Starbucks Caramel Macchiato vs Alani Nu: which has more caffeine?

Alani Nu has more caffeine than Starbucks Caramel Macchiato on both counts: 200mg per 12 oz can against 150mg per 16 oz grande, and about 17mg per fluid ounce against 9. 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 Caramel Macchiato vs Alani Nu: the numbers

Sources: Starbucks Caramel Macchiato's figure is verified in our Starbucks Caramel Macchiato caffeine guide against Starbucks nutrition listing (source); Alani Nu's figure is verified in our Alani Nu guide against Alani Nu label (source).

Which one should you pick?

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

FAQ

Does Starbucks Caramel Macchiato or Alani Nu have more caffeine? Alani Nu: 200mg per 12 oz can versus 150mg per 16 oz grande for Starbucks Caramel Macchiato.

Which is stronger per ounce? Alani Nu, at about 16.7mg per fluid ounce versus 9.4mg for Starbucks Caramel Macchiato.