Caffeine in energy drinks: Red Bull, Monster, Celsius and more
Caffeine per can for Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, Ghost, Alani Nu and other energy drinks, with the source of every figure, compared with a cup of coffee.
The 16 energy drinks in our chart range from 69 mg (Mtn Dew Kickstart Orange Citrus, 12 fl oz can) to 300 mg (Bang Energy Black Cherry Vanilla, 16 oz can). For reference, Red Bull Energy Drink has 80 mg per 8.4 fl oz can.
Children and teens: the American Academy of Pediatrics says the caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks “have no place” in children’s and teenagers’ diets. This table compares labels; it is not a recommendation.
Energy drinks caffeine chart
Sorted from least to most caffeine. “Latest time” is when one serving would still leave no more than 50 mg at an 11:00 PM bedtime with average metabolism (how we calculate). Open a drink for its source, sizes and the fast-to-slow range.
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine | Strength | Latest time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mtn Dew Kickstart Orange Citrus | 12 fl oz can | 69 mg | 19 mg per 100 ml | 7:56 PM |
| Energy drink | 250 ml can | 80 mg | 32 mg per 100 ml | 6:52 PM |
| Red Bull Energy Drink | 8.4 fl oz can | 80 mg | 32 mg per 100 ml | 6:52 PM |
| Red Bull Sugarfree | 8.4 fl oz can | 80 mg | 32 mg per 100 ml | 6:52 PM |
| Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Mocha | 15 fl oz can | 135 mg | 30 mg per 100 ml | 3:05 PM |
| Monster Zero Ultra | 16 fl oz can | 150 mg | 32 mg per 100 ml | 2:20 PM |
| Monster Energy (Original Green) | 16 fl oz can | 160 mg | 34 mg per 100 ml | 1:52 PM |
| Monster Energy Zero Sugar | 16 fl oz can | 160 mg | 34 mg per 100 ml | 1:52 PM |
| 5-hour ENERGY shot | 1 Regular Strength shot | 200 mg | – | 12:15 PM |
| Alani Nu Energy Drink | 12 fl oz can (355 ml) | 200 mg | 56 mg per 100 ml | 12:15 PM |
| CELSIUS Energy Drink | 12 fl oz can | 200 mg | 56 mg per 100 ml | 12:15 PM |
| GHOST Energy | 16 fl oz can (473 ml) | 200 mg | 42 mg per 100 ml | 12:15 PM |
| Java Monster Mean Bean | 15 fl oz can | 200 mg | 45 mg per 100 ml | 12:15 PM |
| PRIME Energy | 16 oz can | 200 mg | 42 mg per 100 ml | 12:15 PM |
| Starbucks Tripleshot Energy Caffè Mocha | 15 fl oz can | 225 mg | 51 mg per 100 ml | 11:24 AM |
| Bang Energy Black Cherry Vanilla | 16 oz can | 300 mg | 63 mg per 100 ml | 9:20 AM |
Common questions
Does Red Bull have more caffeine than coffee?
Red Bull Energy Drink has less caffeine than brewed coffee per 100 ml (32 vs 40 mg). Red Bull Energy Drink: 80 mg per 8.4 fl oz can; Brewed coffee: 94.8 mg per 8 fl oz cup (237 g).
Does Monster have more caffeine than Red Bull?
Monster Energy (Original Green) has more caffeine than Red Bull Energy Drink per 16 fl oz can: 160 mg vs 151 mg.
General information, not medical advice
If you feel unwell after caffeine — for example chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat that does not settle, fainting, confusion or trouble breathing — get urgent medical help. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, take medication, or have a heart, liver or anxiety condition, high blood pressure or a sleep disorder, ask a doctor or pharmacist what amount is right for you.
Sources
- Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness (American Academy of Pediatrics) (2011). Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate? Pediatrics, 127(6), 1182–1189. PMID 21624882 ↗
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