Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream has more caffeine than Red Bull on both counts: 120mg per 6.5 oz can against 80mg per 8.4 oz can, and about 18mg 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.
Red Bull vs Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: the numbers
| Red Bull | Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 80mg per 8.4 oz can | 120mg per 6.5 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9.5mg | 18.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 5.0 | 3.3 |
Sources: Red Bull's figure is verified in our Red Bull caffeine guide against Red Bull label / Caffeine Informer (source); Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream's figure is verified in our Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream guide against Caffeine Informer / Starbucks nutrition (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Red Bull when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream 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
- Red Bull: the full caffeine guide
- Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Red Bull or Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream have more caffeine? Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: 120mg per 6.5 oz can versus 80mg per 8.4 oz can for Red Bull.
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream, at about 18.5mg per fluid ounce versus 9.5mg for Red Bull.
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.