Dr Pepper has more caffeine than Pepsi: 41mg vs 38mg in the same 12 oz can. That is a 3mg gap, and since the cans match, the per-serving number is the whole story.
Pepsi vs Dr Pepper: the numbers
| Pepsi | Dr Pepper | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 38mg per 12 oz can | 41mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 3.2mg | 3.4mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 10.5 | 9.8 |
Sources: Pepsi's figure is verified in our Pepsi caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Dr Pepper's figure is verified in our Dr Pepper guide against KDP product facts / Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Pepsi when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Dr Pepper 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
- Pepsi: the full caffeine guide
- Dr Pepper: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Pepsi or Dr Pepper have more caffeine? Dr Pepper: 41mg per 12 oz can versus 38mg per 12 oz can for Pepsi.
Which is stronger per ounce? Dr Pepper, at about 3.4mg per fluid ounce versus 3.2mg for Pepsi.
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.