While both fregola and Israeli couscous, also referred to as pearl couscous, are made from durum wheat semolina, there are some key differences between them. Fregola is pre-toasted in an oven until golden brown, while Israeli couscous is not. This gives fregola a nutty flavor and chewy texture that Israeli couscous does not have. Fregola comes in three sizes -small, medium, and large, unlike Israeli couscous, which only has one size. Lastly, fregola takes more time to cook than Israeli couscous.