What Not to Drink When You Have High Cholesterol: A Comprehensive Guide

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans have elevated cholesterol or are at serious risk for it. Knowing what not to drink when you have high cholesterol can be a simple, effective step toward better managing your lipid levels and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines beverages to avoid with high cholesterol, including sugary drinks, full-fat dairy, and unfiltered coffee. It explains how these drinks impact LDL and triglyceride levels and offers healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Avoid Sugary Beverages: Sugary drinks raise triglycerides and lower 'good' HDL cholesterol, negatively impacting heart health.
Limit Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat milk, cream, and cheese contain saturated fat, which increases harmful LDL cholesterol.
Choose Filtered Coffee: Unfiltered brews like French press and espresso contain compounds (diterpenes) that raise cholesterol levels. Stick to filtered options instead.
Moderate Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption increases triglycerides and can damage the liver, hindering its ability to remove cholesterol from the blood.
Opt for Healthier Substitutes: Replace high-sugar and high-fat drinks with water, unsweetened tea, or low-fat milk alternatives to support healthier cholesterol levels.

Sugary Drinks and Their Impact on Cholesterol

Sugary sodas, sweetened juices, and other high-sugar beverages are a major concern for those with high cholesterol. Excessive sugar intake is linked to higher triglycerides and lower levels of beneficial HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. High-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in sodas, prompts the liver to increase production of LDL cholesterol. Choosing water, herbal tea, or naturally flavored seltzer water instead of sugary options can significantly reduce your intake of these harmful compounds.

How Sugar Increases LDL and Triglycerides

When you consume high amounts of sugar, your body’s insulin signals your liver to produce more cholesterol. Elevated triglyceride levels, often caused by high sugar, can also impair liver function, making it less effective at clearing cholesterol from your bloodstream. This creates a detrimental cycle that worsens an already existing high cholesterol condition. Even seemingly 'healthy' options like fruit juice should be consumed in moderation, as they strip away the fruit's beneficial fiber, leaving a concentrated dose of sugar.

Full-Fat Dairy and Creamers

Full-fat dairy products like whole milk, cream, and cheese are significant sources of saturated fat, a key driver of high LDL cholesterol. This extends to beverages that use these ingredients, such as milkshakes, ice-cream-based drinks, and even creamers in coffee. Opting for low-fat or plant-based alternatives is a simple way to cut back on saturated fat intake without sacrificing taste. For instance, swap whole milk in a latte for a skim or almond milk version, or use low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream in a smoothie.

The Truth About Coffee and Your Cholesterol

While coffee itself doesn't contain cholesterol, its preparation method can affect your levels. Unfiltered coffee, such as that made with a French press, Turkish coffee, or espresso, contains natural oils called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol). These compounds inhibit the body's ability to break down cholesterol, leading to higher total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Unfiltered Coffee: Contains diterpenes that raise cholesterol.
Filtered Coffee: Paper filters trap most of the diterpenes, making it a safer option for those managing cholesterol.
Coffee Additives: The cream, sugar, and saturated fats in specialty coffee drinks contribute more to high cholesterol than the coffee itself.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol has a direct, negative effect on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. When alcohol is metabolized in the liver, it is converted into triglycerides and cholesterol, causing levels to rise. High triglycerides can lead to fatty liver disease, which further impairs the liver's ability to clear cholesterol from the blood. This can combine with other health risks like weight gain and high blood pressure, creating a perfect storm for heart disease.


Comparison of Drink Choices for High Cholesterol	Drink Type	High Cholesterol Impact	Key Considerations	Healthier Alternatives
Sugary Sodas	High risk. Increases triglycerides and lowers HDL.	No nutritional value, high in calories.	Water, unsweetened tea, seltzer with lemon.
Full-Fat Dairy Drinks	High risk. Rich in saturated fat.	Saturated fat directly raises LDL.	Skim milk, almond milk, low-fat yogurt.
Unfiltered Coffee	Moderate risk, especially with high intake.	Diterpenes (cafestol, kahweol) raise LDL.	Filtered coffee, instant coffee.
Excessive Alcohol	High risk. Increases triglycerides and impairs liver function.	Leads to weight gain and high blood pressure.	Drink in moderation, or abstain.
Filtered Coffee	Low risk. Paper filters remove cholesterol-raising compounds.	Still be mindful of high-fat additives.	Black coffee, brewed tea.

Conclusion

Making mindful beverage choices is a critical component of managing high cholesterol and protecting your heart health. Avoiding high-sugar and high-saturated fat drinks, being aware of how your coffee is prepared, and limiting alcohol can make a tangible difference in your cholesterol levels. By prioritizing water, filtered coffee, and low-fat dairy options, you can reduce harmful LDL and triglyceride levels. Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, these simple changes contribute significantly to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Remember to consult your doctor for personalized advice on your cholesterol management plan.

Heart UK provides excellent information on the link between alcohol and cholesterol levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it's best to choose filtered coffee over unfiltered types like French press, Turkish coffee, or espresso. Paper filters trap the cholesterol-raising compounds (diterpenes), while unfiltered methods allow them into your cup.

The recommended limit is no more than one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Excessive alcohol consumption is directly linked to higher triglycerides and should be avoided.

While diet sodas don't contain sugar, they offer no nutritional value. Water, herbal teas, and naturally flavored seltzer are better choices. Focus on nutrient-dense beverages to support overall heart health.

Older studies suggested a link between moderate red wine consumption and higher HDL cholesterol. However, the American Heart Association advises that any potential benefits are modest, and the risks of alcohol often outweigh them. It is not recommended to start drinking for heart health.

While fruit juice contains some nutrients, the juicing process removes fiber and concentrates the sugar. This concentrated sugar can raise triglycerides. It is better to eat whole fruit, which retains the beneficial fiber.

Water is the best option. Other excellent choices include green tea, unsweetened black coffee (filtered), and plant-based milks like almond or soy milk.

Filtered coffee is made by brewing through a paper filter, like in a standard drip coffee machine. Unfiltered coffee involves methods where water and grounds mix directly, such as in a French press or for Turkish coffee.