Starbucks VIA instant coffee vs Monster: which has more caffeine?

Monster carries more total caffeine per serving (160mg per 16 oz can 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 10. 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 VIA instant coffee vs Monster: the numbers

Sources: Starbucks VIA instant coffee's figure is verified in our Starbucks VIA instant coffee caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Monster's figure is verified in our Monster guide against Caffeine Informer (source).

Which one should you pick?

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

FAQ

Does Starbucks VIA instant coffee or Monster have more caffeine? Monster: 160mg per 16 oz can 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 10.0mg for Monster.