Do soft drinks have more caffeine than coffee?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

While some highly caffeinated soft drinks might seem potent, an average cup of brewed coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a typical can of soda. This common misconception often overlooks the substantial caffeine variations between different drinks and serving sizes.

Quick Summary

This article examines the caffeine content of coffee and various soft drinks, revealing that coffee generally has a higher concentration per serving. It details how factors like preparation method, bean type, and brand can influence caffeine levels.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: Coffee, especially brewed coffee, contains significantly more caffeine per standard serving size than most soft drinks.
Serving Size Matters: While a single shot of espresso might contain less total caffeine than a large soda, a comparable size of brewed coffee will almost always have more.
Sugar's Role: The sugar in soft drinks can cause a quick energy spike and crash, which is often mistaken for a more powerful caffeine hit than that provided by sugar-free black coffee.
Energy Drinks are Different: Many specialized 'energy soft drinks' and energy shots contain much higher levels of caffeine, sometimes on par with or exceeding a large coffee.
Healthier Option: For a pure caffeine boost without added sugars, black coffee is the healthier choice compared to sugar-laden soft drinks.
Variability: The exact caffeine content can vary widely based on coffee type, brewing method, and brand, making average figures useful but not absolute.

Caffeine Showdown: Coffee vs. Soft Drinks

When you need a quick energy boost, the choice often comes down to coffee or a soft drink. A popular belief is that the high sugar content in many soft drinks amplifies the effects of their caffeine, leading some to assume they contain more of the stimulant. However, the data reveals a different story: standard coffee generally contains much more caffeine per serving than most carbonated soft drinks. This analysis breaks down the real differences, dispelling the myth and providing a clearer picture of what you're actually consuming.

The Numbers Behind the Buzz

The caffeine content in coffee is highly variable, influenced by factors like the brewing method, bean variety (arabica vs. robusta), and serving size. For instance, a small shot of espresso might have less total caffeine than a large drip coffee, even though the concentration is higher. Soft drinks, while more standardized, still have a range of caffeine levels depending on the brand and formulation, with some smaller brands or specific varieties packing a bigger punch. Energy drinks, often categorized with soft drinks, represent a completely different tier of caffeine content altogether.

How Coffee's Caffeine Content Varies

Brewing Method: Drip coffee typically has more caffeine per cup than instant coffee. The longer the water is in contact with the grounds, the more caffeine is extracted.
Bean Type: The Coffea robusta bean contains approximately twice as much caffeine as the more common Coffea arabica variety.
Serving Size: A large 16-ounce black coffee can contain significantly more caffeine than a smaller 8-ounce cup.
Roast Level: While often debated, darker roasts tend to have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts due to longer roasting times that can burn off some of the caffeine molecules.

Caffeine in Soft Drinks: A Closer Look

While coffee's caffeine comes from natural beans, soft drinks contain added caffeine to enhance their flavor and effect. The amount is much more consistent within a single brand but varies across the industry. For example, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola has about 34 mg of caffeine, whereas a same-sized Diet Coke has slightly more at 46 mg. Specialized soft drinks and energy drinks are a different story, with some featuring caffeine levels comparable to, or exceeding, a cup of coffee.

Coffee vs. Soft Drinks: A Detailed Comparison

To put the caffeine differences into perspective, here is a comparison of typical caffeine levels in common beverages based on standard serving sizes.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine Content (mg)
Brewed Coffee	8 fl. oz.	95-200
Instant Coffee	8 fl. oz.	65
Espresso	1 fl. oz.	63
Diet Coke	12 fl. oz. can	46
Coca-Cola	12 fl. oz. can	34
Mountain Dew	12 fl. oz. can	54
Pepsi	12 fl. oz. can	38
Red Bull Energy Drink	8.4 fl. oz. can	80

Beyond the Caffeine: Additional Considerations

For many, the choice between coffee and soda isn't just about caffeine. The presence of other ingredients, most notably sugar, can significantly impact the body's reaction. The rapid sugar rush from a soft drink can provide a quick, though often fleeting, sense of energy. This contrasts with black coffee, which contains virtually no calories or sugar, offering a purer, more sustained caffeine effect for many individuals. Excessive sugar consumption from soft drinks is linked to negative health outcomes, a factor worth considering when weighing options.

For more detailed information on caffeine and its effects, you can consult the European Food Information Council on Caffeine Levels.

Conclusion: Coffee Wins the Caffeine Contest

In a head-to-head comparison, a standard serving of brewed coffee consistently contains more caffeine than a standard can of soft drink. While some specialized soft drinks and energy drinks close the gap or even surpass coffee, the average cup of Joe remains the undisputed champion of everyday caffeine content. Understanding these differences empowers consumers to make informed choices based not only on their desired energy boost but also on overall health considerations like sugar intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a significant difference. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee typically contains 95-200 mg of caffeine, whereas a 12-ounce can of most colas contains only 30-50 mg.

The perceived energizing effect of soda can be influenced by its high sugar content, which provides a rapid, short-lived sugar rush in addition to the caffeine. Coffee provides a more pure and often longer-lasting caffeine boost for those who drink it black.

No. Many soft drinks, such as most brands of ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and root beer (with exceptions like Barq's), are completely caffeine-free.

Energy drinks are a different category from standard soft drinks and often contain significantly higher amounts of caffeine, with many containing levels comparable to or even higher than a standard cup of coffee.

Yes, Diet Coke generally has slightly more caffeine per 12-ounce can than regular Coke. The exact amounts vary by region and formulation, but Diet Coke often contains around 46 mg, compared to Coke's 34 mg.

Yes, the brewing method is a major factor. For example, a longer brewing time extracts more caffeine. The type of coffee bean and the grind size also influence the final caffeine amount.

For most people, getting caffeine from black coffee is a healthier choice. It provides caffeine without the high sugar content and empty calories associated with many soft drinks, which can lead to negative health effects over time.