Starbucks Pike Place (grande) has more caffeine than ZOA on both counts: 310mg per 16 oz grande against 160mg per 12 oz can, and about 19mg per fluid ounce against 13. 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.
ZOA vs Starbucks Pike Place (grande): the numbers
| ZOA | Starbucks Pike Place (grande) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 160mg per 12 oz can | 310mg per 16 oz grande |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 13.3mg | 19.4mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 2.5 | 1.3 |
Sources: ZOA's figure is verified in our ZOA caffeine guide against ZOA FAQ (source); Starbucks Pike Place (grande)'s figure is verified in our Starbucks Pike Place (grande) guide against Starbucks menu data (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick ZOA when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Starbucks Pike Place (grande) 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
- Starbucks Pike Place (grande): the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does ZOA or Starbucks Pike Place (grande) have more caffeine? Starbucks Pike Place (grande): 310mg per 16 oz grande versus 160mg per 12 oz can for ZOA.
Which is stronger per ounce? Starbucks Pike Place (grande), at about 19.4mg per fluid ounce versus 13.3mg for ZOA.
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.