The difference
Acini di pepe vs Fregola
Both are little beads, but acini di pepe are tiny smooth specks the size of a peppercorn, made for clear broth, while fregola is bigger, hand rolled, and toasted, with a nutty chew, simmered Sardinian style with clams. One disappears into soup, the other holds its own.

Acini di pepe
- Family
- Pastina
- Size
- not yet measured
- Surface
- Smooth
- Cook
- 9 to 11 min
Wants: Broth, Butter and parmesan

Fregola
- Family
- Pastina
- Size
- 2 to 6 mm across
- Surface
- Textured
- Cook
- 10 min
Wants: Shellfish and legumes, Broth, Tomato sauce
Compare more shapes, or look up Acini di pepe and Fregola in full.