Barista Life Blog · 1 min read

Rockstar Original vs Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): which has more caffeine?

Rockstar Original has more caffeine than Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) on both counts: 160mg per 16 oz can against 144mg per 24 oz medium, and about 10mg per fluid ounce against 6. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.

Rockstar Original vs Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): the numbers

Rockstar Original Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium)
Caffeine per serving 160mg per 16 oz can 144mg per 24 oz medium
Caffeine per fl oz 10.0mg 6.0mg
Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) 2.5 2.8

Sources: Rockstar Original's figure is verified in our Rockstar Original caffeine guide against Rockstar product page (source); Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) guide against Caffeine Informer Dunkin guide (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) 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

FAQ

Does Rockstar Original or Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) have more caffeine? Rockstar Original: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 144mg per 24 oz medium for Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium).

Which is stronger per ounce? Rockstar Original, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 6.0mg for Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium).

Barista Life runs on coffee people. Browse the Barista Life shop to support the site.

Free download: the espresso dial-in cheat sheet baristas tape to the machine.

Get the PDF