What drinks cause high cholesterol?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nearly one-third of U.S. adults have high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. While diet plays a crucial role, many people don't realize how much the beverages they consume can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels, begging the question: what drinks cause high cholesterol? This guide covers the common culprits and offers heart-healthy alternatives.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific types of drinks that can negatively affect cholesterol levels, such as sugary sodas, certain coffee preparations, and alcoholic beverages. It explains the mechanisms behind these effects and provides a clear comparison of harmful versus healthy beverage options to aid in better dietary choices for heart health.

Key Points

Sugary Drinks: High intake of sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices can raise triglycerides and lower 'good' HDL cholesterol due to high sugar content.
Excessive Alcohol: The liver processes alcohol into triglycerides and cholesterol, so heavy drinking directly increases blood lipid levels.
Unfiltered Coffee: French press, Turkish, and espresso coffee contain natural oils (cafestol and kahweol) that can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
Full-Fat Dairy: Beverages made with full-fat dairy, like whole milk and cream, are high in saturated fat and raise LDL cholesterol.
Filtered Coffee: Brewing coffee with a paper filter removes the cholesterol-raising compounds, making it a safer option.
Healthy Alternatives: Water, unsweetened green tea, soy milk, and oat milk are excellent choices to help manage and lower cholesterol.

Sugary Drinks and Their Impact on Cholesterol

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are among the biggest culprits when it comes to unhealthy blood fat levels, including triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The body processes high amounts of sugar, specifically fructose, which can lead to increased production of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), a precursor to LDL cholesterol. Over time, this can contribute to the development of dyslipidemia, or abnormal blood fat levels.

Sodas and fruit drinks: These are often the largest source of added sugar in a person's diet. Daily consumption of more than one 12-ounce serving is linked to higher triglycerides and lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Energy and sports drinks: Besides high sugar content, many energy drinks contain stimulants like caffeine in high concentrations. While the effect on cholesterol is complex, the sheer sugar load can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which negatively impact cholesterol profiles.

Alcohol and Its Effect on Blood Lipids

Excessive alcohol intake can significantly affect your lipid profile, leading to higher levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and when it's overworked, its ability to regulate cholesterol is impaired. Heavy drinking can also lead to fatty liver disease, further compounding the problem. While some older studies suggested moderate alcohol consumption might raise HDL cholesterol, the consensus from health organizations now is that any potential benefits are modest at best and outweighed by the risks.

Coffee and Brewing Methods Matter

Plain, filtered coffee does not contain cholesterol. However, the brewing method can affect your cholesterol levels due to natural oils—cafestol and kahweol—present in coffee beans.

Unfiltered coffee: Brewing methods like French press, Turkish coffee, and espresso allow these oils to pass into the final drink. Regular consumption of unfiltered coffee, particularly in large quantities, can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
Filtered coffee: Using a paper filter effectively removes most of the cafestol and kahweol, making filtered drip coffee a safer option for those concerned about cholesterol.
Additives: The way you take your coffee can also contribute to high cholesterol. Cream, half-and-half, and high-sugar flavored syrups found in many specialty coffee drinks are high in saturated fat and calories, which raise LDL levels.

Dairy and Cholesterol: Full-Fat vs. Reduced-Fat

Dairy products are often part of a healthy diet, but the fat content is a key factor for cholesterol management. Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, butter, cream, and ice cream, are significant sources of saturated fat, which directly raises LDL cholesterol.

Whole milk, butter, and cream: These items are rich in saturated fat and can elevate blood cholesterol levels.
Reduced-fat alternatives: Choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy options is a heart-healthy alternative for those with high cholesterol. These products provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein with minimal saturated fat.

Comparison: Unhealthy vs. Heart-Healthy Drinks


Drink Type	Primary Cholesterol Impact	Reason	Heart-Healthy Alternatives
Sugary Drinks	Raises triglycerides and lowers HDL	High fructose and sugar content increases lipid production in the liver.	Water, unsweetened tea, vegetable juice, berry smoothies.
Excessive Alcohol	Raises triglycerides; may raise LDL	Interferes with the liver's ability to regulate cholesterol and can lead to fatty liver.	Limit intake, or opt for water or herbal tea.
Unfiltered Coffee	Can raise LDL cholesterol	Cafestol and kahweol, natural oils in coffee beans, bypass filtration and raise cholesterol.	Filtered coffee, green tea.
Full-Fat Dairy	Raises LDL cholesterol	High in saturated fat, which increases the production of LDL cholesterol.	Skim or low-fat milk, oat milk, soy milk.
Creamy Cocktails	Raises LDL cholesterol	Often contain high amounts of full-fat dairy and sugar.	Wine in moderation or spirits mixed with zero-sugar mixers.

What to Drink Instead for Better Cholesterol

Managing high cholesterol is not just about avoiding certain drinks but also about incorporating beneficial ones. Staying hydrated with water is fundamental. For alternatives, consider beverages rich in antioxidants or soluble fiber, which can actively help lower cholesterol levels.

Heart-Healthy Beverage Choices

Green tea: Rich in catechins and polyphenols, green tea can help lower both total and LDL cholesterol.
Soy milk: This plant-based milk contains compounds that may help reduce LDL levels.
Oat milk: Oat milk contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.
Tomato juice: Unsalted tomato juice is rich in lycopene, which may improve cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Berry smoothies: Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, making them excellent for heart health. Blend them into a smoothie with oat or soy milk.

Conclusion

Understanding which drinks cause high cholesterol is an important step toward better cardiovascular health. By reducing or eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages, limiting excessive alcohol, being mindful of unfiltered coffee, and opting for reduced-fat dairy, you can make a significant positive impact on your lipid profile. Substituting these unhealthy drinks with water and other heart-healthy options rich in fiber and antioxidants is a powerful strategy for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Your daily beverage choices matter more than you might think when it comes to managing your heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Studies have found that drinking low-calorie sweetened beverages is not associated with an increased risk of abnormal blood fat levels compared to sugary versions. However, water remains the healthiest choice.

Yes, if the coffee is unfiltered. Black coffee brewed using methods like French press or espresso contains natural oils that can raise LDL cholesterol. Filtered black coffee does not have this effect.

While red wine contains antioxidants, which may have some heart-healthy benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can still raise triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Health experts recommend moderation, as the risks often outweigh the benefits.

Reduced-fat or fat-free dairy milk is a better option than whole milk due to lower saturated fat content. Plant-based alternatives like soy milk and oat milk can also help lower cholesterol due to their unique properties.

Not necessarily, but moderation is key. You should consult with your doctor, as many health organizations advise limiting intake to no more than 10 standard drinks per week and having several drink-free days. Heavy drinking has more significant negative effects.

One-hundred percent fruit juice in a small, occasional glass (approx. 125ml) is acceptable, though eating whole fruits is better. However, fruit drinks and sodas are high in added sugars and should be limited.

Plain water is the most beneficial drink for heart health. It is calorie-free, quenches thirst effectively, and is essential for all bodily functions.