For those familiar with the natural health community, diatomaceous earth (DE) may be a well-known solution for pest control and wellness. However, with numerous applications and products available, it’s crucial to identify the specific type of DE that suits your requirements.
The 5 Best Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Products
When it comes to choosing a high-quality food-grade diatomaceous earth, there are several top-notch options to consider. Our number one pick is DiatomaceousEarth. com, which offers a premium product that’s perfect for use in the kitchen. Nature’s Wisdom and Fossil Power are also well-regarded brands that offer excellent results.
Earthborn Elements and Harris Diatomaceous Earth are two more notable mentions that are worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable food-grade diatomaceous earth solution.
Our Top Pick for the Best Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
DiatomaceousEarth.com (Food Grade)
At DiatomaceousEarth.com, the primary focus is on delivering top-notch products. Furthermore, the company goes above and beyond to educate customers on proper usage. For instance, they provide easy access to pricing information through various channels, including Amazon, making it convenient for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Food Grade vs. Pool Grade
There are two distinct types of diatomaceous earth (DE): food grade and pool grade. The former, also referred to as Food Chemical Codex Grade, adheres to the health and safety standards set by the FDA, making it safe for use in homes and consumption as a nutritional supplement. In contrast, pool grade DE is not suitable for human consumption or household use due to its impurities and high heavy metal content.
Notably, food grade DE comprises approximately 85-95% amorphous silica, which originates from fossilized seashell deposits found in freshwater. Pool grade DE, on the other hand, is composed of crystalline silica that has undergone heating through natural or commercial processes.
How Do You Use DE?
Pesticide
Diatomaceous Earth, a natural insecticide, is often misunderstood due to its brutal yet efficient method of eliminating pests. The silica-based shells of fossilized diatoms resemble shards of glass to insects, causing them to injure and dehydrate as they walk across the DE. This method may seem harsh, but it’s effective in eradicating flea, ant, and bed bug infestations, which can be just as brutal for homeowners.
To utilize DE as a pesticide, simply sprinkle it over the affected area indoors or outdoors. For gardening and patio use, DE is an excellent solution. However, it’s essential to remember that this product kills crawling insects indiscriminately, posing a risk to beneficial insects if not applied carefully. When treating indoor areas, be prepared for dust and wear a mask while applying the DE.
Allow the product to settle before reentering the area, as your skin may become dry due to its dehydrating properties. Various tools, such as dusters, are available to aid in even application. Alternatively, you can suspend some DE in liquid and spray it onto the desired treatment area. Keep in mind that wet DE is ineffective, but once it dries, it regains its potency. To reap the benefits of DE, it’s crucial to follow the instructions accurately.
When sprinkling DE onto your carpet, be prepared to leave it on for at least a week or more. Vacuuming too quickly can negate the product’s effectiveness, which is especially important when dealing with indoor infestations that may require multiple applications depending on the life cycle of the pest being eliminated.
For Pets
When it comes to tackling flea problems in pets, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is often employed as a treatment and dewormer. To effectively eliminate these pesky fleas from your pet’s coat, simply rub DE into their fur. However, before using DE for internal purposes, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to ensure this approach is suitable for your beloved companion.
Health Improvement
When considering using DE as a dietary supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional first. Once cleared, introduce DE into your diet gradually, allowing your body to adjust. A common way to incorporate DE is by adding it to a smoothie or yogurt, which can help mask any potential flavor and texture changes. While the addition should not significantly alter the taste, you may notice a subtle impact on the consistency of its carrier.
To minimize this effect, it’s crucial to stay hydrated during consumption. Drink plenty of water while using DE as a supplement to prevent dehydration.
Regulations
FDA
When manufacturers claim their products comply with FDA regulations, they are essentially ensuring that the product was processed and packaged to mitigate any health hazards. In essence, this means the product is deemed safe for consumption. It’s important to note that FDA regulations don’t delve into the specific health benefits of DE.
While the agency hasn’t verified or endorsed the medicinal uses of DE, extensive research from various sources suggests potential therapeutic applications for this substance.
OMRI
As an advocate for organic agriculture, it’s essential to verify the credibility of products claiming to be certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). For farmers and gardeners aiming to label their produce as organically sourced, OMRI listing is a crucial factor. With many product labels touting OMRI-listed status, I recently cross-checked the latest listings and was surprised to discover that numerous products making such claims were actually not listed.
This highlights the importance of rigorous verification when seeking certification for organic farming practices.
Other Considerations
Packaging
When dealing with diatomaceous earth (DE), packaging plays a significant role in minimizing mess and ensuring efficient usage. As a fine powder, DE can be quite messy if not contained properly. It’s essential to select products featuring resealable containers or have a suitable container ready to prevent spills and waste.
The white to off-white color of DE dust poses no apparent risks when applied to cream-colored carpets; however, it’s always wise to conduct a small-scale test before application, particularly if you’re concerned about staining. Furthermore, the powder’s fineness can wreak havoc on vacuum cleaners, necessitating proper disposal methods. Some brands offer scoops or applicators to simplify the application process and reduce waste.
Best Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade Reviews
DiatomaceousEarth.com (Food Grade)
DiatomaceousEarth. com stands out for adhering to strict regulations and providing a reliable product. Their food-grade DE meets FDA standards and is processed on stainless steel equipment to ensure contamination-free packaging. The company’s OMRI-listed status further solidifies its credibility for organic gardening applications. Available in five convenient sizes – 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb, and 50 lb – the product comes packaged in recycled paper bags with easy-open stitching.
If you can open pet food, you’re well-equipped to handle this packaging. The company sources its DE from a western US location. Overall, this product’s pros include meeting FDA standards, OMRI-listing, great packaging options, and USA-sourced material. However, one potential drawback is the lack of an applicator. Check Amazon for pricing.
Nature’s Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Nature’s Wisdom DE, a product approved by the FDA for human consumption, prioritizes transparency by explicitly defining its standards. Available in 3-pound plastic jars and 5-pound airtight bags, the latter providing protection against contamination but may not be ideal for storage. The company’s website offers limited information, with instructions on the package focusing primarily on animal feed ratios.
Those seeking to use this product for pest control or dietary supplementation will need to conduct additional research. Despite the lack of comprehensive guidance, Nature’s Wisdom DE proves an effective personal detox system and pest control method. Notable pros include meeting FDA standards, the company’s transparency regarding these standards, and the convenience of the 3-pound jar.
Cons include the product not being available for sale in California, its lack of OMRI-listed certification, and the absence of instructions on the packaging. The 5-pound bag, while protective against contamination, may present storage challenges. Check the current price on Amazon.
Fossil Power Diatomaceous Earth
Fossil Power’s DE product meets FDA standards, as stated on its packaging. However, I was unable to confirm this through the OMRI database or downloadable list. Available in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. resealable packages, the product includes instructions for use, including dosage recommendations for potential health benefits. The package directs customers to a website that appears inactive. On the positive side, the product’s packaging is resuable and meets FDA standards.
A drawback is the unclear OMRI-listing status. Additionally, the price may be a consideration for some consumers. To learn more about pricing, check out Fossil Power’s DE product on Amazon.
Earthborn Elements Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
Earthborn Elements’ diatomaceous earth (DE) stands out for its strict adherence to FCC food-grade standards, ensuring it’s safe for human and animal consumption. This 100% pure DE is sourced from freshwater in Utah, yielding a naturally occurring amorphous silica. The versatile product can be used for body detoxification, digestive health improvements, immune system boosts, increased energy, pet care, pest control, and even fungal removal on plants. Available in both 1-gallon and 3.
5-gallon buckets, the convenient containers make it easy to store the DE when not in use – although, you might need a bit of effort to remove the lid initially.
On the plus side, Earthborn Elements’ DE meets FCC standards, is naturally sourced from freshwater, and can be used for various applications across humans, pets, homes, and gardens.
However, one potential drawback lies in the fact that this product is sold by weight, but comes in containers measuring volume – which might cause some consumer confusion.
Before making a purchase, consider checking out the current Amazon pricing.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth
Harris diatomaceous earth stands out as a reliable choice, boasting FDA standards for human and animal consumption. This fully organic OMRI-listed product is naturally sourced from freshwater in Nevada, free from any chemicals. As a dietary supplement, it can enhance overall well-being and that of pets, while also providing an effective pest control solution. The 2-pound resealable packet comes with a powder duster for effortless application to smoothies or animal feed.
Furthermore, Harris donates 10% of its products to the Etowah Valley Humane Society (EVHS), advocating for animal protection.
The pros of this product include meeting FDA standards and OMRI listing, coming with a scoop, and convenient packaging. However, there are some drawbacks: the packaging is not extremely durable, and the dust power applicator within the bag can create a considerable amount of airborne powder, making it messy.
Our Top Pick for the Best Diatomaceous Earth
DiatomaceousEarth.com (Food Grade)
While Diatomaceous Earth (DE) from DiatomaceousEarth. com stands out from the competition, its true value lies in its comprehensive labeling and OMRI-listing. With a clear and up-to-date display of information online, users can effortlessly access this certification. Furthermore, DE’s pricing strategy is remarkably affordable, making it an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective solutions. In terms of transparency, DiatomaceousEarth.
com’s website takes the lead by providing the most current information on sourcing and packaging compared to other products in the market. Although its packaging may not be as convenient as Safest’s bucket-style design, the eco-friendly bag is still user-friendly and offers a sustainable alternative. What truly sets DE apart, however, is its commitment to product quality and customer education.
The company takes great care to ensure that users understand how to effectively utilize their product, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable solution.
