C4 Performance Energy carries more total caffeine per serving (200mg per 16 oz can vs 150mg per 8 oz cup), but ounce for ounce Peet's brewed coffee is actually the stronger drink at about 19mg per fluid ounce against 12. 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.
Peet's brewed coffee vs C4 Performance Energy: the numbers
| Peet's brewed coffee | C4 Performance Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 150mg per 8 oz cup | 200mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 18.8mg | 12.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.7 | 2.0 |
Sources: Peet's brewed coffee's figure is verified in our Peet's brewed coffee caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); C4 Performance Energy's figure is verified in our C4 Performance Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Peet's brewed coffee when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and C4 Performance 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
- Peet's brewed coffee: the full caffeine guide
- C4 Performance Energy: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
FAQ
Does Peet's brewed coffee or C4 Performance Energy have more caffeine? C4 Performance Energy: 200mg per 16 oz can versus 150mg per 8 oz cup for Peet's brewed coffee.
Which is stronger per ounce? Peet's brewed coffee, at about 18.8mg per fluid ounce versus 12.5mg for C4 Performance Energy.
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