Starbucks Cappuccino carries more total caffeine per serving (150mg per 16 oz grande 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 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 Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: the numbers
| Starbucks Cappuccino | Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 150mg per 16 oz grande | 120mg per 6.5 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9.4mg | 18.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.7 | 3.3 |
Sources: Starbucks Cappuccino's figure is verified in our Starbucks Cappuccino caffeine guide against Starbucks nutrition listing (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 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
- Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream: 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 Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso & Cream have more caffeine? Starbucks Cappuccino: 150mg per 16 oz grande 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 9.4mg for Starbucks Cappuccino.
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