Does Soda Have More Caffeine Than Coffee? The Surprising Truth

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

An average 8-ounce cup of coffee typically contains roughly 95 milligrams of caffeine, a stark contrast to most popular soft drinks. This disparity leads many to question the common perception that soda provides a more significant jolt. So, does soda have more caffeine than coffee? We break down the facts to give you a clear answer.

Quick Summary

Most brewed coffees contain significantly more caffeine per serving than common sodas, although exact levels vary by product and serving size. Added sugar in soda creates a different kind of energy rush, often confused with high caffeine.

Key Points

Coffee has more caffeine per serving: A standard cup of brewed coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a 12-ounce can of soda.
Serving size matters: While a shot of espresso has less caffeine than a brewed cup, a large coffee shop beverage can deliver a very high dose, often more than any soda.
Sugar creates a perception of high energy: The energy rush from soda is largely due to its high sugar content, which is often confused with its comparatively low caffeine level.
Caffeine levels vary widely: The amount of caffeine can differ significantly based on the coffee brewing method and the specific brand or variety of soda.
Choose based on health and goals: For a purer, more sustained caffeine boost without excess sugar, coffee is the superior choice. Sugary sodas provide a quick spike followed by a crash.
Diet soda isn't necessarily higher in caffeine: Some diet sodas, like Diet Coke, have slightly more caffeine than their regular counterparts, but they are still much lower than coffee.

The Caffeine Breakdown: Coffee vs. Soda

When comparing caffeine content, the general consensus is that coffee is the clear winner for delivering a higher dose. While there's a wide range of caffeine levels across different coffee preparations and soda varieties, a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee almost always outweighs a typical 12-ounce can of soda. The amount of caffeine can be influenced by many factors, including the type of coffee bean, the brewing method, and the specific brand of soda.

How Much Caffeine Is in Your Coffee?

Coffee's caffeine content is far from uniform. A delicate, light roast will have less caffeine than a strong, dark roast. The preparation method also plays a crucial role in determining the final amount. Here is a general breakdown of caffeine content by coffee type:

Brewed Coffee: An average 8-ounce cup contains about 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. A larger 12-ounce cup can contain 100-180mg, with some specialty brands reaching even higher concentrations.
Espresso: While often perceived as the most caffeinated, a standard 1-ounce shot of espresso has around 63 mg of caffeine, a concentrated but smaller dose. Many modern coffee drinks use a double shot, bringing the total to approximately 126 mg.
Instant Coffee: An 8-ounce cup of instant coffee typically contains a moderate amount, averaging around 57 mg of caffeine.
Decaf Coffee: Even decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine, though in minimal amounts. An 8-ounce cup usually has between 2 and 12 mg.

How Much Caffeine Is in Your Soda?

Unlike coffee, soda's caffeine content is more predictable because it is artificially added and controlled by the manufacturer. Most standard colas contain a relatively low level of caffeine per 12-ounce serving when compared to coffee.

Coca-Cola (12 oz): 34 mg.
Diet Coke (12 oz): 46 mg.
Pepsi (12 oz): 38 mg.
Mountain Dew (12 oz): 54 mg.
Dr Pepper (12 oz): 41 mg.

Some sodas, like certain brands of root beer or orange soda, are naturally caffeine-free, while others, like some so-called “gut healthy” brands, may contain 40-50mg per can, closer to the level of a cola.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Levels

Beyond the basic beverage type, several variables can alter the actual caffeine intake. Understanding these can help explain why you might feel more energized from one beverage over another.

Brewing Method and Bean Type

For coffee, the preparation method is key. Drip coffee generally contains more caffeine per fluid ounce than espresso, even though espresso is more concentrated. The type of coffee bean also matters, as Coffea robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than Coffea arabica beans.

Serving Size

Serving size is a critical factor. While a single shot of espresso contains less caffeine than a full cup of brewed coffee, a large coffee shop serving, often 12 to 16 ounces or more, can provide a very potent dose. The same applies to soda; a large 30-ounce fountain drink can contain as much caffeine as a small coffee, depending on the brand.

The Sugar Factor

One of the main reasons soda's effect can be confused with a high caffeine kick is the presence of sugar. The sugar provides an immediate, albeit fleeting, energy rush, which can mask the lower caffeine content. This combination of sugar and caffeine can lead to a more pronounced, though often shorter-lived, energy spike followed by a significant crash. Coffee, especially black coffee, provides a more steady, sustained boost without the added sugars and calories.

Coffee vs. Soda: Caffeine Comparison Table

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of typical caffeine levels:


Beverage	Serving Size	Typical Caffeine Content (mg)
Brewed Coffee	8 oz	95-200
Brewed Coffee	12 oz	100-180
Espresso	1 oz shot	63
Instant Coffee	8 oz	57
Cola Soda	12 oz can	34-46
Mountain Dew	12 oz can	54
Dr Pepper	12 oz can	41

The Final Verdict

In the debate over caffeine content, coffee unequivocally has more caffeine per serving than standard soda. While the perception of soda's energy boost is often tied to its high sugar content, the stimulant itself is much more concentrated in a typical cup of coffee. The effects of coffee tend to be more sustained and less erratic than the rush and crash associated with sugary sodas. For those seeking the most significant caffeine kick, brewed coffee or a strong espresso-based drink remains the most potent option.

The Health Perspective

Choosing between coffee and soda isn't just about caffeine; it's also a health decision. Coffee, when consumed black and in moderation, offers potential health benefits like antioxidants and a lower risk of certain diseases. In contrast, regular consumption of sugary sodas is linked to numerous health concerns due to their high sugar content. Ultimately, your choice depends on your desired caffeine level, health goals, and personal taste. You can find more nutritional information from sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest at cspi.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee has significantly more caffeine. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, whereas a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains only 34 mg.

Yes, but the difference is small. A 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains 46 mg of caffeine, while the same size can of regular Coke has 34 mg.

The energy rush you feel from soda is largely due to its high sugar content, which provides a quick boost but can lead to a crash later. This can be mistaken for a potent caffeine effect.

Among common soft drinks, Mountain Dew (regular and diet) is one of the highest, with 54 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. Some specialized or energy-based sodas may contain more.

Per fluid ounce, espresso has a higher caffeine concentration. However, a typical serving of brewed coffee is much larger (8-12 ounces), so a single cup usually contains more total caffeine than a 1 or 2-ounce espresso shot.

No. Many sodas, particularly lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or citrus drinks like Fanta, are caffeine-free. Some brands of root beer and ginger ale also contain no caffeine.

An 8-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee has only 2-12 mg of caffeine, making it much lower than most caffeinated sodas. If you want a minimal caffeine intake, decaf is the clear choice.