Ever stared at a random household object and wondered what it would taste like? As bizarre as it sounds, this oddly specific curiosity has crossed many minds. So, we’ve rounded up a short list of everyday objects that might just leave you wondering: what if you could eat it?

Seashells

With their smooth, pearly interiors and delicate ridges, seashells already look like something from an elaborate dessert served at an overpriced restaurant in Bandra. Imagine biting into one and finding a crisp, buttery shell with a creamy centre — essentially nature’s version of a fancy chocolate praline. The ocean aesthetic is just an added bonus.

Velvet

Velvet looks almost impossibly soft, so it’s easy to imagine it translating into something equally indulgent. It could serve as the perfect carb to pair with a spicy curry, its smooth, ‘velvety’ texture making for the perfect balance.

Chess Pieces

Tiny, beautifully shaped and usually made in glossy black or ivory, chess pieces could easily pass for elaborate chocolate box set. Picture a full set made from dark and white chocolate, with the knights, rooks and queens becoming increasingly intricate truffles. It would even make for an indulgent game of chess – you eat the pieces you capture! Checkmate, but make it dessert.

Candle Wax

Candle wax is already suspiciously close to the texture of certain sweets: smooth, solid and designed to melt with heat. If it were edible, vanilla, caramel or cinnamon candles could essentially double as enormous dessert bars. A crisp, hardened layer on the outside unveiling soft, gooey wax on the inside.

Lava

A masterpiece hot and spicy curry, topped off with an even spicier chilli oil. Lava seems like it would be the perfect tongue-numbing base for an incredibly flavourful meat dish to pair with rice…or perhaps the previously mentioned velvet!

Coins

Small, round and satisfyingly solid, coins already have the perfect shape for a savoury snack. If they were edible, they could be crisp little potato discs or parmesan crackers, seasoned with salt and chilli. The only currency we’d actually be happy to spend.

Cork

Cork has that earthy, porous texture that feels like it could belong in a very rustic snack. Imagine it transformed into a thin, crunchy cracker with a smoky, nutty flavour — somewhere between toasted sourdough and roasted nuts. Perhaps best served with a generous smear of cheese.

While we strongly advise against taking a bite out of your chessboard or snacking on your loose change just yet, it is hard to deny the culinary appeal of these forbidden treats. Which non-edible household object are you secretly wishing you could eat? Let us know your strangest cravings in the comments below!