Rockstar Original has more caffeine than Pepsi Wild Cherry on both counts: 160mg per 16 oz can against 38mg per 12 oz can, and about 10mg per fluid ounce against 3. 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.
Pepsi Wild Cherry vs Rockstar Original: the numbers
| Pepsi Wild Cherry | Rockstar Original | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 38mg per 12 oz can | 160mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 3.2mg | 10.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 10.5 | 2.5 |
Sources: Pepsi Wild Cherry's figure is verified in our Pepsi Wild Cherry caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Rockstar Original's figure is verified in our Rockstar Original guide against Rockstar product page (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: Rockstar Original packs roughly 3 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 16 oz can finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Pepsi Wild Cherry when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Rockstar Original 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 Wild Cherry: the full caffeine guide
- Rockstar Original: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
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FAQ
Does Pepsi Wild Cherry or Rockstar Original have more caffeine? Rockstar Original: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 38mg per 12 oz can for Pepsi Wild Cherry.
Which is stronger per ounce? Rockstar Original, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 3.2mg for Pepsi Wild Cherry.
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.
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