Celsius Essentials has more caffeine than Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) on both counts: 270mg per 16 oz can against 155mg per 9.6 oz can, and about 17mg per fluid ounce against 16. 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.
Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) vs Celsius Essentials: the numbers
| Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) | Celsius Essentials | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 155mg per 9.6 oz can | 270mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.1mg | 16.9mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.6 | 1.5 |
Sources: Starbucks canned Nitro (Black)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) caffeine guide against PepsiCo product facts (source); Celsius Essentials's figure is verified in our Celsius Essentials guide against Celsius essential facts (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Celsius Essentials 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
- Starbucks canned Nitro (Black): the full caffeine guide
- Celsius Essentials: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) or Celsius Essentials have more caffeine? Celsius Essentials: 270mg per 16 oz can versus 155mg per 9.6 oz can for Starbucks canned Nitro (Black).
Which is stronger per ounce? Celsius Essentials, at about 16.9mg per fluid ounce versus 16.1mg for Starbucks canned Nitro (Black).
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.