Barista Life Blog · 1 min read

Rockstar Original vs Alani Nu: which has more caffeine?

Alani Nu has more caffeine than Rockstar Original on both counts: 200mg per 12 oz can against 160mg per 16 oz can, and about 17mg per fluid ounce against 10. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.

Rockstar Original vs Alani Nu: the numbers

Rockstar Original Alani Nu
Caffeine per serving 160mg per 16 oz can 200mg per 12 oz can
Caffeine per fl oz 10.0mg 16.7mg
Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) 2.5 2.0

Sources: Rockstar Original's figure is verified in our Rockstar Original caffeine guide against Rockstar product page (source); Alani Nu's figure is verified in our Alani Nu guide against Alani Nu label (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Rockstar Original when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Alani Nu 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

FAQ

Does Rockstar Original or Alani Nu have more caffeine? Alani Nu: 200mg per 12 oz can versus 160mg per 16 oz can for Rockstar Original.

Which is stronger per ounce? Alani Nu, at about 16.7mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for Rockstar Original.

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.

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