Edible Pearls - Pearl White 4mm

PME Cake - Sprinkles and edible decorations

PME Cake Edible Pearls 4 mm Pearly White Nacre 74 g

Sugar pearls with pearly white nacre shine 4 mm for decorating cupcakes, wedding cakes, and premium pastries

The PME Cake Edible Pearls in pearly nacre white, size 4 mm, packaged in a transparent jar of 74 g (2.61 oz), are sugar pearls with a pearly nacre finish that faithfully reproduces the shine of a real oyster pearl. This glossy and shiny finish is especially suited for premium wedding cakes, high-end cupcakes, family ceremony tiered cakes, and pastries where a jewel effect is desired.

The difference with the matte white version is immediately visible: these pearls reflect light with the iridescent shine typical of pearly white, while the matte bright white version remains opaque without reflection. This is the signature wedding finish of the PME Cake range.

The 4 mm size is the standard format for individual cupcakes and decorated cookies, large enough to add relief and shine without overpowering the main decoration. The transparent plastic jar with a screw metal lid offers direct visibility in-store and extended preservation away from moisture.

Technical features

• • Brand: PME Cake (UK / Spain)
• • Format: transparent jar 74 g (2.61 oz) with metal lid
• • Size: 4 mm diameter
• • Color: pearly nacre white (iridescent jewel effect)
• • Finish: glossy with a pearly shine, reflects light
• • Texture: hard pearl of crystallized sugar
• • Base: dextrose and rice
• • Storage: in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light
• • Packaging: sold individually

Pearly pearly white or bright matte white: what’s the difference?

The PME Cake range offers 2 distinct finishes of 4 mm white beads. Understanding the difference helps choose the right color according to the project:

• • Pearly pearly white (this reference): iridescent glossy finish, reflects light, authentic oyster pearl jewel effect, premium wedding signature and luxury ceremonies
• • Bright matte white (Bright White): opaque matte finish, pure white without reflection, modern cake design style, childlike cookies, colorful donuts, graphic decorations
• • When to combine the two: on a tiered wedding cake, alternate pearly (premium tiers, top of the cake) and matte (finishing cords, base) for a refined visual effect

For high-end wedding orders, engagements, wedding anniversaries, and premium family ceremonies, pearly pearly white is the reference choice.

Uses and commercial contexts

The pearly pearly white is positioned in commercial contexts where premium finishing makes the difference:

• • High-end wedding cakes: strings of beads along the tiers, top of the cake, framing monograms
• • Wedding and engagement cupcakes: pink or white buttercream rosettes, generous sprinkling for bouquet effect
• • Family ceremony tiered cakes: alternate with sugared almonds, signature pearly sugared almond decoration
• • Premium macarons: stick 3 to 5 pearly beads per macaron on the ganache for a jewel effect
• • Numbercakes and lettercakes: distribute pearly beads on cream rosettes for elegant letter-by-letter decoration
• • Guest shortbread cookies: decoration with names or wedding monograms, guest gift bag cookies
• • Wedding anniversaries: pearl anniversary (30 years), diamond anniversary, luxurious family events

Application ideas

• • Classic wedding cupcake: pipe a rosette of pastel pink or white buttercream, generously sprinkle pearly beads over the entire top
• • Tiered wedding cake: apply in a cord along each tier with stainless steel tweezers for a perfectly regular line
• • Engagement number cake: stick 1 pearly bead at the top of each cream rosette for a very elegant "pearl on rosette" decoration
• • Wedding macaron: stick 3 beads in a triangle at the center of the ganache visible on the side of the macaron for a medallion effect
• • Monogram shortbread cookie: fill with PME Cake White Icing, draw the monogram in the center, frame with a line of pearly beads
• • Premium pearly donut: dip the donut in white icing, immediately sprinkle the beads while the icing is still soft
• • Wedding cake pop: roll the cake pop in a container filled with pearly beads just after dipping it in white candy melt

Patissland tips for perfecting your pearly bead decorations

Composition and nutritional information

Ingredients: dextrose, rice, thickener (E414), coating agents (E904, E903), coloring (E172).

The pearly white shade is achieved thanks to E172 (iron oxides, a mineral food coloring), combined with coating agents E904 (shellac gum) and E903 (carnauba wax) which give the signature glossy finish and moisture resistance.

Nutritional values per 100 g:

• • Energy: 1506 kJ / 360 kcal
• • Fats: 0 g (of which saturated: 0 g)
• • Carbohydrates: 90 g (of which sugars: 71 g)
• • Proteins: 0,7 g
• • Salt: 0 g

Allergens: may contain traces of soy and milk. Check the jar label before use if allergic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference with the bright white matte pearls?

The pearly white pearls have a glossy iridescent finish that mimics the shine of a real pearl, while the bright white pearls have a matte opaque finish without reflection. The pearly finish is positioned for premium weddings and luxury ceremonies, the matte finish is positioned for modern cake design and children's decorations. Visually, the difference is immediately noticeable under natural light.

Are the pearls hard or soft in the mouth?

PME Cake 4 mm pearls are hard sugar pearls with a texture similar to miniature dragées. They crunch pleasantly without being painful for children from 4-5 years old (to be avoided for toddlers due to choking risk, like all solid sprinkles).

How many pearls are approximately in a 74 g jar?

A 74 g jar contains approximately 2,800 to 3,200 4 mm pearls. For a generously decorated cupcake, count 20 to 30 pearls, which is about 100 to 130 decorated cupcakes per jar. For a 3-tier wedding cake with decorative piping, about 1 jar is enough for the complete decoration.

Does the pearly shine last over time?

Yes, the pearly shine is achieved by a stable mineral coating (E172) protected by coating agents E904 and E903. On a cupcake kept in a dry display case, the shine remains intact for 5 to 7 days. In prolonged contact with moist cream or fresh whipped cream, the coating may start to dull after 48 hours. For orders to be delivered within 24-48 hours, no problem.

Are they suitable for vegans?

No, the product contains E904 (shellac gum), an animal-derived resin obtained from insects (lac scale). It is not suitable for strict vegan diets. It remains compatible with vegetarian and halal diets. For 100% vegan sprinkles, direct customers to sprinkles or nonpareils without E904.

How long does an opened jar keep?

Once opened and tightly closed after each use with its screwed lid, the jar keeps until the best before date indicated on the packaging (usually 18 to 24 months after production). Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity. Avoid the refrigerator (condensation = pearls sticking together and losing their shine).

Can they be used on baked preparations?

No, the pearls are designed for cold decoration after baking. In the oven, they melt, brown, and lose their pearly shine. Always apply on the cooled product, either on icing, cream, or still fresh and sticky topping.

Which bases do you recommend for fixing them?

The best bases are: American or Swiss buttercream (holds perfectly), PME Cake Icing (ideal due to controlled drying), still-warm chocolate ganache, melted candy melts, classic royal icing, fresh fondant. For wetter bases (whipped cream, cream cheese), apply just before serving to preserve the pearly shine.

To go further

Complete your premium wedding cake and cupcake decoration station:

• Discover the full PME Cake range and our cake design accessories.
• Browse our edible decorations (pearls, sprinkles, gold glitter, nonpareils, decorative sugars).
• To fix the pearls, use our ready-to-use PME Cake Icing.
• Showcase your creations in our elegant cake boxes for weddings or gifts.