Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) has more caffeine than Pepsi on both counts: 92mg per 16 oz can against 38mg per 12 oz can, and about 6mg per fluid ounce against 3. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
Pepsi vs Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the numbers
| Pepsi | Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 38mg per 12 oz can | 92mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 3.2mg | 5.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 10.5 | 4.3 |
Sources: Pepsi's figure is verified in our Pepsi 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 Pepsi when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) 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
- Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Pepsi or Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) have more caffeine? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): 92mg per 16 oz can versus 38mg per 12 oz can for Pepsi.
Which is stronger per ounce? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus), at about 5.8mg 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.