Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte vs Prime Energy: which has more caffeine?

Prime Energy has more caffeine than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte 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 Pumpkin Spice Latte vs Prime Energy: the numbers

Sources: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte's figure is verified in our Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte caffeine guide against Starbucks nutrition listing (source); Prime Energy's figure is verified in our Prime Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

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

FAQ

Does Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte or Prime Energy have more caffeine? Prime Energy: 200mg per 12 oz can versus 150mg per 16 oz grande for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Which is stronger per ounce? Prime Energy, at about 16.7mg per fluid ounce versus 9.4mg for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.