Monster vs Mountain Dew: which has more caffeine?

Monster has more caffeine than Mountain Dew on both counts: 160mg per 16 oz can against 54mg per 12 oz can, and about 10mg 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.

Monster vs Mountain Dew: the numbers

Sources: Monster's figure is verified in our Monster caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Mountain Dew's figure is verified in our Mountain Dew guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Mountain Dew when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Monster 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

• Monster: the full caffeine guide
• Mountain Dew: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index

FAQ

Does Monster or Mountain Dew have more caffeine? Monster: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 54mg per 12 oz can for Mountain Dew.

Which is stronger per ounce? Monster, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 4.5mg for Mountain Dew.