Is Filter Coffee Healthier Than Normal Coffee?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a major study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, filtering coffee can help people live longer. This is primarily because filtered coffee contains fewer of the specific compounds that can negatively impact cardiovascular health, which answers the question: Is filter coffee healthier than normal coffee?.

Quick Summary

Filtered coffee is generally healthier than unfiltered options like French press because paper filters trap cholesterol-raising compounds called diterpenes. A large Norwegian study linked filtered coffee consumption to lower mortality rates, especially from heart disease.

Key Points

Diterpenes are Key: The main health difference is that filters remove diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), oily compounds that raise LDL cholesterol.
Heart Health Benefits: A large study found that filtered coffee is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Unfiltered Risks: Unfiltered methods like French press and Turkish coffee contain much higher concentrations of diterpenes, posing a greater risk to those with high cholesterol.
Antioxidants Remain: Filtering primarily removes harmful oils while leaving behind beneficial antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Moderate Intake Is Best: The lowest mortality rates in studies were found among those drinking 1–4 cups of filtered coffee per day, reinforcing the importance of moderation.
Additives Matter: The health benefits of any coffee can be undone by adding excessive sugar or high-fat creamers.

What Makes Filter Coffee Healthier?

Filter coffee's primary health advantage over many other brewing methods lies in its use of a filter, most notably a paper one, to remove specific compounds found in coffee beans. The most significant substances removed are cafestol and kahweol, which are types of diterpenes. These oily compounds are naturally present in coffee beans and, when consumed regularly in large amounts, have been shown to increase levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

By trapping these diterpenes, the paper filter produces a brew that is much lower in cholesterol-raising agents. Unfiltered methods, such as those used for French press, Turkish coffee, and Scandinavian boiled coffee, allow these oils to pass directly into the final cup. This difference is significant; studies indicate that unfiltered coffee can contain up to 30 times more diterpenes than filtered coffee. For individuals concerned about their cholesterol levels, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions, switching to a filtered brew is a simple and effective step toward improving heart health.

The Impact of Diterpenes on Cholesterol

Diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol interfere with the body's lipid metabolism. In the liver, they disrupt the normal process that helps break down cholesterol, which leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol. While the exact mechanism is complex, the result is a measurable rise in blood cholesterol levels for regular consumers of unfiltered coffee. This increase in LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. For this reason, the American Heart Association and other health experts recommend filtered brewing methods as the safer choice for regular coffee drinkers.

Additional Health Benefits of Filtered Coffee

Beyond cholesterol, filtered coffee offers other notable health benefits, many of which are retained because the filtering process primarily removes the undesirable oils while leaving the beneficial antioxidants intact.

Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee is a potent source of antioxidants and polyphenols that combat oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. These compounds are believed to be responsible for coffee's association with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Improved Digestive Health: Some people experience digestive discomfort, such as acid reflux or an upset stomach, from the high concentration of oils and fine particles in unfiltered coffee. Since filters trap these irritants, filtered coffee tends to be gentler on the digestive system.
Lower Overall Mortality Risk: A large-scale Norwegian study followed over half a million adults for two decades and found that those who drank filtered coffee had a lower risk of death from any cause compared to non-coffee drinkers. This protective effect was most pronounced in those drinking one to four cups of filtered coffee per day.

A Comparison of Coffee Brewing Methods


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Content	Impact on LDL Cholesterol	Flavor Profile
Drip Coffee Maker	Paper	Very Low	Minimal	Clean, crisp, and bright
Pour-Over (e.g., Chemex, V60)	Paper	Very Low	Minimal	Clean, aromatic, and allows flavor nuances to shine
French Press	Metal Mesh	High	Can significantly raise levels	Rich, full-bodied, and robust
Espresso	Metal	Moderate	Some increase, less than French Press	Concentrated, bold, and intense
Turkish/Greek Coffee	No Filter	High	Can significantly raise levels	Unfiltered, strong, and with sediment
Instant Coffee	N/A (Processed)	Negligible	Negligible	Processed, less complex taste
Cold Brew	Metal or Cloth	Moderate to High	Varies; many methods are unfiltered	Smooth, low acidity, concentrated

The Verdict on Filter Coffee vs. Other Methods

For the vast majority of consumers, particularly those with a regular daily coffee habit, filtered coffee is the healthier choice due to its minimal impact on cholesterol levels. While unfiltered methods like the French press may offer a rich, full-bodied flavor profile that some prefer, this comes at the cost of higher diterpene exposure. The evidence from long-term observational studies strongly supports the health benefits associated with drinking filtered coffee, including lower cardiovascular mortality.

It is important to remember that coffee's overall health impact is also determined by what you add to it. Heavy cream, sugar, and artificial syrups can counteract the benefits of even the healthiest brew by adding saturated fat and calories. Drinking your coffee black or with minimal, healthy additions is always the best approach. Individuals with high cholesterol or a history of heart issues should be particularly mindful of their brewing method and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Conclusion

The scientific evidence overwhelmingly suggests that filter coffee is healthier than many other forms of preparation, mainly by removing the cholesterol-raising diterpenes. For those who enjoy multiple cups of coffee daily, especially if they have concerns about heart health, switching to a paper-filtered method is a simple and effective change with meaningful long-term benefits. While all coffee offers antioxidants, filtering provides the most heart-conscious way to enjoy your daily cup. Ultimately, the healthiest cup of coffee is the one that is brewed with a filter and consumed in moderation, without excessive additives.

Practical Tips for Healthier Coffee

Use a paper filter with your drip machine or pour-over brewer to effectively trap diterpenes.
For those who prefer a French press, consider limiting its use or switching to a method with a paper filter.
Drink coffee in moderation, typically 1–4 cups per day, to maximize benefits and minimize negative side effects from caffeine.
Limit or avoid high-calorie additives like cream, sugar, and syrups.
Stay up-to-date with new research on coffee and health to make informed choices that fit your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfiltered coffee, such as French press, contains oily compounds called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol). These diterpenes interfere with the body's metabolism and raise LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels when consumed regularly.

Common unfiltered brewing methods include French press, Turkish coffee, Scandinavian boiled coffee, and some espresso preparation. These methods do not use a paper filter to remove the coffee's natural oils.

Metal filters, often found in reusable filter baskets and French presses, are less effective at trapping diterpenes compared to paper filters. Some diterpenes pass through, though typically less than with completely unfiltered boiling methods.

According to a large-scale Norwegian study, participants who drank 1–4 cups of filtered coffee per day had a lower mortality rate from any cause compared to those who drank no coffee at all.

Most research suggests that drinking around 1–4 cups of filtered coffee per day is associated with the most health benefits, while still keeping caffeine intake moderate.

No, instant coffee is made from dried, brewed coffee and contains negligible amounts of the diterpenes that raise cholesterol levels. Its health impact is similar to filtered coffee.

No, filtering coffee with a paper filter primarily removes the oil-based diterpenes, not the beneficial, water-soluble antioxidants. Both filtered and unfiltered coffee contain healthy antioxidants.