Is it healthy to drink French Press coffee? A deep dive into the health pros and cons

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 study, unfiltered coffee can contain up to 30 times more cholesterol-raising compounds than its filtered counterpart, a key factor when considering, is it healthy to drink French Press coffee?. The answer is complex and depends heavily on individual health and consumption habits, balancing potential antioxidant benefits against cardiovascular risks.

Quick Summary

French Press coffee contains compounds called diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol, posing a risk for some individuals. However, it also retains beneficial antioxidants. Healthiness depends on personal risk factors and moderation, with filtered methods offering a safer alternative for those monitoring their cholesterol.

Key Points

Diterpenes raise cholesterol: French press coffee contains natural oils with diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) that can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol.
Filtered coffee is safer for heart health: Paper filters, used in drip or pour-over methods, trap the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, making them a heart-healthier choice.
Moderation is key: For most healthy people, enjoying French press coffee in moderation is unlikely to cause significant harm.
Antioxidant benefits remain: Regardless of the brewing method, coffee is rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease.
Consider alternatives: Individuals with high cholesterol or heart health concerns should consider switching to a filtered brewing method to minimize risk.
Lifestyle factors matter: The healthiest approach involves not only your brewing method but also moderation and a balanced diet.

The Double-Edged Mug: Why French Press is Different

French press, also known as a cafetière, produces a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee beloved by enthusiasts worldwide. Unlike drip or pour-over methods, the French press does not use a paper filter. Instead, a metal mesh plunger separates the grounds from the water after steeping. While this technique preserves more of the coffee's natural oils and flavors, it is this very characteristic that raises health concerns, particularly regarding cholesterol levels.

The Cholesterol Connection: Diterpenes at a Glance

The key culprits are compounds called diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, which are naturally present in coffee beans' oily components. The absence of a paper filter in French press brewing allows these diterpenes to pass into your cup. Research has linked regular consumption of unfiltered coffee to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the 'bad' cholesterol that can lead to heart disease when elevated. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology provided strong evidence of a link between unfiltered brewing methods and heart health risks.

Potential Benefits and Antioxidants

It is not all bad news for French press lovers. Coffee is a powerhouse of antioxidants, and some suggest that unfiltered methods like the French press may deliver a higher concentration of these beneficial compounds. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body and are linked to reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. Some studies even point to potential benefits for cognitive function and a lower risk of certain cancers with regular coffee consumption, regardless of the brewing method.

French Press vs. Filtered Coffee: Health Comparison

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare French press with a filtered method, such as drip coffee or pour-over.


Feature	French Press (Unfiltered)	Drip / Pour-Over (Filtered)
Flavor Profile	Rich, full-bodied, more robust taste.	Cleaner, smoother, brighter flavor notes.
Diterpene Content	High levels of cafestol and kahweol.	Very low; paper filter traps almost all diterpenes.
Cholesterol Impact	Can raise LDL cholesterol levels, especially with high consumption.	Minimal to no effect on LDL cholesterol.
Filter Type	Metal mesh filter.	Paper filter.
Antioxidant Retention	Retains high levels of antioxidants.	Also retains significant antioxidants.
Best For	Flavor enthusiasts without cholesterol concerns.	Heart-conscious individuals who drink coffee regularly.

How to Make French Press Healthier

If you enjoy the taste of French press but are concerned about the health risks, there are ways to mitigate them:

Moderation is key: Limit your intake to one or two cups per day. This reduces the overall exposure to diterpenes.
Incorporate a paper filter: After pressing, you can pour the coffee through a paper filter or use a clean paper filter in the press itself. This will catch most of the oils.
Combine brewing methods: Alternate between French press and filtered coffee throughout the week to reduce your overall diterpene intake.
Watch your additions: Avoid adding excessive sugar, syrups, or high-fat creamers. These additions can negate any health benefits and increase calories.

Considering Healthier Alternatives

For those with existing cholesterol concerns or heart disease risk factors, exploring filtered brewing methods is a wise choice. Options include:

Drip Coffee: A convenient and reliable everyday option that uses a paper filter, reducing diterpenes.
Pour-Over: Provides more control over the brewing process and is considered one of the healthiest options due to its use of a paper filter.
Cold Brew: Known for its smooth, less acidic profile, making it a gentler choice for sensitive stomachs. While it is unfiltered, its extended brewing time in cold water may result in a different chemical profile.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is it healthy to drink French Press coffee? The consensus is nuanced. For most healthy individuals enjoying French press in moderation, the risk of significantly elevated cholesterol is low, and they can still enjoy the antioxidant benefits of coffee. However, for those with high cholesterol, a history of heart disease, or genetic predispositions, the potential health risks associated with the unfiltered oils are a serious consideration. In such cases, switching to a paper-filtered method or limiting French press consumption is the safer, heart-healthy option. By understanding the specific compounds at play and listening to your body, you can continue to enjoy your favorite brew in a way that best supports your overall well-being. Ultimately, the healthiest coffee is the one that fits your personal health profile and is enjoyed thoughtfully.

Learn more about the link between coffee and cholesterol

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary health risk is the presence of diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), which can raise LDL cholesterol levels and, with long-term high consumption, increase the risk of heart disease.

A paper filter is very effective at trapping the oily compounds, including the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, from the coffee grounds before they reach your cup. This is why filtered coffee is generally considered a heart-healthier option.

Not necessarily, but it means that unfiltered methods like French press and Turkish coffee retain compounds that can impact cholesterol. The health implications largely depend on an individual's existing health status, genetic risk factors, and how much unfiltered coffee they consume.

If you have high cholesterol, it is generally recommended to limit your French press intake or switch to a filtered brewing method entirely. If you want to enjoy it occasionally, moderation is crucial, and you should monitor your cholesterol levels closely.

French press coffee still offers the antioxidant benefits of coffee. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, and some studies link coffee consumption to a lower risk of certain diseases.

Yes, you can mitigate the diterpene content by pouring your brewed French press coffee through a separate paper filter before drinking. This can help capture the oils without completely sacrificing the robust flavor.

Studies vary, but some suggest that regularly drinking five to eight cups of unfiltered coffee per day is linked to concerning increases in LDL cholesterol. For heart health, consuming a maximum of four cups of any coffee per day is often recommended.