Rockstar Original has more caffeine than Mello Yello on both counts: 160mg per 16 oz can against 51mg per 12 oz can, and about 10mg per fluid ounce against 4. 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.
Rockstar Original vs Mello Yello: the numbers
| Rockstar Original | Mello Yello | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 160mg per 16 oz can | 51mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10.0mg | 4.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.5 | 7.8 |
Sources: Rockstar Original's figure is verified in our Rockstar Original caffeine guide against Rockstar product page (source); Mello Yello's figure is verified in our Mello Yello guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mello Yello 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
- Mello Yello: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Rockstar Original or Mello Yello have more caffeine? Rockstar Original: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 51mg per 12 oz can for Mello Yello.
Which is stronger per ounce? Rockstar Original, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 4.2mg for Mello Yello.
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.