What has more caffeine, a 12 oz coke or a cup of coffee?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, a standard 12-ounce serving of brewed coffee can contain between 113 to 247 mg of caffeine, while a 12 oz can of Coke contains significantly less, typically around 34 mg. So, to answer the question, a cup of coffee has substantially more caffeine than a 12 oz Coke.

Quick Summary

This article provides a direct comparison of the caffeine levels in a 12 oz Coke versus a typical cup of coffee, explaining why coffee contains significantly more of the stimulant. It examines the factors influencing caffeine content in each beverage and touches on other key differences like sugar content and overall health implications.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: A 12 oz cup of brewed coffee contains several times more caffeine (113-247 mg) than a 12 oz can of Coke (34 mg).
Key Differences: Coffee's caffeine level varies greatly based on bean type and brewing, while Coke's is consistent.
Energy Boost: The energy from Coke is a rapid spike due to sugar and caffeine, while coffee provides a more sustained lift.
Health Impact: Black coffee has zero sugar and calories, whereas regular Coke contains a high amount of sugar, which has different health implications.
Diet Options: Even Diet Coke, with 46 mg of caffeine, does not approach the caffeine content of a standard cup of coffee.

A Clear Winner: Why Coffee Always Beats Coke in Caffeine

The caffeine content in beverages can vary widely, but in a head-to-head comparison, coffee is the clear victor over Coca-Cola. While a 12-ounce can of regular Coca-Cola contains a standard amount of caffeine, the caffeine in a 12-ounce cup of coffee can fluctuate dramatically based on several factors, including the type of bean, brewing method, and preparation. This disparity leads to a significant difference in the total caffeine kick from each drink.

The Numbers Behind the Buzz

To put it into perspective, a 12-ounce can of regular Coke contains approximately 34 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. A 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee, however, can contain anywhere from 113 to 247 mg of caffeine, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means that the average cup of coffee has at least three to four times the caffeine of a same-sized Coke. Even Diet Coke, with its slightly higher caffeine content of around 46 mg per 12 oz, doesn't come close to matching a cup of coffee.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Content

Several variables affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup of coffee, unlike the standardized amount in a canned soda. These include:

Coffee Bean Type: Robusta beans naturally have a much higher caffeine content than Arabica beans. This can drastically change the strength of your brew.
Brewing Method: A cold brew coffee, for instance, involves a long steeping process that can extract more caffeine than a traditional hot drip coffee. A single shot of espresso (1 oz), despite its strong reputation, contains less total caffeine than a full 12-ounce brewed cup.
Roast Level: Contrary to popular belief, a lighter roast coffee often has slightly more caffeine than a darker roast. The roasting process burns off some of the caffeine, though the effect is minimal.
Serving Size: While a 12-ounce can of Coke is standard, a "cup" of coffee can vary. A small home-brewed cup might be 8 ounces, while a large from a coffee shop could be 16 ounces or more.

Beyond Caffeine: Sugar Content and Health Considerations

While caffeine is a major differentiator, the other nutritional content of these beverages is also important. A regular 12-ounce can of Coke is loaded with sugar, often containing around 39 grams. This combination of sugar and caffeine can cause a rapid, albeit fleeting, energy spike followed by a crash. Coffee, particularly black coffee, contains no sugar or calories and offers a more sustained energy boost. The health implications are also worth noting. Regular, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to potential health benefits, while excessive sugar intake from soda is associated with negative health outcomes.

Comparison Table: Caffeine and Sugar Content (12 oz serving)


Feature	12 oz Brewed Coffee (Average)	12 oz Regular Coke	12 oz Diet Coke
Caffeine (mg)	140 mg (approx.)	34 mg	46 mg
Sugar (g)	0 g	39 g	0 g
Calories	< 5	140	0
Energy Source	Caffeine	Sugar and Caffeine	Caffeine
Duration of Effect	Slower onset, longer effect	Rapid spike, quick crash	More stable than regular Coke

The Final Verdict on Your Daily Pick-Me-Up

For those seeking a significant and lasting energy boost purely from caffeine, coffee is the undisputed choice over Coke. The caffeine content in coffee is not only higher on average but also more complex, with variations depending on the brew. However, the choice depends on your individual goals. If you're looking for a jolt without the added sugar, black coffee is the clear winner. If you're simply in need of a small lift, a Coke may suffice, though it comes with a considerable sugar penalty. Understanding the differences empowers you to make a more informed choice about your daily beverage consumption. The FDA offers guidelines on safe caffeine consumption, advising most healthy adults to limit intake to 400 mg daily. This demonstrates just how quickly the caffeine from coffee can add up compared to soda.

Note: A standard cup size in many contexts is 8 oz, but a 12 oz serving is used here for a more accurate comparison of common can sizes with a typical coffee mug.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 12 oz cup of coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a 12 oz can of Coke. While Coke offers a standardized, but lower, dose of caffeine along with a large amount of sugar, coffee provides a more potent and adaptable source of caffeine with zero sugar if consumed black. The decision between the two should hinge on your desired level of energy, your sensitivity to caffeine, and your dietary preferences, particularly concerning sugar intake. The vast difference in caffeine levels means that a single cup of coffee can equal the stimulant effect of several cans of cola.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in nearly all cases, a standard 12 oz cup of brewed coffee will have significantly more caffeine than a 12 oz can of regular Coke. The average cup of coffee has a caffeine range that is several times higher than Coke's fixed amount.

Coffee beans, particularly Robusta beans, are naturally much higher in caffeine than the sources used for soda. The brewing process for coffee is also designed to extract a high concentration of the compound, whereas soda uses a much smaller, standardized amount as an additive.

A 12 oz can of Diet Coke contains slightly more caffeine (46 mg) than a 12 oz can of regular Coke (34 mg). However, both are substantially lower in caffeine than a cup of coffee.

Yes. Coffee provides an energy boost primarily from its caffeine content, resulting in a more sustained effect. Coke's initial boost comes from a high sugar content combined with a smaller dose of caffeine, which can lead to a quick spike and a subsequent crash.

Black coffee is generally considered healthier due to its lack of sugar and calories. Regular soda's high sugar content is linked to negative health effects, making black coffee the better choice from a nutritional standpoint.

Yes, absolutely. Brewing method is one of the biggest factors. Cold brew, for example, often has a higher caffeine concentration than drip coffee due to its longer steeping time. Instant coffee, by contrast, typically has less.

While an espresso shot (around 1 oz) has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce than brewed coffee, a standard 12 oz cup of coffee contains more total caffeine. A single shot of espresso (63 mg) has significantly more caffeine than a can of Coke (34 mg).