MINERAL WATER COMPARISON
Levissima vs San Benedetto: mineral water comparison
Two of Italy's most popular light mineral waters. Here's what the labels actually tell us.
Side-by-side comparison
Direct comparison of the two waters using values from their official labels.
| Parameter | Levissima | San Benedetto |
|---|---|---|
| Mineralization - Fixed Residue (mg/L) | 88 | 273 |
| Sodium (mg/L) | 2.1 | 5.9 |
| Calcium (mg/L) | 23.1 | 49.8 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 1.8 | 28.5 |
| Bicarbonate (mg/L) | 58 | 300 |
| Carbonation | Still | Still |
| Country | Italy | Italy |
| Source | Italian Alps (Valtellina) | Fonte Benedicta, Veneto |
Values based on official label data.
Mineral profile differences
On total mineralization the gap is clear: Levissima sits at 88 mg/L of fixed residue, while San Benedetto's Fonte Benedicta is at 273 mg/L - roughly three times as mineral-dense. Both still qualify as low-mineralization waters under EU classification (under 500 mg/L), but they belong to opposite ends of that band.
Where the two diverge most is calcium and magnesium. Levissima carries 23.1 mg/L of calcium and just 1.8 mg/L of magnesium - among the lowest values you'll find on a labelled Italian water. San Benedetto offers 49.8 mg/L of calcium and 28.5 mg/L of magnesium, the latter a meaningful contribution to dietary intake. Sodium stays low in both (2.1 vs 5.9 mg/L), so neither is a concern for sodium-watching adults. Bicarbonate follows the same pattern: 58 vs 300 mg/L.
Taste and use cases
Levissima's very low mineral content gives it a clean, almost neutral mouthfeel - minimal bitterness, no metallic edge, and a finish that disappears quickly. It works well as a default everyday water and pairs gently with delicate foods, light wines, or coffee, where you don't want the water to add character.
San Benedetto Naturale, with three times the minerals, has more body. The higher calcium and magnesium add a subtle structure that holds up better against bolder dishes, structured red wines, and cured foods. It's still a soft water by international standards - nothing close to a sparkling French source - but the difference is noticeable side by side.
Which one to choose if…
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You're watching sodium intake → Both qualify as low-sodium (under 20 mg/L). Levissima is lower at 2.1 mg/L, but San Benedetto's 5.9 mg/L is still well within any low-sodium guideline.
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You want a more mineral-rich water → San Benedetto, with 273 mg/L of fixed residue, 49.8 mg/L of calcium and 28.5 mg/L of magnesium, contributes meaningfully to dietary intake.
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You prefer a soft, neutral taste → Levissima is the lightest of the two - minimal mineral character, ideal as a daily water that gets out of the way of food and drinks.
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You're pairing with food → San Benedetto's slightly heavier mineral structure stands up better to fuller meals; Levissima is the safer pick for delicate flavours.
FAQ
Is Levissima healthier than San Benedetto?
Neither is healthier in absolute terms - they simply offer different mineral content. San Benedetto delivers more calcium and magnesium per litre, which can be useful as a dietary contribution. Levissima provides almost no minerals, which some people prefer for taste reasons. Both have low sodium and meet the same EU regulatory standards for natural mineral water.
Which has more sodium, Levissima or San Benedetto?
San Benedetto has slightly more sodium (5.9 mg/L) than Levissima (2.1 mg/L). Both are well below the 20 mg/L threshold typically used to define a low-sodium water in the EU.
Are Levissima and San Benedetto from the same source?
No. Levissima comes from the Italian Alps in Valtellina (Lombardy). San Benedetto Naturale is bottled from Fonte Benedicta in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. Different geology produces the different mineral profiles you see on the labels.
Which is better for everyday hydration?
Both are perfectly suitable for daily hydration. Levissima is the lighter choice if you prefer a neutral-tasting water; San Benedetto adds more calcium and magnesium per litre, which can be useful if your diet is otherwise low in those minerals.
Which water is more popular in Italy?
Both are among the best-known Italian mineral water brands. Levissima has long held a strong position in the still-water segment thanks to its very light profile, while San Benedetto is one of Italy's largest bottlers across both still and sparkling categories.