Dunkin iced coffee (medium) carries more total caffeine per serving (297mg per 24 oz medium vs 200mg per 16 oz can), but ounce for ounce C4 Smart Energy is actually the stronger drink at about 12mg per fluid ounce against 12. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
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.
C4 Smart Energy vs Dunkin iced coffee (medium): the numbers
| C4 Smart Energy | Dunkin iced coffee (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 200mg per 16 oz can | 297mg per 24 oz medium |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 12.5mg | 12.4mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.0 | 1.3 |
Sources: C4 Smart Energy's figure is verified in our C4 Smart Energy caffeine guide against Cellucor / Caffeine Informer (source); Dunkin iced coffee (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin iced coffee (medium) guide against Caffeine Informer Dunkin guide (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick C4 Smart Energy when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Dunkin iced coffee (medium) 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
- C4 Smart Energy: the full caffeine guide
- Dunkin iced coffee (medium): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
FAQ
Does C4 Smart Energy or Dunkin iced coffee (medium) have more caffeine? Dunkin iced coffee (medium): 297mg per 24 oz medium versus 200mg per 16 oz can for C4 Smart Energy.
Which is stronger per ounce? C4 Smart Energy, at about 12.5mg per fluid ounce versus 12.4mg for Dunkin iced coffee (medium).
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