Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) vs Ghost Energy: which has more caffeine?

Ghost Energy carries more total caffeine per serving (200mg per 16 oz can vs 155mg per 9.6 oz can), but ounce for ounce Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) is actually the stronger drink at about 16mg per fluid ounce against 12. 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.

Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) vs Ghost Energy: the numbers

Sources: Starbucks canned Nitro (Black)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) caffeine guide against PepsiCo product facts (source); Ghost Energy's figure is verified in our Ghost Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Ghost Energy 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
• Ghost Energy: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database

FAQ

Does Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) or Ghost Energy have more caffeine? Ghost Energy: 200mg per 16 oz can versus 155mg per 9.6 oz can for Starbucks canned Nitro (Black).

Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks canned Nitro (Black), at about 16.1mg per fluid ounce versus 12.5mg for Ghost Energy.