5-hour Energy (regular) has more caffeine than Ghost Energy on both counts: 200mg per 1.93 oz shot against 200mg per 16 oz can, and about 104mg per fluid ounce against 12. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
5-hour Energy (regular) vs Ghost Energy: the numbers
| 5-hour Energy (regular) | Ghost Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 200mg per 1.93 oz shot | 200mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 103.6mg | 12.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.0 | 2.0 |
Sources: 5-hour Energy (regular)'s figure is verified in our 5-hour Energy (regular) caffeine guide against 5-hour Energy facts page (source); Ghost Energy's figure is verified in our Ghost Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: 5-hour Energy (regular) packs roughly 8 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 1.93 oz shot finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Ghost Energy when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and 5-hour Energy (regular) when you actually need the bigger hit and know your tolerance. If you are stacking either with other caffeinated drinks through the day, run the math against the 400mg reference rather than guessing.
For context, the FDA cites 400mg of caffeine a day as an amount generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Tolerance and health vary, so treat these numbers as information, not advice.
Related reading
- 5-hour Energy (regular): the full caffeine guide
- Ghost Energy: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does 5-hour Energy (regular) or Ghost Energy have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy (regular): 200mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 200mg per 16 oz can for Ghost Energy.
Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy (regular), at about 103.6mg per fluid ounce versus 12.5mg for Ghost Energy.
Comparing caffeine? The caffeine comparison tool puts hundreds of drinks side by side, and the caffeine curfew calculator can check your cutoff time for tonight.