Sun Drop has more caffeine than Mello Yello: 64mg vs 51mg in the same 12 oz can. That is a 13mg gap, and since the cans match, the per-serving number is the whole story.
Sun Drop vs Mello Yello: the numbers
| Sun Drop | Mello Yello | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 64mg per 12 oz can | 51mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 5.3mg | 4.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 6.2 | 7.8 |
Sources: Sun Drop's figure is verified in our Sun Drop caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Mello Yello's figure is verified in our Mello Yello guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mello Yello when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Sun Drop 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
- Sun Drop: the full caffeine guide
- Mello Yello: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does Sun Drop or Mello Yello have more caffeine? Sun Drop: 64mg per 12 oz can versus 51mg per 12 oz can for Mello Yello.
Which is stronger per ounce? Sun Drop, at about 5.3mg per fluid ounce versus 4.2mg for Mello Yello.
Comparing caffeine? The caffeine comparison tool puts hundreds of drinks side by side, and the caffeine curfew calculator can check your cutoff time for tonight.