Dunkin Shot in the Dark vs Red Bull: which has more caffeine?

Dunkin Shot in the Dark has more caffeine than Red Bull on both counts: 134mg per 8.1 oz can against 80mg per 8.4 oz can, and about 17mg per fluid ounce against 10. 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.

Dunkin Shot in the Dark vs Red Bull: the numbers

Sources: Dunkin Shot in the Dark's figure is verified in our Dunkin Shot in the Dark caffeine guide against 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 Dunkin Shot in the Dark 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

• Dunkin Shot in the Dark: the full caffeine guide
• Red Bull: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index
• Compare any two of 120+ drinks

FAQ

Does Dunkin Shot in the Dark or Red Bull have more caffeine? Dunkin Shot in the Dark: 134mg per 8.1 oz can versus 80mg per 8.4 oz can for Red Bull.

Which is stronger per ounce? Dunkin Shot in the Dark, at about 16.5mg per fluid ounce versus 9.5mg for Red Bull.