Dunkin hot coffee (medium) carries more total caffeine per serving (210mg per 14 oz medium vs 135mg per 8 oz cup (1 packet)), but ounce for ounce Starbucks VIA instant coffee is actually the stronger drink at about 17mg per fluid ounce against 15. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
Starbucks VIA instant coffee vs Dunkin hot coffee (medium): the numbers
| Starbucks VIA instant coffee | Dunkin hot coffee (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 135mg per 8 oz cup (1 packet) | 210mg per 14 oz medium |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.9mg | 15.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 3.0 | 1.9 |
Sources: Starbucks VIA instant coffee's figure is verified in our Starbucks VIA instant coffee caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Dunkin hot coffee (medium)'s figure is verified in our Dunkin hot coffee (medium) guide against Tasting Table / Dunkin figures (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Starbucks VIA instant coffee when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Dunkin hot coffee (medium) 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 VIA instant coffee: the full caffeine guide
- Dunkin hot coffee (medium): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
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Gear from this guide
FAQ
Does Starbucks VIA instant coffee or Dunkin hot coffee (medium) have more caffeine? Dunkin hot coffee (medium): 210mg per 14 oz medium versus 135mg per 8 oz cup (1 packet) for Starbucks VIA instant coffee.
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks VIA instant coffee, at about 16.9mg per fluid ounce versus 15.0mg for Dunkin hot coffee (medium).
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