V8 +Energy has more caffeine than Diet Coke on both counts: 80mg per 8 oz can against 46mg per 12 oz can, and about 10mg per fluid ounce against 4. 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.
V8 +Energy vs Diet Coke: the numbers
| V8 +Energy | Diet Coke | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 80mg per 8 oz can | 46mg per 12 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10.0mg | 3.8mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 5.0 | 8.7 |
Sources: V8 +Energy's figure is verified in our V8 +Energy caffeine guide against Campbell's / Caffeine Informer (source); Diet Coke's figure is verified in our Diet Coke guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick Diet Coke when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and V8 +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
- V8 +Energy: the full caffeine guide
- Diet Coke: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
- Compare any two of 120+ drinks
FAQ
Does V8 +Energy or Diet Coke have more caffeine? V8 +Energy: 80mg per 8 oz can versus 46mg per 12 oz can for Diet Coke.
Which is stronger per ounce? V8 +Energy, at about 10.0mg per fluid ounce versus 3.8mg for Diet Coke.
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