Rockstar Original vs High Brew Double Espresso: which has more caffeine?

Rockstar Original carries more total caffeine per serving (160mg per 16 oz can vs 140mg per 8 oz can), but ounce for ounce High Brew Double Espresso is actually the stronger drink at about 18mg per fluid ounce against 10. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.

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.

Rockstar Original vs High Brew Double Espresso: the numbers

Sources: Rockstar Original's figure is verified in our Rockstar Original caffeine guide against Rockstar product page (source); High Brew Double Espresso's figure is verified in our High Brew Double Espresso guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick High Brew Double Espresso when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Rockstar Original 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

• Rockstar Original: the full caffeine guide
• High Brew Double Espresso: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database

FAQ

Does Rockstar Original or High Brew Double Espresso have more caffeine? Rockstar Original: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 140mg per 8 oz can for High Brew Double Espresso.

Which is stronger per ounce? High Brew Double Espresso, at about 17.5mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for Rockstar Original.