Is the Oil in French Press Coffee Bad for You? Understanding the Health Impact

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that unfiltered coffee, like that from a French press, contains diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol. This raises a critical question for many coffee lovers: is the oil in French press coffee bad for you?

Quick Summary

French press coffee contains diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol that can increase LDL cholesterol levels, particularly with heavy consumption. The effect is dose-dependent and varies by individual.

Key Points

Diterpenes are the culprits: The oily compounds cafestol and kahweol are responsible for the health effects associated with French press coffee.
Unfiltered brew increases cholesterol: Because French presses use a metal mesh filter, diterpenes pass into your cup and can raise 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Risk is dose-dependent: The health risk is primarily linked to heavy, regular consumption of unfiltered coffee, such as five or more cups per day.
Moderate consumption is likely safe: For most healthy individuals, enjoying French press coffee in moderation is not a significant health concern.
High-risk individuals should be cautious: People with existing high cholesterol or heart disease risk should consider limiting or switching their unfiltered coffee consumption.
Potential benefits exist: Cafestol and kahweol also show potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties in lab studies.
Paper filters remove oil: Switching to a paper-filtered method like drip or pour-over will significantly reduce diterpene intake.

What is in French Press Coffee Oil?

At the heart of the debate over French press coffee and health are natural compounds known as diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. These oily substances are present in coffee beans and are effectively extracted into your cup during the brewing process. Unlike brewing methods that use a paper filter, a French press utilizes a metal mesh filter, which is not fine enough to trap these microscopic oil droplets and fine sediments. This is precisely what gives French press coffee its rich, full-bodied flavor and unique mouthfeel—the very characteristics many enthusiasts cherish. However, it is also the reason for potential health concerns.

The Link Between Diterpenes and Cholesterol

For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of unfiltered coffee is not a major concern. However, for people at risk of high cholesterol or heart disease, the diterpenes in French press coffee warrant attention. Numerous studies have confirmed that cafestol and kahweol can raise serum cholesterol, particularly LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Research has demonstrated that these diterpenes can interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism, specifically by inhibiting a regulatory pathway involving LDL receptors in the liver. This interference leads to a build-up of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. One study cited by Harvard Health found that drinking five to eight cups of unfiltered coffee daily could be associated with elevated bad cholesterol.

The Balancing Act: Risks vs. Potential Benefits

It's important to recognize that the diterpenes in coffee are a double-edged sword. While their effect on cholesterol is a potential risk for some, cafestol and kahweol have also shown a range of potential pharmacological benefits in laboratory and animal studies.

Potential benefits of coffee diterpenes:

Anti-inflammatory effects: Studies suggest these compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-cancer properties: Early research indicates they may have anti-tumorigenic effects and can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells.
Hepatoprotective qualities: They may offer some protection to liver cells.
Anti-diabetic potential: Some findings suggest a role in regulating glucose and insulin.

French Press vs. Filtered Coffee

Brewing method is the key determinant of diterpene content in your coffee. The use of a paper filter makes a dramatic difference in the oil content of the final brew.

Comparison of Brewing Methods and Diterpenes


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Content	Notes
French Press	Metal Mesh	High	Rich flavor, full body, maximum oil content. The standard brew that contains the most diterpenes.
Drip Coffee	Paper	Low	Clean, clear flavor profile. Paper filters trap most of the cafestol and kahweol.
Pour-Over	Paper	Low	Similar to drip coffee, with more control over the brewing process, resulting in a clean cup.
Espresso	Pressurized Metal Filter	Moderate	Contains more diterpenes than paper-filtered methods but less than French press.
Boiled/Turkish Coffee	None	Highest	Unfiltered and boiled, containing the highest levels of diterpenes.
Instant Coffee	Processed	Trace Amounts	Diterpenes are almost entirely removed during processing.

How to Reduce the Risk of French Press Coffee Oil

If you love your French press but are concerned about cholesterol, you don't necessarily have to abandon it completely. Here are some strategies to mitigate the risks:

Practice moderation: Limiting your intake to one or two cups per day can significantly reduce your exposure to diterpenes. Research suggests that the risk is most pronounced with heavy, daily consumption.
Add a paper filter: For a cleaner cup, some enthusiasts use a combination method by adding a paper filter into the French press or by pouring the finished coffee through a separate pour-over filter. This reduces the oil and sediment but retains more flavor than a standard drip machine.
Switch brewing methods: Try alternating between French press and a paper-filtered method, such as pour-over or drip coffee. This allows you to enjoy the robust flavor of your French press while keeping diterpene intake in check. For those with significant heart health concerns, switching to a paper-filtered method entirely is the safest option.
Monitor cholesterol: If you are at risk for high cholesterol and are a regular French press drinker, discuss your coffee habits with your doctor and monitor your cholesterol levels periodically.

Conclusion

So, is the oil in French press coffee bad for you? The simple answer is, it depends. While the diterpenes found in unfiltered coffee can raise LDL cholesterol, this risk is primarily associated with heavy, daily consumption and is most concerning for individuals with existing high cholesterol or heart disease risk. The same compounds also offer potential health benefits, adding complexity to the discussion. For most people who enjoy French press coffee in moderation, the health benefits of coffee likely outweigh the risks associated with the oils. By being mindful of your brewing method and overall health profile, you can enjoy your brew with a clear conscience. For more in-depth information, you can read more on the bioactivities of cafestol and kahweol via the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, French press coffee contains diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, which can raise 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels. The risk is highest with heavy, regular consumption.

While the effect is dose-dependent, even moderate intake might cause a small increase in cholesterol. However, for most healthy people, this is not a major health concern, and monitoring is key.

Drip coffee uses a paper filter, which removes most of the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, making it the healthier option for those concerned about cholesterol.

Yes, laboratory research suggests that the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol have potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties.

You can reduce the oil by consuming it in moderation or by pouring the finished brew through a separate paper filter after pressing. You can also use a coarser grind to minimize fines.

Individuals with pre-existing high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or those who consume large amounts (five or more cups per day) of unfiltered coffee should be most mindful.

Espresso contains more diterpenes than paper-filtered coffee but significantly less than French press or boiled methods. It falls somewhere in the middle.