Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) has more caffeine than Pure Leaf black iced tea on both counts: 92mg per 16 oz can against 54mg per 18.5 oz bottle, and about 6mg 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.
Pure Leaf black iced tea vs Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the numbers
| Pure Leaf black iced tea | Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 54mg per 18.5 oz bottle | 92mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 2.9mg | 5.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 7.4 | 4.3 |
Sources: Pure Leaf black iced tea's figure is verified in our Pure Leaf black iced tea caffeine guide against PepsiCo label data (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 Pure Leaf black iced tea 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
- Pure Leaf black iced tea: the full caffeine guide
- Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Pure Leaf black iced tea or Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) have more caffeine? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): 92mg per 16 oz can versus 54mg per 18.5 oz bottle for Pure Leaf black iced tea.
Which is stronger per ounce? Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus), at about 5.8mg per fluid ounce versus 2.9mg for Pure Leaf black iced tea.
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