Starbucks cold brew (grande) has more caffeine than Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) on both counts: 205mg per 16 oz grande against 145mg per 15 oz can, and about 13mg per fluid ounce against 10. 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.
Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) vs Starbucks cold brew (grande): the numbers
| Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) | Starbucks cold brew (grande) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 145mg per 15 oz can | 205mg per 16 oz grande |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9.7mg | 12.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.8 | 2.0 |
Sources: Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger)'s figure is verified in our Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Starbucks cold brew (grande)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks cold brew (grande) guide against Starbucks menu data (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks cold brew (grande) 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
- Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger): the full caffeine guide
- Starbucks cold brew (grande): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
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Gear from this guide
FAQ
Does Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger) or Starbucks cold brew (grande) have more caffeine? Starbucks cold brew (grande): 205mg per 16 oz grande versus 145mg per 15 oz can for Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger).
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks cold brew (grande), at about 12.8mg per fluid ounce versus 9.7mg for Private Selection canned espresso (Kroger).
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