What is the safest way to prepare coffee?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology noted that those who drink filtered coffee had lower rates of death from heart disease. The safest way to prepare coffee involves a few key steps to maximize the benefits and minimize risks.

Quick Summary

The safest method to prepare coffee includes using a paper filter to remove harmful compounds, selecting quality beans, and brewing with filtered water. Proper storage prevents mold, and avoiding excessive additives keeps the beverage healthy. Moderation is key.

Key Points

Use a Paper Filter: Using a paper filter is critical for trapping diterpenes that can raise cholesterol.
Choose High-Quality Beans: Select specialty coffee from brands that test for mold and mycotoxins to ensure a safe product.
Store Beans Properly: Store beans in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.
Brew with Filtered Water: Using filtered water ensures a cleaner brew by eliminating contaminants.
Keep It Simple: Avoid excessive sugars, syrups, and artificial creamers, which can counteract coffee's benefits.
Prioritize Filtered Methods: Pour-over and drip machines are the safest brewing methods for heart health.
Practice Moderation: Limit daily intake to 1–4 cups of filtered coffee to maximize benefits.

Filtered Coffee and Heart Health

For many individuals, the safest way to prepare coffee is by using a paper filter. Unfiltered methods, such as the French press, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee, allow diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) to pass into the drink. Research shows that these compounds can elevate LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular risk. A paper filter effectively captures these oily substances, resulting in a cleaner brew that is better for the heart. A comprehensive, long-term study conducted in Norway, involving over half a million participants, found that filtered coffee consumption correlated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to both unfiltered coffee and non-coffee drinkers.

Pour-Over Method

The pour-over method utilizes a dripper and a paper filter, making it a safe and popular choice. It enables precise control over the brewing variables, including water temperature and pour speed, which allows for a balanced and flavorful extraction. The resulting coffee is notably clean, lacking the diterpenes that unfiltered methods retain.

Drip Coffee Machine

Many rely on automatic drip coffee makers, which also use a paper filter. This is a consistently safe and convenient brewing method, as the machine regulates the temperature and water distribution. To ensure the safest and best-tasting coffee from a drip machine, always use fresh, filtered water.

Sourcing and Storing Your Beans Safely

The safety of coffee starts with the sourcing and storage of the beans. Managing the risk of mycotoxins—toxic compounds produced by certain molds—can significantly impact health. Coffee beans are vulnerable to mold during processing and storage, particularly in humid environments.

Choose Reputable, Tested Brands: Select coffee brands that test for mycotoxins and heavy metals. Some provide lab results to verify product cleanliness. Organically grown and high-altitude beans can also reduce the risk as these environments tend to be less prone to mold.
Store in an Airtight Container: Proper storage is crucial to prevent mold growth. An opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place is ideal. Avoid the refrigerator, as temperature fluctuations and moisture can promote mold.

The Role of Water and Additives

The water used is as important as the beans. Using filtered water for brewing prevents the introduction of potential contaminants like heavy metals, chlorine, or minerals that can affect the taste and safety of the coffee. Tap water quality varies, so filtering ensures a pure base for extraction.

When enhancing coffee, simplicity is safest. Black coffee offers health benefits without added calories, sugar, or unhealthy fats. Excessive sugar and artificial creamers can counteract coffee's positive effects and contribute to health issues like weight gain and diabetes. For those who prefer to sweeten their brew, natural alternatives like cinnamon or a small amount of honey are safer choices.

Comparison of Common Coffee Brewing Methods


Feature	Drip Coffee	Pour-Over	French Press	Cold Brew	Espresso
Filter Type	Paper	Paper	Metal Mesh	Metal Mesh / Cheesecloth	No filter (fine mesh basket)
Diterpene Content	Low (trapped by filter)	Low (trapped by filter)	High (passes through mesh)	High (passes through mesh)	High (concentrated)
Heart Health	Excellent (lower cholesterol)	Excellent (lower cholesterol)	Caution (can raise cholesterol)	Caution (can raise cholesterol)	Caution (can raise cholesterol)
Flavor Profile	Balanced, Clean	Bright, Clean, Flavorful	Rich, Full-Bodied, Oily	Smooth, Low Acidity	Strong, Concentrated
Preparation Ease	Automated, High Convenience	Manual, Requires Attention	Manual, Simple	Manual, Long Steeping Time	Manual or Machine, Requires Skill
Best For	Daily, consistent brewing	High-quality, discerning drinkers	Bold, rich flavor lovers	Low-acid coffee drinkers	Intense, concentrated flavor

Conclusion: Prioritizing Health in Your Coffee Ritual

For anyone focusing on health, using a paper filter is the most important step in safe coffee preparation. Methods like pour-over or a standard drip machine effectively remove cholesterol-raising diterpenes, supported by long-term studies. In addition to brewing, sourcing high-quality, tested beans and storing them properly minimizes mycotoxin exposure. The final touches—filtered water and minimal, natural additives—complete a truly safe and healthy cup. Following these practices allows enjoying the daily coffee ritual with confidence, maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential risks. For additional details on brewing practices, The Kitchn guides are a helpful resource.

The Kitchn: How to Make Coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfiltered coffee, like French press or Turkish coffee, contains higher levels of diterpenes, such as cafestol and kahweol. These compounds increase LDL cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Some coffee beans, especially cheaper ones, can be susceptible to mold. Mycotoxins from mold can be harmful in high doses. Buying from brands that test for mold and storing beans properly can reduce this risk.

Espresso, being unfiltered, does not remove cholesterol-raising diterpenes. Traditional espresso from a standard machine is not the healthiest option for heart health.

A paper filter is the most effective choice for filtering out cholesterol-raising compounds. Thicker filters, such as those used in a Chemex, are even more effective at trapping coffee oils.

Store beans in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry pantry or cupboard to prevent mold and preserve freshness. Avoid the refrigerator, which can introduce moisture and temperature changes.

To maintain health benefits, avoid excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and heavy cream. These additives increase calorie and sugar intake, negating coffee's benefits.

For those without high cholesterol or cardiovascular concerns, occasional consumption of unfiltered coffee is generally not harmful. However, for regular consumption and maximum heart health benefits, filtered coffee is the safer option.