Table of Contents
The 2 PM Deception: My Hunt for a Reliable Caffeine Kick
It was 2 PM, and a critical client presentation loomed just an hour away.
I reached into the office fridge for what I thought was a sure thing: a SToK Cold Brew.
I’d come to rely on its smooth, low-acid profile to power through the afternoon slump.
I took a long drink, expecting that familiar, reliable lift.
Instead, I felt…
nothing.
The presentation went fine, but the experience stuck with me.
A week later, facing a similar deadline, I grabbed a different SToK—this one with a bold purple label.
The result was the polar opposite; I was unpleasantly jittery, my focus fractured by a wave of over-caffeination.
That’s when I realized I was flying blind.
Like many of you, I had assumed “SToK” was a single experience, but my own body was telling me otherwise.
This frustration launched an investigation.
My initial, seemingly simple question—”How much caffeine does SToK have?”—led me down a rabbit hole of confusing and contradictory information.
My first stop was the source.
The brand’s own official website offered a frustratingly vague range, stating there are “approximately 120-170mg of caffeine per serving” for their cold brew coffee.1
This wide a range is practically useless for anyone trying to manage their intake precisely.
It’s the difference between a strong cup of coffee and one that could trigger anxiety in a sensitive individual.
Turning to retailer websites, where most of us make our purchasing decisions, only deepened the confusion.
The numbers were all over the place.
This inconsistency is a shared experience, echoed across online communities where coffee drinkers ask the same questions.
On Reddit, one user noted they “don’t feel like I have had any caffeine despite the bottle saying 170g per 12oz,” while another felt that SToK had “about half as much caffeine” as competing brands.2
My own inconsistent experiences were not unique; they were a symptom of a larger problem.
The brand’s communication appears intentionally ambiguous.
While their website remains vague, the physical product labels, which they must approve, often contain very specific numbers.
This suggests the ambiguity isn’t an oversight but a strategy, allowing them to appeal to a broad market at the expense of consumer clarity.
This report is the solution to that manufactured confusion.
The Automotive Analogy: Unlocking the SToK Product Architecture
After weeks of compiling conflicting data, the breakthrough came not from another product page, but from a shift in perspective.
I realized that asking “How much caffeine is in SToK?” is the wrong question.
It’s like walking onto a Ford dealership lot and asking, “How fast does a Ford go?” The answer depends entirely on whether you’re pointing at a family-friendly Explorer, a workhorse F-150, or a high-performance Mustang.
This is the key: SToK is not a single product; it is a portfolio of different “models,” each engineered with a specific performance profile and a target consumer in mind. The label colors and product names—”Extra Bold,” “Bright & Mellow,” “Not Too Sweet”—are the model names that signal their intended purpose and caffeine payload.
The brand itself hints at this structure.
They refer to their “lightest roast” (Bright & Mellow) and their “darkest” (Espresso Blend).4
For their “Extra Bold” variety, they explicitly state, “We put more Arabica coffee beans in the brew than regular SToK.
More beans, more caffeine”.5
This is a direct admission that different models have different engineering.
The existence of distinct product lines like “Cold Brew Coffee,” “Cold Brew Energy,” and “Coffee Shots” further cements this portfolio architecture.7
The variation in caffeine across the SToK lineup is not random; it’s a deliberate design choice that correlates with the product’s name, roast, and intended use.
The confusion that I and so many others experienced arises simply because this internal “product architecture” is never clearly explained to the customer.
This report, for the first time, lays out that blueprint.
By understanding this framework, you can stop guessing and start choosing the right SToK “vehicle” for your specific journey.
Deconstructing the SToK Garage: A Tier-by-Tier Caffeine Analysis
To navigate the SToK portfolio, you need a clear, consolidated map.
The following table is that map.
It cuts through the marketing noise and conflicting retailer data to provide the most accurate caffeine information available for each product, based on a comprehensive analysis of dozens of sources.
Think of this as the official spec sheet for the entire SToK garage.
The Ultimate SToK Caffeine Master Table
| Product Name | Product Line | Caffeine (mg per 12 fl oz serving) | Key Notes |
| Un-Sweet Black | Daily Driver | 125–145 mg | Data conflicts exist. Check label. |
| Not Too Sweet | Daily Driver | 95–130 mg | Significant data conflict. 130 mg is more common. |
| Bright & Mellow | Performance | 150 mg | Light roast, surprisingly high caffeine. |
| Extra Bold | Performance | 170 mg | Dark roast, designed for a stronger kick. |
| Espresso Blend | Performance | ~195 mg (unconfirmed) | Major data gap. May be 195 mg. |
| Chocolate (Cacao) | Specialty | 145 mg | A stronger flavored option. |
| Pumpkin Creamed | Specialty | 120–122 mg | Seasonal, moderate caffeine. |
| Peppermint Mocha | Specialty | 120 mg | Seasonal, moderate caffeine. |
| Cappuccino | Specialty | Unknown | Data unavailable. |
| SToK Energy Cans | Power-Up | 195 mg (per 11 fl oz can) | Hybrid energy drink with added ingredients. |
| SToK Caffeine Shots | Power-Up | 40 mg (per 13 mL shot) | Concentrated booster shot. |
| Decaf Varieties | Sunday Cruiser | ~2-5 mg | 97% of caffeine removed. |
The Daily Drivers: The Core Unsweetened & “Not Too Sweet” Lineup
These are the workhorses of the SToK family, the equivalent of the reliable sedan or family SUV.
They are the most common choices, but also the source of the most significant data confusion.
- Un-Sweet (Black & Green Label): This is the baseline model, the “Ford Explorer” of the lineup. It’s the go-to for a classic, smooth cold brew experience. However, its caffeine content is inconsistent across retailers. Some sources, including shopper comments and retailer sites, list it at 125 mg per 12 fl oz serving.9 Other retailers and data aggregators that reference the USDA FoodData Central database list it higher, at
145 mg.12 This discrepancy suggests either a rolling change in formulation or inconsistent data management by retailers. The takeaway is that consumers may encounter either version and should check the physical label when possible. Expect a moderate caffeine level in the 125-145 mg range. - Not Too Sweet (Yellow Label): This is the slightly sweetened daily driver, for those who want a hint of sugar without a full-blown dessert drink. This product has the widest and most confusing caffeine discrepancy in the entire portfolio. A major retailer, CVS, lists its version at a surprisingly low 95 mg per serving.14 This is less than many standard cups of hot-brewed coffee. In stark contrast, other large grocery chains like Haggen and Stop & Shop list it at a much more robust
130 mg.10 The 130 mg figure is more aligned with the rest of the SToK line. The most plausible explanation is that there are different formulations for different retail channels, or that the 95 mg version is an older product whose data persists in some systems. For practical purposes, assume the more common version contains 130 mg, but be aware that a milder version exists.
The Performance Models: The Roast-Specific & High-Octane Blends
These are the “sports cars” of the SToK garage, engineered for consumers who are specifically seeking a more powerful caffeine experience.
Here, the product names are direct indicators of their potency.
- Extra Bold (Purple Label): This is the “Mustang GT” of the lineup, designed for a powerful, straightforward kick. The data here is strong and consistent: 170 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving.5 SToK is transparent about the engineering, stating it has “more beans, more caffeine” and a darker roast profile.5 This is the clear choice for those who want SToK’s strongest widely available brew.
- Bright & Mellow (Light Blue Label): This is the nimble, “turbocharged” model that plays on coffee knowledge. It contains a surprisingly high 150 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving.4 This debunks a common myth. Many consumers associate the strong, bitter flavor of a dark roast with higher caffeine. However, the roasting process actually burns off a small amount of caffeine, so lighter roasts can often contain slightly more.21 SToK leverages this by creating a potent light roast to appeal to discerning coffee drinkers, while engineering their “Extra Bold” dark roast to be even stronger by manipulating the bean-to-water ratio. It’s a clever strategy that caters to two different consumer psychologies simultaneously.
- Espresso Blend (Dark Red/Brown Label): This should be the top-tier performance model, but it’s shrouded in mystery. It represents a major data gap in the official SToK portfolio. The brand’s own website provides no caffeine number, nor do any major retailers.22 The only available data point comes from a Reddit user who claims it contains
195 mg, the same as the SToK Energy cans.2 While this is unconfirmed, it’s a plausible figure for a product named “Espresso Blend.” Consumers should be aware of this ambiguity and the potential for confusion with the Energy line.
The Specialty Vehicles: Flavored, Seasonal, and Creamed Editions
These are the models where flavor takes the driver’s seat and caffeine sits in the passenger seat.
The caffeine levels are generally moderated to ensure the taste profile remains the star of the show.
- Flavored & Seasonal Lineup: This category includes offerings like Pumpkin Creamed, Peppermint Mocha, and Chocolate (Cacao). Their caffeine content is dialed back from the “performance” levels to a more moderate baseline, making them broadly appealing.
- Pumpkin Creamed contains approximately 120–122 mg per 12 oz serving.23
- Peppermint Mocha also contains 120 mg per serving.22
- Chocolate (Cacao) is a bit stronger, coming in at 145 mg per serving, putting it on par with the core Un-Sweet model.25
- Cappuccino: This is another product with a significant data gap. No reliable caffeine information is available from the manufacturer or retailers.22
The Power-Ups: SToK Energy and Caffeine Shots
This is where SToK moves beyond the coffee aisle and into the functional beverage and energy supplement market.
These products are designed for a specific purpose: delivering a high dose of caffeine and other energy-supporting ingredients quickly.
- SToK Energy: Sold in 11 fl oz cans, these are hybrid energy drinks. They contain a potent 195 mg of caffeine per can.22 They are also fortified with B Vitamins, Guarana, and Ginseng, explicitly positioning them to “Support Focus”.27 This is SToK’s direct competitor to brands like Monster and Red Bull.
- SToK Caffeine Shots: These are the most concentrated product in the portfolio. Each tiny 13 mL shot delivers a 40 mg dose of caffeine.22 They are designed for on-the-go boosts and come with a warning to limit consumption, highlighting their potency.
The Sunday Cruisers: The Decaf Offerings
For those who love the smooth taste of cold brew without the buzz, SToK offers decaffeinated versions of its most popular models, including Un-Sweet and Not Too Sweet.8
The brand states they remove “about 97% of the caffeine”.1
This means a serving contains a negligible amount, typically in the 2-5 mg range, which is standard for decaf coffee.28
They are a well-regarded option, with one review site praising the flavor and suggesting it as an excellent mixer for creating a “half-caff” drink.29
The SToK Lineup vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Caffeine Showdown
Knowing the caffeine content of a SToK is only half the battle.
To truly understand its power, you need to see how it stacks up against other common coffee beverages.
A number like “170 mg” is abstract until you compare it to your usual order from Starbucks or the pot of coffee brewing in your kitchen.
This table provides that crucial context, using a “caffeine per ounce” metric to allow for a true apples-to-apples comparison across different serving sizes.
Competitive Caffeine Benchmark Table
| Drink | Serving Size (oz) | Caffeine (mg) | Caffeine per oz (mg/oz) |
| Standard Drip Coffee | 8 | ~95 mg | ~11.9 mg/oz |
| Espresso Shot | 1 | ~63 mg | ~63.0 mg/oz |
| SToK Not Too Sweet (common) | 12 | 130 mg | 10.8 mg/oz |
| SToK Un-Sweet (common) | 12 | 145 mg | 12.1 mg/oz |
| SToK Bright & Mellow | 12 | 150 mg | 12.5 mg/oz |
| SToK Extra Bold | 12 | 170 mg | 14.2 mg/oz |
| Starbucks Grande Cold Brew | 16 | 205 mg | 12.8 mg/oz |
| SToK Energy Can | 11 | 195 mg | 17.7 mg/oz |
| Dunkin’ Medium Cold Brew | 24 | 260 mg | 10.8 mg/oz |
This benchmark reveals several key truths.
A standard 12 oz SToK Un-Sweet at 145 mg is significantly more caffeinated than a standard 8 oz cup of drip coffee (~95 mg) and is roughly equivalent to a 12 oz serving of drip coffee.30
More importantly, it clarifies the potency of the performance models.
The SToK Extra Bold (14.2 mg/oz) is actually more concentrated than a Starbucks Grande Cold Brew (12.8 mg/oz).
This means that ounce-for-ounce, the SToK product packs a bigger punch.
This also resolves the confusion seen in online forums, where users compare a massive 24 oz Dunkin’ cold brew (260 mg) to a 12 oz SToK (125-145 mg).11
While the Dunkin’ drink has more total caffeine due to its sheer volume, the caffeine concentration is nearly identical to the lower-end SToK products (~10.8 mg/oz).
Your Perfect Brew: A Recommendation Framework
Armed with the SToK architectural blueprint and competitive benchmarks, you can now move from a confused consumer to a confident strategist.
The final step is to match the right product to your specific need.
For the Maximum Jolt (The ‘Mustang’ Seeker)
- Recommendation: SToK Energy Cans (195 mg/11oz) or SToK Extra Bold (170 mg/12oz).
- Use Case: When you need a powerful, immediate lift. Perfect for a pre-workout boost, powering through a critical deadline, or recovering from a rough night’s sleep.
For All-Day Sipping & Focus (The ‘Explorer’ Driver)
- Recommendation: SToK Bright & Mellow (150 mg), SToK Un-Sweet (125-145 mg), or SToK Chocolate (145 mg).
- Use Case: This is your daily driver category. These products provide a strong, steady, reliable boost that enhances focus without being overwhelming. They are the ideal choice for a consistent workday coffee.
For a Milder Lift (The ‘Fiesta’ Cruiser)
- Recommendation: The 95 mg version of SToK Not Too Sweet (if you can confirm it at your local CVS) or a self-made “half-caff” by mixing any regular SToK with its decaf counterpart.14
- Use Case: Ideal for caffeine-sensitive individuals who still want a small boost, or for anyone wanting a late-afternoon coffee that is less likely to interfere with sleep.
For the Flavor-First Drinker
- Recommendation: SToK Pumpkin Creamed (~120 mg) or SToK Peppermint Mocha (120 mg).
- Use Case: When the taste experience is the primary goal and caffeine is a pleasant secondary benefit. The moderate caffeine level ensures the flavor profile isn’t compromised.
My journey started with confusion and ended with clarity.
The key was realizing that SToK isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It’s a diverse lineup of carefully engineered products.
By understanding the system, you can make it work for you.
And when in doubt, always follow the final, empowering pro-tip: trust the label. The ultimate source of truth is the physical bottle in your hand.
Ignore the vague website claims and look for the specific “mg of caffeine per serving” on the nutrition panel.
You now have the code to unlock your perfect brew.
Works cited
- Cold Brew Coffee FAQs | STōK, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.stokbrew.com/faq/
- Stok cold brew and caffeine? : r/coldbrew – Reddit, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/coldbrew/comments/17c0br2/stok_cold_brew_and_caffeine/
- Stok Flavor : r/coldbrew – Reddit, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/coldbrew/comments/1cc6yh6/stok_flavor/
- SToK Cold Brew Coffee Bright & Mellow – 48 Fl. Oz. – carrsqc, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.carrsqc.com/shop/product-details.970092893.html
- Stok Coffee Beverage, Darker Roast, Un-Sweet Black, Extra Bold, Cold Brew | Publix Super Markets, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.publix.com/pd/stok-coffee-beverage-darker-roast-un-sweet-black-extra-bold-cold-brew/RIO-PCI-580327
- SToK Extra Bold Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee 48oz – ShopSK, accessed August 2, 2025, https://shopsk.com/products/stok-extra-bold-unsweetened-cold-brew-coffee-48-fl-oz
- STōK Cold Brew Coffee, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.stokbrew.com/
- STōK Cold Brew Coffee Flavors, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.stokbrew.com/cold-brew/cold-brew-coffee/
- SToK Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee – 48 Fl. Oz. – Haggen, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.haggen.com/shop/product-details.960192382.html
- www.walmart.com, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.walmart.com/ip/SToK-Black-Unsweetened-Light-Roast-Bright-Mellow-Cold-Brew-Coffee-48-fl-oz-Bottle/574049282
- Im new to this: What’s the best store brand cold brew? – Reddit, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/coldbrew/comments/1bhyxp2/im_new_to_this_whats_the_best_store_brand_cold/
- Stok – Stok, Cold Brew Bold & Smooth Un-Sweet Black (48 fl oz …, accessed August 2, 2025, https://shop.staterbros.com/shop/product/stok-cold-brew-bold-smooth-un-sweet-black/2610291
- Adverts | Cub, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cub.com/sm/planning/rsid/1657/ads?esl=MDAwMzY2MzIwNzYxODIsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzEyNjIsMDAwMjUyOTMwMDEzNjcsMDAwMjUyOTMwMDE0OTcsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzkxNTIsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzkzNTAsMDAwMjUyOTMwMDEyMjAsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzEyMjQsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzgwNTYsMDAwNDEyNzEwMjc3MzAsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzgwNzAsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzI2MjcsMDAwMzY2MzIwNzkxNjksMDAwMjUyOTMwMDIyODksMDAwMjUyOTMwMDIxNzMsMDAwNDEyNzEwMjc3NDc%3D
- www.cvs.com, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cvs.com/shop/stok-not-too-sweet-cold-brew-coffee-48-oz-prodid-237410#:~:text=Enjoy%20your%20morning%20energy%20knowing,you%20driven%20towards%20your%20goals.
- SToK Not Too Sweet Cold Brew Coffee, 48 OZ – CVS Pharmacy, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.cvs.com/shop/stok-not-too-sweet-cold-brew-coffee-48-oz-prodid-237410
- SToK Not Too Sweet Cold Brew Coffee – 48 Fl. Oz. – Haggen, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.haggen.com/shop/product-details.960192383.html
- SToK Not Too Sweet Black Cold Brew Coffee – Stop & Shop, accessed August 2, 2025, https://stopandshop.com/groceries/beverages/coffee/iced-coffee-cold-brew/cold-brewed-coffee/stok-not-too-sweet-black-cold-brew-coffee-48-oz-btl.html
- SToK Extra Bold Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee – 48 Fl. Oz. – starmarket, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.starmarket.com/shop/product-details.970012114.html
- SToK Cold Brew Coffee Bright & Mellow – 48 Fl. Oz. – tomthumb, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.tomthumb.com/shop/product-details.970092893.html
- Stok, Coffee Beverage, Lighter Roast, Un-Sweet Black, Bright & Mellow, Cold Brew (48 fl oz), accessed August 2, 2025, https://shop.staterbros.com/shop/product/stok-coffee-beverage-lighter-roast-un-sweet-black-bright-mellow-cold-brew/2752196
- How Much Caffeine Is in an 8-Ounce Cup of Coffee? – Verywell Health, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-caffeine-is-in-a-cup-of-coffee-8584205
- How Much Caffeine is in Cold Brew Coffee? | STōK, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.stokbrew.com/what-is-cold-brew/how-much-caffeine-is-in-cold-brew/
- SToK Pumpkin Creamed Cold Brew Coffee – 48 Count – Shaw’s, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.shaws.com/shop/product-details.970002915.html
- Stok, Cold Brew Pumpkin Creamed Coffee (48 fl oz) | Shop | Piggly Wiggly Midwest, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.shopthepig.com/shop/product/stok-coffee-pumpkin-creamed-cold-brew/1092416
- www.weismarkets.com, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.weismarkets.com/shop/product/stok-chocolate-black-cold-brew-coffee/729690
- Stok Black Chocolate Cold Brew Coffee – Cooklist, accessed August 2, 2025, https://cooklist.com/product/stok-black-chocolate-cold-brew-coffee-362804
- STōK Mocha Cream Cold Brew Coffee Energy Drink, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.stokbrew.com/cold-brew/cold-brew-energy/mocha-cream-cold-brew-energy-drink-11oz/
- How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee? – Medical News Today, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324986
- Best Cold Brew Coffee We Found in a Taste Test – Sporked, accessed August 2, 2025, https://sporked.com/article/best-cold-brew/
- Caffeine Content: Espresso vs. Drip vs. Cold Brew, accessed August 2, 2025, https://fifty5rivers.com/journals/caffeine/caffeine-amounts-by-brewed-coffees/
- www.goodrx.com, accessed August 2, 2025, https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-much-caffeine-is-in-coffee
