Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) has more caffeine than Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) on both counts: 155mg per 9.6 oz can against 92mg per 16 oz can, and about 16mg per fluid ounce against 6. 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 Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the numbers
| Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) | Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 155mg per 9.6 oz can | 92mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.1mg | 5.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.6 | 4.3 |
Sources: Starbucks canned Nitro (Black)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) caffeine guide against PepsiCo product facts (source); Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus)'s figure is verified in our Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) guide against PepsiCo product facts (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) 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
- Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) or Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus) have more caffeine? Starbucks canned Nitro (Black): 155mg per 9.6 oz can versus 92mg per 16 oz can for Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus).
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks canned Nitro (Black), at about 16.1mg per fluid ounce versus 5.8mg for Mtn Dew Kickstart (Orange Citrus).
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.