Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) vs espresso: which has more caffeine?

Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) has more caffeine than espresso on both counts: 180mg per 2 oz shot against 63mg per 1 oz shot, and about 90mg per fluid ounce against 63. 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.

Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) vs espresso: the numbers

Sources: Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco)'s figure is verified in our Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); espresso's figure is verified in our espresso guide against USDA FoodData Central (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick espresso when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) 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

• Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco): the full caffeine guide
• espresso: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index
• Compare any two of 120+ drinks

FAQ

Does Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco) or espresso have more caffeine? Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco): 180mg per 2 oz shot versus 63mg per 1 oz shot for espresso.

Which is stronger per ounce? Kirkland Energy Shot (Costco), at about 90.0mg per fluid ounce versus 63.0mg for espresso.