ZOA has more caffeine than NOS Energy on both counts: 160mg per 12 oz can against 160mg per 16 oz can, and about 13mg per fluid ounce against 10. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
ZOA vs NOS Energy: the numbers
| ZOA | NOS Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 160mg per 12 oz can | 160mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 13.3mg | 10.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.5 | 2.5 |
Sources: ZOA's figure is verified in our ZOA caffeine guide against ZOA FAQ (source); NOS Energy's figure is verified in our NOS Energy guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick NOS Energy when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and ZOA 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
- ZOA: the full caffeine guide
- NOS Energy: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does ZOA or NOS Energy have more caffeine? ZOA: 160mg per 12 oz can versus 160mg per 16 oz can for NOS Energy.
Which is stronger per ounce? ZOA, at about 13.3mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for NOS Energy.
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.