Barista Life Blog · 1 min read

Aspire Energy vs Red Bull: which has more caffeine?

Aspire Energy carries more total caffeine per serving (80mg per 12 oz can vs 80mg per 8.4 oz can), but ounce for ounce Red Bull is actually the stronger drink at about 10mg per fluid ounce against 7. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.

Aspire Energy vs Red Bull: the numbers

Aspire Energy Red Bull
Caffeine per serving 80mg per 12 oz can 80mg per 8.4 oz can
Caffeine per fl oz 6.7mg 9.5mg
Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) 5.0 5.0

Sources: Aspire Energy's figure is verified in our Aspire Energy caffeine guide against Aspire / Caffeine Informer (source); Red Bull's figure is verified in our Red Bull guide against Red Bull label / Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Red Bull when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Aspire Energy 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

FAQ

Does Aspire Energy or Red Bull have more caffeine? Aspire Energy: 80mg per 12 oz can versus 80mg per 8.4 oz can for Red Bull.

Which is stronger per ounce? Red Bull, at about 9.5mg per fluid ounce versus 6.7mg for Aspire Energy.

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