Are energy drinks really more caffeinated than sodas or coffees? RedEye unscientifically selected nine caffeinated beverages available in Chicago to see how the pick-me-ups stack up:
Coca-Cola soda (20 ounces): 57.5 mg caffeine
Single shot Starbucks espresso: 58 mg caffeine
Red Bull energy drink (8.4 ounces): 80 mg caffeine
Mountain Dew Kickstart (16 ounces): 92 mg caffeine
Dunkin Donuts brewed coffee (16 ounces ): 143 mg caffeine
Full Throttle energy drink (16 ounces): 200 mg caffeine
Einstein Bros brewed coffee (16 ounces ): 206 mg caffeine
5-Hour Energy Extra-Strength shot (1.9 ounces): 242 mg caffeine
Starbucks brewed coffee (16 ounces): 259 mg caffeine
Sources: Journal of Analytical Toxicology; Coca-Cola Company; PepsiCo; Red Bull; Consumer Reports
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeatdrink
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