Iced Coffee vs. Soda: What Has More Caffeine?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A 12-ounce serving of standard drip iced coffee can contain over 120mg of caffeine, while the same size can of a popular caffeinated soda like Coke contains only about 34mg. This significant difference means iced coffee provides a much more potent caffeine dose per serving, though the overall effect can be influenced by other factors.

Quick Summary

This article compares the caffeine content of iced coffee and soda, revealing that coffee generally contains substantially more caffeine per serving. It also explores factors influencing caffeine levels in each beverage, such as brewing method and brand variations, along with health considerations beyond just caffeine.

Key Points

Iced Coffee Has More Caffeine: A typical 12-ounce iced coffee or cold brew contains substantially more caffeine than an equivalent serving of the most popular sodas.
Brewing Method is Key: The caffeine content in coffee varies significantly based on how it's prepared, with cold brew generally containing more caffeine than regular iced coffee.
Soda's High Isn't All Caffeine: The rapid energy boost from soda is often due to its high sugar content, which causes a quick spike and crash, unlike the more sustained energy from coffee.
Read the Label for Soda: Caffeine levels differ among soda brands and versions; some high-caffeine sodas may have more than regular ones, while many are caffeine-free.
Consider Health and Energy Type: Beyond caffeine, remember to factor in the high sugar and calories in most sodas versus the purer energy source of unsweetened coffee.
Serving Size Matters: A larger serving of a beverage, even one with lower per-ounce caffeine like soda, can result in a significant total caffeine intake.

The Clear Winner: Iced Coffee and Cold Brew

When comparing the caffeine punch, iced coffee and its stronger sibling, cold brew, consistently outperform soda. A single 12-ounce can of regular Coca-Cola contains around 34mg of caffeine. In contrast, a 12-ounce iced coffee can easily exceed 100mg, and a cold brew of the same size is often even more potent, sometimes reaching over 200mg depending on the preparation. The misconception that a soda provides a comparable energy rush to coffee is often tied to the effect of sugar, not the caffeine itself. Sodas are typically laden with sugar, which provides a fast but fleeting energy spike that can crash shortly after, while the caffeine in coffee delivers a more sustained and powerful jolt without the added sugars (unless added manually).

Factors Influencing Caffeine in Coffee

Brewing Method: Drip coffee poured over ice (regular iced coffee) will have a different caffeine level than a cold brew. Cold brew, steeped for an extended period, extracts more caffeine from the grounds, resulting in a higher concentration per fluid ounce.
Bean Type: The specific type of coffee bean plays a role. Robusta beans contain nearly twice as much caffeine as the more commonly used Arabica beans, meaning an iced coffee made from Robusta will be significantly more caffeinated.
Brewing Time: Longer brewing or steeping times generally lead to higher caffeine extraction. This is why cold brew, which steeps for 12 to 24 hours, is so potent.
Serving Size: While caffeine concentration per ounce is important, the final caffeine intake is highly dependent on the total volume. A large 20-ounce iced coffee will have more total caffeine than a smaller 12-ounce version, even if the brewing process is identical.

Factors Influencing Caffeine in Soda

Brand and Flavor: Not all sodas are created equal. While many colas have similar caffeine levels, some specialty or diet versions can vary. For instance, Mountain Dew Zero Sugar has a notably higher caffeine content (68mg per 12 oz) than regular Coke. Many sodas, like most root beers, are entirely caffeine-free.
Serving Size: The standard can size is 12 ounces, but fountain drinks and larger bottles significantly increase the total caffeine consumed. A 30-ounce fountain drink of Mountain Dew can contain over 120mg of caffeine, entering the range of an average iced coffee.

A Detailed Comparison: Iced Coffee vs. Soda

To illustrate the stark differences, here's a comparison table based on typical 12-ounce servings, but note that individual brand variations exist.


Feature	Iced Coffee (Drip)	Cold Brew (Iced)	Standard Cola Soda	High-Caffeine Soda
Caffeine (approx. per 12oz)	95-120mg	150-200mg+	34-46mg	54-68mg+
Preparation	Hot brewed coffee cooled and poured over ice.	Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, then served over ice.	Mass-produced with artificial caffeine added.	Mass-produced with additional caffeine added.
Sweeteners	Optional; added manually.	Optional; added manually.	High Fructose Corn Syrup or artificial sweeteners.	High Fructose Corn Syrup or artificial sweeteners.
Acidity	Moderate, often higher than cold brew.	Lower due to cold brewing process.	Moderate to high from phosphoric acid.	Moderate to high from phosphoric acid.
Energy Boost	Quick initial boost, followed by a sustained release.	Slower onset, but a smoother, more sustained effect.	Immediate sugar-fueled spike, followed by a potential crash.	Moderate initial boost, also often influenced by sugar content.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, if your goal is to maximize your caffeine intake, iced coffee is the undisputed champion over soda. Whether it's a standard iced coffee or a potent cold brew, coffee delivers a significantly higher dose of caffeine per serving. However, the choice is not just about the numbers on the label. The energy experience from each beverage is different due to the presence of other ingredients. Coffee provides a more sustained and natural energy boost, while the sugar in many sodas can lead to a less stable energy ride. Consumers should consider their desired effect, taste preferences, and overall health goals when deciding between the two. Understanding the brewing methods and brand variations is key to making an informed choice, whether you're a casual caffeine consumer or a connoisseur. To learn more about the science behind caffeine's effects on the body, consider exploring reputable health resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iced coffee almost always has significantly more caffeine per serving than a typical soda. The average iced coffee contains over 100mg of caffeine, while a 12-ounce can of regular cola is closer to 34mg.

Yes, iced cold brew coffee typically has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce than regular iced coffee. This is because cold brew steeps grounds for a much longer time, extracting more caffeine into the concentrate.

That feeling is often due to the high sugar content in many sodas. The sugar provides a rapid energy spike, which is different from the more sustained and steady energy boost delivered by the caffeine in coffee.

No, many sodas are caffeine-free. Popular examples include most brands of root beer, ginger ale, and lemon-lime sodas like Sprite.

Yes, depending on the brand and size, a large fountain soda, especially high-caffeine varieties like Mountain Dew, can contain a total amount of caffeine comparable to or even higher than some standard iced coffees.

The caffeine molecule itself is the same, but its effect can feel different due to other ingredients. The natural caffeine in coffee is accompanied by other compounds, while soda often uses artificial caffeine alongside high amounts of sugar and phosphoric acid.

Unsweetened iced coffee is generally considered a healthier choice. It provides a caffeine boost without the high sugar content and empty calories of most sodas, which are linked to various health concerns.