Pepsi Zero Sugar carries more total caffeine per serving (69mg per 12 oz can vs 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g)), but ounce for ounce matcha is actually the stronger drink at about 8mg per fluid ounce against 6. 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.
Pepsi Zero Sugar vs matcha: the numbers
| Pepsi Zero Sugar | matcha | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 69mg per 12 oz can | 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g) |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 5.8mg | 7.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 5.8 | 6.7 |
Sources: Pepsi Zero Sugar's figure is verified in our Pepsi Zero Sugar caffeine guide against PepsiCo product facts (source); matcha's figure is verified in our matcha guide against USDA FoodData Central (per-gram) / compiled (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick matcha when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Pepsi Zero Sugar 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 Zero Sugar: the full caffeine guide
- matcha: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
FAQ
Does Pepsi Zero Sugar or matcha have more caffeine? Pepsi Zero Sugar: 69mg per 12 oz can versus 60mg per 8 oz cup (1 tsp, ~2g) for matcha.
Which is stronger per ounce? matcha, at about 7.5mg per fluid ounce versus 5.8mg for Pepsi Zero Sugar.
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