Is a French press healthier? Unpacking the Health Facts

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a major 2020 study, drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease compared to unfiltered coffee. This surprising fact challenges the assumption that the bold, unfiltered brew from a French press is the healthier option for coffee lovers.

Quick Summary

The healthiness of a French press versus other brewing methods depends on how the presence of natural coffee oils affects cholesterol levels. Unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes, which are largely removed by paper filters, making filtered brewing the heart-healthier choice.

Key Points

Diterpenes are the Issue: French press coffee contains oily compounds called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) that can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
Filtered is Healthier: Paper filters, used in drip coffee and pour-over, trap most of the diterpenes, making filtered coffee a heart-healthier choice.
Cardiovascular Risk: Unfiltered coffee has been linked to higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, particularly in older individuals.
Flavor vs. Health: The French press's rich, full-bodied flavor comes from the very oils that contain the cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
Moderation is Key: For those with no cholesterol concerns, enjoying a French press in moderation is generally acceptable, but filtered coffee is still the safer option for daily consumption.
Additives Matter: Regardless of brewing method, what you add to your coffee (e.g., sugar, cream) can significantly impact its health effects.

The French Press: A Rich Brew with a Hidden Cost

For years, the French press has been a favorite among coffee aficionados for its ability to produce a full-bodied, flavorful cup. By steeping ground beans directly in water and using a metal mesh filter to separate the grounds, this method preserves many of the flavorful oils and fine particles that paper filters trap. However, what makes the French press so delicious is also the source of its primary health concern: the diterpenes.

The Diterpene Dilemma: Unfiltered Coffee and Cholesterol

Coffee beans contain natural compounds known as diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. While these oily substances contribute to coffee's flavor and body, they have also been linked to an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. A Swedish study followed over half a million healthy coffee drinkers for 20 years and found that consuming unfiltered brew was associated with higher mortality than filtered brew. The mechanism is that cafestol and kahweol interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism, which can lead to higher LDL levels. This is a significant consideration, especially for individuals already at risk for cardiovascular disease.

The Filtering Effect: Paper vs. Metal

The key difference lies in the filtration. The paper filters used in drip coffee makers, pour-over systems, and even some AeroPress methods are highly effective at trapping the cholesterol-raising diterpenes. In contrast, the metal mesh filter of a French press allows these oily compounds to pass directly into your cup. A cup of unfiltered coffee can contain as much as 30 times more diterpenes than a filtered cup. For those monitoring their cholesterol, this filtering process is crucial. Espresso, while also made without a paper filter, has less contact time with the grounds than a French press, meaning it falls somewhere in between filtered and unfiltered coffee in terms of diterpene content.

Beyond Cholesterol: Other Factors to Consider

While the cholesterol issue is the most significant health difference, other factors also distinguish the health profile of a French press from other methods.

Antioxidant Content

Coffee is a major source of antioxidants, and some claims suggest the French press, by preserving the oils, delivers more antioxidants. However, research findings are mixed. One study showed that Aeropress, and not French press, produced coffee with the highest antioxidant activity. Another found capsule coffee provided higher total phenolic content than French press. What is clear is that filtered coffee still delivers plenty of beneficial antioxidants, and some compounds are even released more effectively by hot water extraction.

Stomach Irritation

The oils and fine sediments left behind by a French press can be more irritating to some people's stomachs, potentially causing indigestion or reflux. If you have a sensitive digestive system, a cleaner, filtered brew might be a more comfortable choice.

Mindful Additions

Regardless of brewing method, what you add to your coffee plays a significant role in its overall health impact. High-calorie, sugary additives like flavored syrups and excessive cream can quickly turn a relatively healthy beverage into a dessert. Black coffee offers the most health benefits without the extra calories and fat.

French Press vs. Filtered Drip Coffee: A Comparison


Feature	French Press	Filtered Drip Coffee
Heart Health	Higher Risk. Contains diterpenes (cafestol, kahweol) that can raise LDL cholesterol.	Lower Risk. Paper filters trap cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
Flavor Profile	Rich and Full-Bodied. Preserves coffee oils, resulting in a heavier, more intense flavor.	Clean and Crisp. Paper filters absorb oils, creating a lighter, less oily taste.
Stomach Impact	Potentially Irritating. Oils and fine particles can cause indigestion for sensitive stomachs.	Gentler on the Stomach. Filtration removes irritants, resulting in a smoother brew.
Antioxidants	Mixed Results. Some studies suggest lower antioxidant activity than other methods.	Reliable Source. High temperatures aid antioxidant release, and filters don't remove them.
Brewing Control	High. Allows for precise control over water temperature and steep time.	Less. Automatic machines offer little control over the process.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, is a French press healthier? For most people, the answer is no, particularly if you drink it regularly. The key takeaway is the impact of diterpenes on cholesterol. While the French press's full flavor is its main draw, it comes with a trade-off that is not present in filtered methods. For those concerned with heart health, especially individuals with high cholesterol, switching to a paper-filtered brewing method is a simple and effective step to reduce risk. However, for those with healthy cholesterol levels, enjoying a French press occasionally in moderation is likely fine. The healthiest coffee is one brewed thoughtfully, enjoyed in moderation, and consumed with minimal unhealthy additives. For more information on the healthiest brewing methods, you can visit the Harvard Health blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

A French press raises cholesterol because its metal mesh filter allows oily compounds called diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, to pass into the brew. These diterpenes are known to increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

Yes, filtered coffee is generally considered better for heart health. The paper filters used in drip or pour-over methods are highly effective at trapping the diterpenes that can raise cholesterol.

The impact can vary based on consumption. One study found that five cups of unfiltered coffee daily could increase LDL cholesterol by 6-8% over four weeks. The effect is more significant with higher, long-term intake.

Yes, espresso contains more diterpenes than filtered coffee but significantly less than French press. This is because it uses a fine metal filter but has a shorter brewing time.

If you have high cholesterol or a history of heart disease, it is advisable to limit or avoid unfiltered coffee. For healthy individuals, enjoying it occasionally in moderation is generally fine, but filtered coffee is the healthier everyday choice.

The healthiest method is generally considered to be one that uses a paper filter, such as drip coffee or a pour-over. These methods remove the cholesterol-raising compounds while still delivering beneficial antioxidants.

While it is sometimes claimed that unfiltered methods retain more antioxidants, some studies have found conflicting results, with certain filtered or capsule methods producing higher antioxidant activity. Filtered coffee still provides plenty of antioxidants.