NOS Energy has more caffeine than Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): 160mg vs 92mg in the same 16 oz can. That is a 68mg gap, and since the cans match, the per-serving number is the whole story.
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.
NOS Energy vs Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the numbers
| NOS Energy | Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 160mg per 16 oz can | 92mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10.0mg | 5.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.5 | 4.3 |
Sources: NOS Energy's figure is verified in our NOS Energy caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus)'s figure is verified in our Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) guide against PepsiCo product facts (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and NOS Energy 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
- NOS Energy: the full caffeine guide
- Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does NOS Energy or Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) have more caffeine? NOS Energy: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 92mg per 16 oz can for Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus).
Which is stronger per ounce? NOS Energy, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 5.8mg for Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus).
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.