Is it bad to drink coffee without a filter?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, drinking unfiltered coffee is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and premature death. This raises a critical question for coffee lovers: is it bad to drink coffee without a filter?

Quick Summary

Unfiltered coffee, common in French press and boiled brews, contains cholesterol-raising compounds called diterpenes. Regular consumption, especially in large amounts, can elevate bad (LDL) cholesterol and potentially increase the risk of heart disease. Paper filters trap these compounds, making filtered coffee a healthier option.

Key Points

High Cholesterol Risk: Unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes, like cafestol and kahweol, which can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Heart Health Concerns: Regular consumption of unfiltered coffee is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and premature death, especially for men over 60.
Filtering Matters: Paper filters are highly effective at trapping cholesterol-raising diterpenes, making filtered coffee a safer choice for heart health.
Flavor vs. Health: Unfiltered methods produce a robust, oily brew, while paper filtering results in a cleaner, brighter flavor.
Moderation is Key: Occasional unfiltered coffee is generally acceptable for healthy people, but consistent high intake poses a greater risk.
Easier on the Stomach: Filtered coffee, with its cleaner profile, is often easier to digest for those with sensitive stomachs.
Healthy Alternatives: Those concerned about cholesterol can opt for paper-filtered methods or moderating their intake of unfiltered coffee.

The Scientific Breakdown: Diterpenes and Your Health

When you drink coffee brewed without a paper filter—such as French press, Turkish, or boiled coffee—you are consuming higher levels of natural oily compounds known as diterpenes. The two primary diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol, are the main culprits behind the health concerns associated with unfiltered coffee. Paper filters, by contrast, are tightly woven and absorbent, effectively trapping up to 95% of these substances. This is why the brewing method significantly impacts the health effects of your morning cup.

How Cafestol and Kahweol Impact Your Body

Elevated Cholesterol: Studies have shown that consuming unfiltered coffee can increase total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Cafestol suppresses a liver receptor that regulates cholesterol, leading to higher levels in the bloodstream.
Cardiovascular Risk: Over a 20-year study, researchers found a link between unfiltered coffee consumption and an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. The effect is dose-dependent, meaning the more unfiltered coffee you drink, the higher your risk. For individuals with pre-existing high cholesterol, the risk is particularly significant.
Potential Stomach Irritation: The oils and fine coffee particles present in unfiltered coffee can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues for sensitive individuals, which may worsen with age. Filtered coffee, which has a cleaner profile, is often easier on the stomach.

Flavor and Brewing Differences

Beyond the health implications, the presence or absence of a filter drastically changes the coffee's flavor profile. Unfiltered coffee is known for its full-bodied, robust, and sometimes muddy texture, largely due to the extra oils and fine sediment. Paper-filtered coffee, however, is celebrated for its clean, bright, and crisp flavor, as the filter removes the oils and micro-grounds that can muddy the taste. For those who prefer nuanced, delicate flavors, filtered methods like a pour-over or Chemex are often preferred.

Comparing Unfiltered vs. Filtered Coffee


Feature	Unfiltered Coffee (e.g., French Press, Turkish)	Filtered Coffee (e.g., Drip, Pour-Over)
Diterpene Content	High (containing cafestol and kahweol)	Very Low (trapped by paper filter)
Impact on LDL Cholesterol	Raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol	Minimal to no effect on LDL cholesterol
Cardiovascular Risk	Associated with increased risk, especially with high consumption	Associated with lower risk, even healthier than no coffee
Flavor Profile	Full-bodied, rich, bold, and sometimes oily or muddy	Clean, crisp, bright, with distinct flavor clarity
Mouthfeel / Texture	Heavier, with potential for sediment at the bottom of the cup	Lighter, smoother, and cleaner
Digestive Impact	May cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals	Easier on the stomach for most people
Filter Type	Metal mesh filter or no filter	Absorbent paper filter

How to Safely Enjoy Unfiltered Coffee

If you enjoy the rich flavor of unfiltered coffee, moderation is key. An occasional French press is unlikely to cause serious health issues for most healthy people. However, for those with high cholesterol or a history of heart problems, it is advisable to limit intake significantly and opt for filtered coffee most of the time. You can also consider hybrid methods, like a cold brew, which produces lower diterpene levels. A balanced diet and regular exercise are also vital for mitigating any potential risks associated with unfiltered brewing.

Conclusion: A Matter of Moderation and Method

While not inherently “bad” in small, infrequent doses for healthy individuals, drinking coffee without a filter is associated with measurable health risks, primarily due to the cholesterol-raising diterpenes. For daily coffee drinkers and those with heart health concerns, switching to a paper-filtered brewing method, like a drip machine or pour-over, is a simple and effective change that significantly reduces your exposure to these compounds. Ultimately, understanding the impact of your brewing method allows you to enjoy your coffee while making choices that best support your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, French press coffee can raise your cholesterol levels. It uses a metal mesh filter that allows diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, to pass into your cup. Regular, high consumption of these compounds can increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

For most healthy individuals, drinking unfiltered coffee occasionally in moderation is generally considered acceptable. The health risks are primarily associated with high, long-term consumption. However, those with pre-existing high cholesterol should be more cautious and consider limiting their intake.

Brewing coffee with a paper filter, such as with a drip machine or a pour-over, is considered the healthiest method. The paper filter removes nearly all the diterpenes that raise cholesterol, while preserving the beneficial antioxidants.

Instant coffee has very little effect on cholesterol levels compared to unfiltered brews. The processing of instant coffee removes most of the diterpenes, similar to how a paper filter works. Therefore, it is a relatively cholesterol-friendly option.

Unfiltered coffee tastes different because it retains the natural coffee oils and fine sediment that are removed by a paper filter. This results in a richer, more full-bodied flavor and texture, but can also sometimes create a muddy mouthfeel.

No, reusable metal filters are not healthier for cholesterol-conscious individuals. They allow the cholesterol-raising diterpenes to pass through into your brew, unlike absorbent paper filters which trap these compounds.

For individuals who regularly drink large amounts of unfiltered coffee, switching to a paper-filtered method can help lower their LDL cholesterol. A study found that substituting three cups of unfiltered coffee with filtered coffee five days a week could reduce LDL cholesterol.