Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) has more caffeine than Mello Yello on both counts: 144mg per 24 oz medium against 51mg per 12 oz can, and about 6mg per fluid ounce against 4. 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.
Mello Yello vs Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): the numbers
| Mello Yello | Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 51mg per 12 oz can | 144mg per 24 oz medium |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 4.2mg | 6.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 7.8 | 2.8 |
Sources: Mello Yello's figure is verified in our Mello Yello caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) guide against Caffeine Informer Dunkin guide (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mello Yello when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Dunkin Sparkd Energy (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
- Mello Yello: the full caffeine guide
- Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Mello Yello or Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) have more caffeine? Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): 144mg per 24 oz medium versus 51mg per 12 oz can for Mello Yello.
Which is stronger per ounce? Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium), at about 6.0mg per fluid ounce versus 4.2mg for Mello Yello.
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.