☕ Starbucks, Dunkin’, or Tim Hortons—Who Actually Has the Strongest Coffee?
Share
You thought all coffee was created equal? Think again. In this highly caffeinated showdown, we pit Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Tim Hortons against each other to find out who really delivers the biggest jolt. Spoiler: your “medium” might be lying to you.
🥊 The Contenders:
Let’s break down the brands:
-
Starbucks – The global giant with a cult following and a reputation for serious caffeine hits. Starbucks official site
-
Dunkin’ – The East Coast sweetheart known for keeping America running (and maybe overcaffeinated). Dunkin’s official site
-
Tim Hortons – Canada’s national coffee darling with an ever-expanding U.S. fanbase. Tim Hortons US
📊 The Caffeine Chart (Per 16 oz / “Grande” size):
| Drink | Starbucks | Dunkin’ | Tim Hortons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewed Coffee | 330 mg | 210 mg | 205 mg |
| Espresso (2 shots) | 150 mg | 118 mg | 125 mg |
| Cold Brew | 310 mg | 260 mg | 205 mg |
| Iced Coffee | 165 mg | 295 mg | 190 mg |
📚 Sources: Starbucks Caffeine Info, Dunkin’ Nutrition, Tim Hortons PDF Guide
🧠 What Does This Actually Mean?
-
Starbucks is the heavyweight in nearly every category, especially brewed coffee.
-
Dunkin’ dominates iced coffee—don’t be fooled by its sweet exterior.
-
Tim Hortons is steady but mild, likely designed for mass Canadian consumption over heart-racing jolts.
🤔 But How Does It Feel?
Caffeine content isn't the only story—acid levels, roast profiles, and how fast you drink all matter too. You might find Dunkin’ more tolerable for your stomach, or Starbucks ideal for powering through deadlines.
Want to nerd out further? Check these reads:
💬 Your Turn:
Do you swear by your cold brew from one chain? Have a caffeine horror story? Or maybe you’re convinced your homemade cup is superior to them all?
Drop a comment below and tag your most caffeinated friend. Let’s settle this once and for all.
🔥 CTA:
Which cup gets your heart racing? Tell us below or share this post with your favorite coffee snob.