Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) has more caffeine than Big Red on both counts: 92mg per 16 oz can against 34mg per 12 oz can, and about 6mg per fluid ounce against 3. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
Big Red vs Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the numbers
| Big Red | Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 34mg per 12 oz can | 92mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 2.8mg | 5.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 11.8 | 4.3 |
Sources: Big Red's figure is verified in our Big Red caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus)'s figure is verified in our Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) guide against PepsiCo product facts (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Big Red when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) 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
- Big Red: the full caffeine guide
- Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Big Red or Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) have more caffeine? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): 92mg per 16 oz can versus 34mg per 12 oz can for Big Red.
Which is stronger per ounce? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus), at about 5.8mg per fluid ounce versus 2.8mg for Big Red.
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.