Starbucks Pike Place (grande) has more caffeine than Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) on both counts: 310mg per 16 oz grande against 144mg per 24 oz medium, and about 19mg 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 Pike Place (grande) vs Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): the numbers
| Starbucks Pike Place (grande) | Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 310mg per 16 oz grande | 144mg per 24 oz medium |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 19.4mg | 6.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 1.3 | 2.8 |
Sources: Starbucks Pike Place (grande)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks Pike Place (grande) caffeine guide against Starbucks menu data (source); Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) guide against Caffeine Informer Dunkin guide (source).
The concentration gap is the striking part: Starbucks Pike Place (grande) packs roughly 3 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 16 oz grande finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks Pike Place (grande) 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 Pike Place (grande): the full caffeine guide
- Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
FAQ
Does Starbucks Pike Place (grande) or Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium) have more caffeine? Starbucks Pike Place (grande): 310mg per 16 oz grande versus 144mg per 24 oz medium for Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium).
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks Pike Place (grande), at about 19.4mg per fluid ounce versus 6.0mg for Dunkin Sparkd Energy (medium).
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