Surge carries more total caffeine per serving (69mg per 16 oz can vs 54mg per 12 oz can), but ounce for ounce Mountain Dew is actually the stronger drink at about 4mg per fluid ounce against 4. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
Surge vs Mountain Dew: the numbers
| Surge | Mountain Dew | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 69mg per 16 oz can | 54mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 4.3mg | 4.5mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 5.8 | 7.4 |
Sources: Surge's figure is verified in our Surge caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); Mountain Dew's figure is verified in our Mountain Dew guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Mountain Dew when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Surge 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
- Surge: the full caffeine guide
- Mountain Dew: 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 Surge or Mountain Dew have more caffeine? Surge: 69mg per 16 oz can versus 54mg per 12 oz can for Mountain Dew.
Which is stronger per ounce? Mountain Dew, at about 4.5mg per fluid ounce versus 4.3mg for Surge.
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