What Are Pepperoni Nipples (And Are They Normal)?
Pepperoni nipples is a term that refers to very large areolas, approximately the size and shape (and sometimes color) of pepperoni slices — and they’re normal.

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“Pepperoni nipples” is a term used to describe very large areolas (the area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), having a size, shape, and sometimes coloring that’s similar to sliced pepperoni.
Here’s what you need to know about pepperoni nipples:
- “Pepperoni nipples” are large areolas named after their likeness to the circular pepperoni slices you’d see on a pizza.
- Areolas are the area of pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple, ranging from small to large in size with coloring that may be dark or light, depending on the person.
- Just like breasts, areolas come in all different shapes and sizes, and “pepperoni nipples” are nothing to be ashamed of since large areolas are just as sexy as small ones.
Are pepperoni nipples bad? Absolutely not.
The term, although unsavory to some, in no way references that there’s something “wrong” with you if your areolas are large.
Since recent body positivity movements have emphasized how normal it is to have uniquely shaped bodies — including breasts, areolas, and labias — we celebrate (now more than ever) that everyone’s nipples look different.

Medically Reviewed By: Susan Milstein, PhD, Human Sexuality