Borjomi vs San Pellegrino
Both are naturally carbonated sparkling mineral waters with a mildly alkaline pH thanks to high bicarbonate — but Borjomi is dramatically more mineral-dense, sodium-forward and functional, while San Pellegrino is the lighter, food-friendly restaurant standard.
Pick San Pellegrino for everyday drinking and dining — its mineral profile is bold but balanced. Pick Borjomi if you specifically want an extreme-mineral, high-sodium functional water, traditionally used in moderation rather than as a daily hydration default.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Borjomi | San Pellegrino |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Volcanic springs, Borjomi Gorge, Georgia | San Pellegrino Terme, Lombardy, Italy |
| Country | Georgia | Italy |
| Type | Mineral, naturally sparkling | Mineral, naturally sparkling |
| pH | 7.8–8.5 (alkaline) | 7.6–7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| TDS (mg/L) | ~6,000 | 854 |
| Calcium (mg/L) | ~50 | 164 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | ~20 | 49.5 |
| Sodium (mg/L) | ~1,150 | 31.2 |
| Bicarbonate (mg/L) | ~4,000 | 243 |
| Carbonation | Naturally carbonated | Naturally carbonated |
| Packaging | Glass and PET | Green glass (signature) and PET |
| Best for | Occasional functional/digestive use | Everyday dining and daily drinking |
| Winner | Highest mineral density | Best all-round daily sparkling water |
Which one to pick
Everyday sparkling water
San Pellegrino — balanced mineral load, food-friendly, widely available.
Maximum mineral intake in one glass
Borjomi — roughly 7× the TDS of San Pellegrino, led by extreme bicarbonate and sodium.
Low-sodium diets
San Pellegrino — Borjomi's ~1,150 mg/L sodium is far too high for sodium-restricted drinking.
Fine dining and restaurant service
San Pellegrino — the global default sparkling water on premium tables.
Digestive/functional use
Borjomi — traditionally used in Eastern Europe for its high-bicarbonate profile, in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more alkaline, Borjomi or San Pellegrino?
Borjomi, at pH 7.8–8.5, is more alkaline than San Pellegrino's 7.6–7.8 — both stay alkaline despite carbonation because of very high natural bicarbonate.
Which has more minerals, Borjomi or San Pellegrino?
Borjomi, by a wide margin — its TDS of roughly 6,000 mg/L is about 7 times San Pellegrino's 854 mg/L, driven mainly by extreme bicarbonate and sodium.
Is Borjomi too salty to drink daily?
For most people, yes for daily volume drinking — at ~1,150 mg/L sodium, a liter of Borjomi delivers roughly half the WHO's daily sodium guidance. It's better suited to occasional or functional use than everyday hydration.
Which tastes better, Borjomi or San Pellegrino?
This comes down to preference. San Pellegrino reads as crisp and food-friendly; Borjomi is intensely salty and mineral-forward, closer to a savory broth than a typical sparkling water.
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