5-hour Energy Extra Strength has more caffeine than SToK Extra Bold cold brew on both counts: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot against 170mg per 12 oz serving, and about 119mg per fluid ounce against 14. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
These are different categories of drink, which changes how the caffeine arrives. Energy drinks and sodas list an exact number because caffeine is a measured additive; brewed drinks vary with the beans and the brew, so their figures are compiled averages. The numbers here are the standard published values for each.
5-hour Energy Extra Strength vs SToK Extra Bold cold brew: the numbers
| 5-hour Energy Extra Strength | SToK Extra Bold cold brew | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 230mg per 1.93 oz shot | 170mg per 12 oz serving |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 119.2mg | 14.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 1.7 | 2.4 |
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); SToK Extra Bold cold brew's figure is verified in our SToK Extra Bold cold brew guide against SToK FAQ (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: 5-hour Energy Extra Strength 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 SToK Extra Bold cold brew 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
- SToK Extra Bold cold brew: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does 5-hour Energy Extra Strength or SToK Extra Bold cold brew have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 170mg per 12 oz serving for SToK Extra Bold cold brew.
Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength, at about 119.2mg per fluid ounce versus 14.2mg for SToK Extra Bold cold brew.
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.