throughout the app.
Since then, different customers have jumped on board, typically framing the movies as ASMR content material, leaning into the crunchy sound and earthy texture. Some viewers admit the clips make them curious, whereas others say the thought is difficult to abdomen. Demand has reportedly surged on-line, with miniature clay pots promoting out on platforms like Amazon as individuals try to recreate the development at house.
Article continues after this advert
Commercial
@jannherr Late evening snack 🤪 #jarrodebarro #dirt #water ♬ original sound – Janeth Herrera🦋
Well being consultants, nonetheless, are urging warning. Dietitians say craving and consuming non‑meals gadgets like clay may be linked to a situation generally known as pica, which is typically related to nutrient deficiencies, notably throughout being pregnant. Even when primary blood checks seem regular, specialists warn underlying deficiencies can nonetheless exist.
There are additionally bodily dangers. Clay will not be simply digested and may accumulate within the digestive system, probably inflicting blockages. Biting into ceramic supplies may additionally injury enamel, whereas unregulated clay merchandise can include contaminants reminiscent of heavy metals.
Whereas some level out that consuming clay, generally known as geophagia, has historic and cultural roots in components of the world, medical professionals stress that TikTok’s viral model strips away essential context. Specialists say fashionable proof doesn’t assist any well being advantages, and the dangers outweigh any perceived features.
As with many TikTok meals crazes, the mini clay pot development seems to thrive on shock worth and algorithm‑pushed curiosity. Well being professionals proceed to remind viewers that not every little thing trending on-line is protected to strive, irrespective of what number of likes it racks up.
Article continues after this advert
Commercial