How Unhealthy is French Press Coffee? A Look at Diterpenes and Cholesterol

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 study, unfiltered brewing methods like the French press can expose you to significantly higher levels of diterpenes compared to filtered coffee, with potentially negative health consequences. This raises the question: how unhealthy is French press coffee, and should you be concerned about your daily cup? This article unpacks the science behind the brew.

Quick Summary

Unfiltered French press coffee contains diterpenes, including cafestol and kahweol, which can raise 'bad' LDL cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk. This is particularly relevant for heavy drinkers or those with pre-existing heart health issues. The health risks can be mitigated by moderation or using a paper filter.

Key Points

Diterpenes are Key: Unfiltered French press coffee contains diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, which can raise LDL cholesterol.
High Consumption is Risky: Drinking five or more cups of unfiltered coffee daily can increase LDL cholesterol by a measurable amount.
Moderation is Prudent: For most people, moderate French press consumption is likely not a major health concern, especially with an otherwise healthy lifestyle.
Switch to Filter for Safety: Using a paper filter in combination with your French press can trap diterpenes and significantly reduce cholesterol impact.
Vulnerable Individuals Beware: Those with pre-existing high cholesterol or genetic predispositions should limit their intake of unfiltered coffee.
Healthier Brew, Fuller Flavor: You can reduce health risks by choosing a darker roast, which has lower cafestol levels, or by using a dual-filter press.

The Science Behind Unfiltered Coffee and Cholesterol

The rich, full-bodied taste of French press coffee comes from the natural oils and fine particles of the coffee bean that pass through the metal mesh filter. However, it is precisely these unfiltered compounds that are at the center of the health debate. The key players are two substances known as diterpenes: cafestol and kahweol.

The Diterpene-Cholesterol Connection

Studies have shown a clear link between consuming unfiltered coffee and increased levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The science behind this is that cafestol and kahweol interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism by affecting certain liver enzymes. The effects are most notable in individuals who are genetically predisposed to higher cholesterol levels or those who consume large quantities of unfiltered coffee.

How Much is Too Much?

Research indicates that consuming five to eight cups of unfiltered coffee per day could raise LDL cholesterol levels by 6-8% in just four weeks. Heavy consumption has also been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly in older individuals. While a single cup or two is unlikely to cause a significant issue for most people, those with existing heart conditions or concerns about their cholesterol should consider moderating their intake or switching brewing methods.

Potential Digestive System Effects

While the cholesterol link is the most prominent health concern, some users also report digestive issues with French press coffee. Coffee is known to stimulate stomach acid secretion, which can be problematic for those with sensitive stomachs or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The longer immersion time of grounds in water with a French press may also extract more tannins, which can contribute to digestive discomfort in some individuals. However, the evidence on coffee's specific link to GERD is mixed, and some studies suggest it is not a primary cause.

Comparison: French Press vs. Filtered Coffee

To make an informed choice, it helps to compare the French press method directly with filtered coffee methods, like a standard drip coffee machine or pour-over.


Feature	French Press (Unfiltered)	Filtered Coffee (e.g., Drip)
Flavor Profile	Rich, full-bodied, robust with higher natural oils.	Cleaner, lighter, and crisper taste.
Filter Type	Metal mesh, allowing oils and fine particles to pass through.	Paper filter, effectively trapping oils and fine particles.
Diterpene Content	Significantly higher cafestol and kahweol levels.	Up to 300 times less cafestol.
Cholesterol Impact	Can raise LDL cholesterol with heavy, regular use.	Minimal to no impact on cholesterol levels.
Environmental Impact	More eco-friendly, reusable filter.	Requires disposable paper filters.

Making Your French Press Healthier

If you love the full flavor of French press coffee and aren't ready to give it up entirely, there are several ways to reduce the health risks without sacrificing your brew.

Reduce your intake. Limiting yourself to one to two cups per day can significantly reduce the potential impact on your cholesterol.
Switch to a paper filter. Placing a paper filter over the grounds inside the French press before plunging can help capture a large portion of the diterpenes. This is an effective way to get the flavor you love with fewer health risks.
Choose a darker roast. Research suggests that darker roasted coffee contains about 60% as much cafestol as a light roast. Switching your preferred roast is a simple way to slightly reduce your diterpene intake.
Consider a dual-filter press. Some newer French presses feature a double micro-filter system designed to reduce sediment and diterpenes while preserving the rich flavor.
Mind your mix-ins. The health risks of French press coffee are compounded by the addition of unhealthy extras like sugar, sugary syrups, and high-fat creamers. Opting for low-fat milk or skipping sweeteners can make your cup much healthier.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Is French press coffee unhealthy? The answer is nuanced. The primary health concern revolves around diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol. For most people who enjoy a cup or two a day and have a healthy diet and lifestyle, the risk is likely minimal. Coffee itself contains beneficial compounds like antioxidants that offer their own health benefits, sometimes outweighing the negatives.

However, for individuals with high cholesterol, heart concerns, or a family history of heart disease, the choice of brewing method becomes more important. Switching to a filtered method or moderating intake is a prudent step. The key is to be an informed drinker, balancing the rich, robust flavor you love with an awareness of the potential health implications. As always, for specific health advice, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Harvard Health provides further context on the diterpene issue, suggesting moderation for those with cholesterol concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

French press coffee contains oily compounds called diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. Unlike paper filters, the metal mesh filter of a French press allows these compounds to pass into your cup, and studies show they can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol.

For most people with healthy cholesterol levels, moderate intake is generally fine. However, research linking unfiltered coffee to higher cholesterol and mortality often focuses on heavy consumption of five to eight cups or more per day.

To make French press coffee healthier, you can reduce your intake, switch to a darker roast, or use a paper filter in your press to trap the diterpenes. Avoiding unhealthy additions like excess sugar and cream also helps.

Yes, filtered coffee is widely considered a healthier option for heart health. The paper filter effectively traps the diterpenes responsible for raising cholesterol, which is a major advantage over unfiltered methods like the French press.

Cafestol is a diterpene molecule found in coffee beans. It is present in the natural oils of coffee and is one of the main compounds in unfiltered coffee that contributes to an increase in LDL cholesterol.

Yes, it does. Darker roasts have been found to have lower levels of cafestol compared to lighter roasts. If you're concerned about your cholesterol, choosing a dark roast can slightly reduce your diterpene intake.

Some people find that French press coffee can cause digestive discomfort due to stimulating stomach acid or the presence of tannins extracted during the longer brewing process. However, responses vary widely among individuals.