PME Chocolate Curls - Dark Chocolate (85g / 3oz) Review (2026)

Who this tub of curls suits

PME's dark chocolate curls are aimed at home bakers and hobbyist decorators who want a fast, professional looking finish on a birthday cake, a batch of cupcakes, or a dessert plate. Because the tub holds 85g, or about 3oz, it is sized for a single project rather than a wedding cake or a bakery that decorates several orders a week. PME has built its name on cake decorating supplies sold through baking shops and online retailers, and the curls carry that same reputation for consistent, ready to use garnishes. If you already bake from scratch and just need a finishing touch that does not require melting chocolate or running a piping bag, this tub covers that job well, as long as you keep your expectations to topping rather than covering a whole cake.

What is actually in the tub

The curls are made from Belgian dark chocolate, with cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, butter milk oil, soya lecithin as an emulsifier, and natural vanilla flavouring listed as the ingredients. The product is certified Halal and Kosher and is suitable for vegetarians, which matters if you are decorating for a mixed group of guests. It does contain milk and soya, so it is not appropriate for cakes meant to be dairy free or soy free without substitution. The curls come packaged in a clear plastic pot with a screw lid, which keeps them contained and lets you see how much product remains before you commit to a design that needs full coverage.

Using and storing the curls

Chocolate curls like these are meant to be scattered by hand over frosted cake tops, pressed gently onto the sides near the base, or used to dress up cupcakes, ice cream, and other desserts. Because they are delicate and thin, they break easily if handled roughly, so most bakers sprinkle them on last, right before serving or photographing the cake. The manufacturer recommends storing the tub in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and away from strong flavours or odours, since chocolate readily absorbs smells from a pantry or fridge. Once opened, reseal the screw lid promptly and use the curls within a reasonable time, as they can lose their crisp texture if left exposed to air.

Where the value breaks down against rivals

At 85g, this tub is the smallest option in its own comparison group, and that shows up directly in the math: rivals such as the Pastry Chef's Boutique Belgian dark chocolate assortment, which ships 310 pieces, or OliveNation's milk chocolate curls sold in a full pound, give a decorator far more product for a similar or lower cost per ounce. Those larger formats make more sense for anyone decorating multiple cakes or running a small bakery, while PME's tub is really built for a single occasion. The trade-off is convenience and brand trust versus raw quantity, and in a field of eight rated chocolate decorations, this one lands at the bottom on value even though the chocolate itself is well regarded.

Verdict and who should look elsewhere

PME's dark chocolate curls do what they promise, adding an instant, upscale looking garnish to a home baked cake without any extra equipment or skill. Choose this tub if you are decorating one cake or a batch of cupcakes and want a trusted, ready made topping. Skip it and look at a bulk option like the OliveNation or Pastry Chef's Boutique curls if you bake regularly or need enough curls to cover the sides of a full cake, since those formats bring the cost per ounce down considerably while still using genuine Belgian chocolate.

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