Does Coffee Increase LDL? The Crucial Role of Your Brewing Method

December 27, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a 2023 study, consuming unfiltered coffee can lead to a significant increase in "bad" cholesterol levels, particularly with higher consumption. This raises a critical question for many daily drinkers: does coffee increase LDL cholesterol? The answer is not straightforward and depends heavily on your chosen brewing method.

Quick Summary

The impact of coffee on LDL cholesterol is determined by how it is prepared. Unfiltered varieties like French press release natural oils (diterpenes) that can elevate cholesterol, whereas paper-filtered methods are safer. Consumption amount and added ingredients also affect the overall impact.

Key Points

Brewing Method is Key: The preparation style, not the caffeine, determines coffee’s effect on LDL cholesterol due to the presence of diterpenes.
Unfiltered Coffee Raises LDL: Methods like French press, boiled, and Turkish coffee allow cholesterol-raising diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) to pass into your cup.
Filtered Coffee is Safer: Paper filters effectively trap diterpenes, making drip coffee and instant coffee a much safer choice for those monitoring their LDL levels.
Moderate Espresso Intake is Acceptable: The shorter contact time in espresso brewing results in a moderate level of diterpenes, placing it between filtered and unfiltered coffee in terms of impact.
Additives Increase Risk: High-fat additions like heavy cream and high-sugar syrups can also increase LDL and triglyceride levels, regardless of brewing method.
Heavy Consumption Increases Risk: The cholesterol-raising effect is dose-dependent, meaning drinking a large quantity of unfiltered coffee increases the effect.

Understanding the Link Between Coffee and LDL Cholesterol

The effect of coffee on cholesterol has been a topic of debate. While coffee beans don't contain cholesterol, they do contain natural oily compounds called diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol. These diterpenes can increase LDL cholesterol levels by inhibiting a liver protein that regulates cholesterol. The amount of diterpenes in your coffee depends heavily on the brewing method.

The Impact of Brewing Methods: Filtered vs. Unfiltered

The way coffee is brewed significantly affects its diterpene content. Filtered and unfiltered methods have distinctly different impacts.

Unfiltered Coffee: A Higher Risk for Elevated LDL

Unfiltered coffee methods, where grounds and water mix without a paper filter, have high diterpene levels. Examples include:

French Press
Scandinavian or Turkish Boiled Coffee
Cowboy Coffee

Consuming multiple cups of unfiltered coffee daily can raise LDL cholesterol. One study showed a significant LDL increase in those drinking nearly four cups daily compared to filtered coffee drinkers. Individuals with high cholesterol should be particularly cautious.

Filtered Coffee: The Cholesterol-Friendly Option

Methods using a paper filter effectively remove diterpenes. This includes standard drip coffee. Instant coffee also has low diterpene levels. Paper filtration is key to minimizing coffee's effect on cholesterol.

The Case of Espresso

Espresso involves a short contact time between grounds and water, resulting in moderate diterpene extraction, placing its effect between filtered and fully unfiltered methods.

More Than Just the Brew: Other Factors Influencing Your Coffee’s Impact

Beyond brewing method, other factors affect coffee's impact on cholesterol.

Additives: High-fat or high-sugar additions like cream, full-fat milk, or syrups can increase LDL and triglyceride levels.
Quantity: More unfiltered coffee means a greater potential LDL increase. Moderation is advised for unfiltered varieties.
Individual Variation: Genetics and existing health conditions can influence sensitivity to coffee's effects. Those with hyperlipidemia may see a greater increase.

Comparison of Common Coffee Brewing Methods and Their Impact on LDL


Brewing Method	Filtering	Effect on LDL Cholesterol	Key Factor	Recommended For
Drip Coffee (with paper filter)	Yes	Minimal to no effect	Paper filter traps diterpenes	Daily drinkers concerned about cholesterol
French Press	No (Metal Filter)	Significant increase	Diterpenes pass into the coffee	Occasional treat, not daily habit
Boiled Coffee (Turkish/Scandinavian)	No	Significant increase	Diterpenes pass into the coffee	Limited intake advised for high-risk individuals
Espresso	Partial (Pressure)	Moderate increase	Shorter brew time, moderate diterpenes	Moderate consumption is generally acceptable
Instant Coffee	Yes (Processed)	Minimal effect	Low levels of diterpenes remain	Concerned individuals, convenience drinkers

Conclusion

The primary factor linking coffee and LDL cholesterol is the brewing method, not caffeine. Switching to filtered coffee is a simple step for those managing high cholesterol or prioritizing heart health. The diterpenes in unfiltered coffee, not caffeine, are the main culprits for raising cholesterol. By being mindful of how you brew and what you add, you can enjoy coffee while supporting cardiovascular health. For more information, you can review a relevant meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, filtered coffee, such as that made with a paper filter in a standard drip machine, contains minimal amounts of the compounds (diterpenes) that raise LDL cholesterol because the filter traps them during brewing.

The compounds responsible are diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, which are found in the natural oils of the coffee bean. These compounds interfere with the body's ability to regulate cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol, you should limit or avoid consuming unfiltered coffees like French press, Turkish coffee, and Scandinavian boiled coffee, as these methods allow the highest amount of diterpenes to reach your cup.

Espresso is a middle ground. Due to a shorter brew time, it contains fewer diterpenes than French press or boiled coffee. Moderate espresso consumption is generally fine, but excessive intake could have a noticeable effect.

Studies suggest that consistently consuming more than 4 cups of unfiltered coffee daily can significantly raise LDL levels. Moderation, especially with unfiltered types, is key, though the exact amount can vary by individual.

Yes, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee beans contain diterpenes. Therefore, the effect on LDL cholesterol depends on the brewing method used, not the presence of caffeine.

Adding high-fat or high-sugar ingredients like heavy cream, full-fat milk, and sweetened syrups can increase both LDL and triglyceride levels, compounding any potential effect from the coffee itself.