Your No-Waste Guide to Homemade Eggshell Powder

Have you ever stared at empty eggshells and thought, “There must be a better destiny for you than the trash can”?

Good news—there is!

Those crunchy little half-moons contain calcium carbonate, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals—making them a free, food-grade mineral supplement for your garden, your houseplants, and (with proper prep) even you.

Below you’ll learn how to transform kitchen castoffs into a fine, shelf-stable powder—perfect for sprinkling into smoothies or starring in my DIY remineralizing toothpaste.

Step 1: Save & Rinse

1. Start with farm-fresh eggs. Each time you crack one, give the shell a quick rinse under plain water to remove lingering whites.

2. Set the shells in an open bowl on the counter and let them air-dry. (Lightly crush them with your fingers as you go to save space.)

Step 2: Heat

Heat-treat your egg shells before grinding.

• Oven method (quickest):

  • Preheat to 250 °F / 120 °C.

  • Spread shells on an unbleached parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Bake 15–20 minutes until they look dry and snap instead of bend.

• Stove top method (if you prefer boiling):

  • Boil shells for 10 minutes.

  • Drain and air-dry thoroughly—completely dry shells grind more finely.

Step 3: Grind to Powder

Choose whatever tool you have on hand:

• Coffee grinder (best): Pulses the shells into a super-fine, flour-like powder in 20–30 seconds.

• Blender or food processor: Works well—just pulse, shake, and repeat until you reach the desired texture.

• Mortar and pestle: Old-school and satisfying, though the result will be coarser.

Pro tip: Wear a mask if a cloud of fine dust appears—you don’t want to inhale powdered eggshell.

Step 4: Store for the Long Haul

• Spoon the powder into a clean, bone-dry glass jar with a tight lid.

• Keep it in a cool, dry cupboard.

• Properly dried, it stays fresh for months.

Five Easy Ways to Use Eggshell Powder

1. Garden boost: Sprinkle around calcium-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers.

2. Houseplant helper: Mix a teaspoon into fresh potting soil to prevent calcium deficiency.

3. Chicken treat: Stir a tablespoon into a pound of feed for hens with stronger shells.

4. Doggie dietary aid: For dogs on a homemade or raw diet, blend ½ teaspoon of eggshell powder per pound of food to supply bone-strengthening calcium.*

5. Kitchen supplement: Add a tiny pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) to smoothies, soups, or oatmeal for a gentle calcium lift.

6. Tooth-time hero: Blend it into my remineralizing toothpaste for naturally fortified smiles.*

*If you plan to ingest the powder—or give it to your pets—be sure your eggs come from healthy, clean sources and are heat-treated, and you consult a health-care professional or veterinarian about long-term dosing..

Eggshell FAQ

Does it taste eggy?
No—properly baked shells are virtually flavorless.

Will it scratch my blender?
A high-speed grinder usually pulverizes the shells before they can scuff anything.

Is it kid-safe?
Yes, in tiny amounts and if fully sanitized. Always consult a professional for prolonged supplementation.

Happy cracking, baking, and blending—and may every shell find its second life!