5-hour Energy Extra Strength vs NOS Energy: which has more caffeine?

5-hour Energy Extra Strength has more caffeine than NOS Energy on both counts: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot against 160mg per 16 oz can, and about 119mg per fluid ounce against 10. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.

5-hour Energy Extra Strength vs NOS Energy: the numbers

Sources: 5-hour Energy Extra Strength's figure is verified in our 5-hour Energy Extra Strength caffeine guide against 5-hour Energy facts page (source); NOS Energy's figure is verified in our NOS Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

The concentration gap is the striking part: 5-hour Energy Extra Strength packs roughly 12 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 NOS Energy when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and 5-hour Energy Extra Strength 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 Extra Strength: the full caffeine guide
• NOS Energy: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database

FAQ

Does 5-hour Energy Extra Strength or NOS Energy have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 160mg per 16 oz can for NOS Energy.

Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength, at about 119.2mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for NOS Energy.