Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) carries more total caffeine per serving (155mg per 9.6 oz can vs 120mg per 6.5 oz can), but ounce for ounce Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream is actually the stronger drink at about 18mg per fluid ounce against 16. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) vs Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: the numbers
| Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) | Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 155mg per 9.6 oz can | 120mg per 6.5 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.1mg | 18.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.6 | 3.3 |
Sources: Starbucks canned Nitro (Black)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) caffeine guide against PepsiCo product facts (source); Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream's figure is verified in our Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream guide against Caffeine Informer / Starbucks nutrition (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream 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
- Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Starbucks canned Nitro (Black) or Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream have more caffeine? Starbucks canned Nitro (Black): 155mg per 9.6 oz can versus 120mg per 6.5 oz can for Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream.
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream, at about 18.5mg 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.