SToK Extra Bold cold brew carries more total caffeine per serving (170mg per 12 oz serving vs 63mg per 1 oz shot), but ounce for ounce espresso is actually the stronger drink at about 63mg per fluid ounce against 14. 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.
espresso vs SToK Extra Bold cold brew: the numbers
| espresso | SToK Extra Bold cold brew | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 63mg per 1 oz shot | 170mg per 12 oz serving |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 63.0mg | 14.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 6.3 | 2.4 |
Sources: espresso's figure is verified in our espresso caffeine guide against USDA FoodData Central (source); SToK Extra Bold cold brew's figure is verified in our SToK Extra Bold cold brew guide against SToK FAQ (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: espresso packs roughly 4 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 1 oz shot finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick espresso when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and SToK Extra Bold cold brew 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
- espresso: the full caffeine guide
- SToK Extra Bold cold brew: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does espresso or SToK Extra Bold cold brew have more caffeine? SToK Extra Bold cold brew: 170mg per 12 oz serving versus 63mg per 1 oz shot for espresso.
Which is stronger per ounce? espresso, at about 63.0mg per fluid ounce versus 14.2mg for SToK Extra Bold cold brew.
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.