Sanpellegrino is entering the fast-growing functional soda segment with a new line positioned around low calories, zero added sugar and added micronutrients, as established premium brands look to defend share against insurgent better-for-you players.

The Italian sparkling drinks brand, owned by Nestlé, has launched Sanpellegrino Crafted Soda Italiana in the US, adding vitamin B6 and magnesium to flavoured sparkling sodas containing 7% real fruit juice and 20 calories or fewer per can.

The move places the heritage brand squarely in the 'soda with benefits' space, a sub-category that has gained momentum as consumers shift away from traditional carbonated soft drinks towards products marketed around functionality, digestive health and energy support.

Sanpellegrino’s new range debuts in two flavours – Cherry Sorbetto and Strawberry Crema – and will retail at $7.49 per six-pack. The products are available via Amazon and will soon be rolling out across nationwide retailers.

For beverage manufacturers and retailers, the significance lies less in the flavour innovation and more in the strategic repositioning. Premium carbonated brands have faced mounting competition from functional soda start-ups that combine low sugar claims with added ingredients such as fibre, probiotics and vitamins.

By incorporating vitamin B6 and magnesium, Sanpellegrino is leveraging micronutrient fortification – a familiar strategy in energy drinks and enhanced waters – to refresh its relevance in a crowded CSD aisle.

The formulation also aligns with broader industry reformulation efforts, with zero grams of added sugar and a low-calorie profile designed to appeal to consumers moderating sugar intake without fully abandoning indulgent flavours.

For ingredient suppliers, particularly those in fortification and flavour systems, the expansion of mainstream brands into functional carbonates signals further convergence between classic soft drinks and the better-for-you beverage segment.