Redline Xtreme carries more total caffeine per serving (316mg per 8 oz bottle vs 200mg per 1.93 oz shot), but ounce for ounce 5-hour Energy (regular) is actually the stronger drink at about 104mg per fluid ounce against 40. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
Redline Xtreme vs 5-hour Energy (regular): the numbers
| Redline Xtreme | 5-hour Energy (regular) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 316mg per 8 oz bottle | 200mg per 1.93 oz shot |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 39.5mg | 103.6mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 1.3 | 2.0 |
Sources: Redline Xtreme's figure is verified in our Redline Xtreme caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); 5-hour Energy (regular)'s figure is verified in our 5-hour Energy (regular) guide against 5-hour Energy facts page (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick 5-hour Energy (regular) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Redline Xtreme 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
- Redline Xtreme: the full caffeine guide
- 5-hour Energy (regular): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
FAQ
Does Redline Xtreme or 5-hour Energy (regular) have more caffeine? Redline Xtreme: 316mg per 8 oz bottle versus 200mg per 1.93 oz shot for 5-hour Energy (regular).
Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy (regular), at about 103.6mg per fluid ounce versus 39.5mg for Redline Xtreme.
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