Celsius has more caffeine than Pepsi: 200mg vs 38mg in the same 12 oz can. That is a 162mg gap, and since the cans match, the per-serving number is the whole story.
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.
Celsius vs Pepsi: the numbers
| Celsius | Pepsi | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 200mg per 12 oz can | 38mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.7mg | 3.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.0 | 10.5 |
Sources: Celsius's figure is verified in our Celsius caffeine guide against Celsius essential facts (source); Pepsi's figure is verified in our Pepsi guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: Celsius packs roughly 5 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 12 oz can finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Pepsi when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Celsius 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
- Celsius: the full caffeine guide
- Pepsi: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Celsius or Pepsi have more caffeine? Celsius: 200mg per 12 oz can versus 38mg per 12 oz can for Pepsi.
Which is stronger per ounce? Celsius, at about 16.7mg per fluid ounce versus 3.2mg for Pepsi.
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.