Starbucks Cappuccino vs Red Bull: which has more caffeine?

Starbucks Cappuccino carries more total caffeine per serving (150mg per 16 oz grande vs 80mg per 8.4 oz can), but ounce for ounce Red Bull is actually the stronger drink at about 10mg per fluid ounce against 9. 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 Cappuccino vs Red Bull: the numbers

Sources: Starbucks Cappuccino's figure is verified in our Starbucks Cappuccino caffeine guide against Starbucks nutrition listing (source); Red Bull's figure is verified in our Red Bull guide against Red Bull label / Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

Pick Red Bull when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks Cappuccino 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 Cappuccino: the full caffeine guide
• Red Bull: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index
• Compare any two of 120+ drinks

FAQ

Does Starbucks Cappuccino or Red Bull have more caffeine? Starbucks Cappuccino: 150mg per 16 oz grande versus 80mg per 8.4 oz can for Red Bull.

Which is stronger per ounce? Red Bull, at about 9.5mg per fluid ounce versus 9.4mg for Starbucks Cappuccino.