Which coffee does not increase cholesterol? A guide to heart-healthy brewing

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 study, unfiltered brewing methods can significantly raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels due to compounds in coffee oils. If you're wondering which coffee does not increase cholesterol, the answer lies in how it is prepared, specifically by using a paper filter.

Quick Summary

The method used to brew coffee is the key factor in its effect on cholesterol. Unfiltered coffee, like that from a French press or boiled preparations, allows cholesterol-raising compounds called diterpenes into the final drink. Filtered methods, however, trap these substances, resulting in a brew that has a negligible impact on blood lipids. Instant coffee also contains very low levels of these compounds.

Key Points

Filtered is Best: Brewing coffee with a paper filter, such as a drip machine or pour-over, removes most of the cholesterol-raising compounds.
Instant Coffee is Safe: The manufacturing process for instant coffee also removes the oils, making it a cholesterol-friendly option.
Avoid Unfiltered Methods: French press, boiled, and Turkish coffee contain high levels of diterpenes and should be limited by those with high cholesterol.
Mind Your Add-Ins: Cream, sugar, and syrups can add saturated fat and calories that contribute to poor heart health, negating the benefits of filtered coffee.
Espresso is in the Middle: While it contains more diterpenes than filtered coffee, its smaller serving size means it's less of a concern than other unfiltered methods, but it's still worth monitoring.
Focus on Overall Diet: Coffee is just one piece of the puzzle; managing cholesterol also involves a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in soluble fiber.

The culprit: Diterpenes in coffee oil

For years, researchers have understood the link between coffee consumption and elevated cholesterol, but the cause was often misunderstood. It's not the coffee bean itself or the caffeine but rather the oily compounds known as diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, that are responsible. These substances interfere with the body's cholesterol-regulating mechanisms, causing a rise in total and LDL cholesterol. The good news is that these oils are easily separated from the final beverage depending on the brewing method.

The best choices: Paper-filtered methods

To enjoy coffee without negatively affecting your cholesterol, the goal is to use a method that removes these oily diterpenes. Paper filters are the most effective tool for this. They physically trap the fine particles and oils, resulting in a cleaner cup that has a negligible impact on blood cholesterol. This is true for several popular brewing techniques:

Drip coffee: Using an electric coffee maker with a paper filter is a reliable and popular method for minimizing cafestol. The slow drip and effective filtration ensure most of the oils are left behind in the filter and grounds.
Pour-over: Manual pour-over methods, such as using a Chemex or Hario V60 with a paper filter, are an excellent choice. These methods are prized for their clean taste and also happen to be one of the best options for heart health.
Aeropress (with paper filter): While an Aeropress can use a metal filter, choosing the standard paper filter variant effectively reduces diterpene content to very low levels.
Instant coffee: The process used to create instant coffee involves brewing and drying the coffee concentrate, which effectively removes the diterpenes. For those needing a quick fix, instant coffee is a safe bet for your cholesterol levels.

Brewing methods to limit or avoid

Not all coffee is created equal when it comes to cholesterol. Any brewing method that allows coffee grounds and hot water to mingle without a paper filter will leave a higher concentration of diterpenes in your cup. If you have elevated cholesterol, these methods should be consumed in moderation or avoided.

French press: This method involves steeping coffee and then pressing a plunger with a metal mesh filter. This mesh is not fine enough to catch the oils, leaving a full-bodied but cafestol-rich beverage.
Boiled coffee: Traditional methods like Scandinavian boiled coffee or Turkish coffee are made by boiling grounds directly in water. This leads to the highest concentration of diterpenes and should be limited, especially for those with high cholesterol.
Espresso: Falling somewhere in the middle, espresso is made by forcing hot water through fine grounds under pressure, often with a metal portafilter. While the serving size is smaller, regular consumption of espresso-based drinks can be associated with higher cholesterol levels.

Comparison of Brewing Methods and Cafestol Content


Brewing Method	Filtration Type	Cafestol Content	Effect on Cholesterol
Drip Coffee	Paper filter	Very Low	Minimal to Negligible
Pour-Over	Paper filter	Very Low	Minimal to Negligible
Instant Coffee	Processed, filtered	Negligible	Minimal to Negligible
Aeropress	Paper filter	Very Low	Minimal to Negligible
Aeropress	Metal filter	Moderate	Moderate
Espresso	Metal filter	Moderate	Moderate
French Press	Metal mesh	High	High
Boiled / Turkish	Unfiltered	Highest	Highest

Beyond brewing: Mindful additions and diet

Choosing a paper-filtered coffee is the first step, but what you add to your cup can also affect your heart health. High-fat additives, not the coffee itself, can also raise cholesterol levels.

Making your coffee healthier

Opt for low-fat or plant-based milks: Whole milk, cream, and half-and-half are high in saturated fat and can increase LDL cholesterol. Choose skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead.
Avoid sugary syrups and toppings: The trendy, flavored coffee drinks from cafes are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. These can cause weight gain and negatively impact blood sugar and cholesterol over time.
Spice it up: Enhance flavor with natural spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder instead of sugar.

Conclusion

For those mindful of their cholesterol levels, the most crucial decision is the brewing method. Which coffee does not increase cholesterol? A paper-filtered brew is the clear winner, as it effectively removes the diterpenes responsible for raising LDL. By choosing drip coffee, pour-over, or instant coffee, and being mindful of your additives, you can continue to enjoy your daily cup while supporting your heart health. While the conversation around coffee and health is complex, this simple change is a powerful and easy step toward a more heart-healthy routine.

To learn more about broader dietary strategies for managing cholesterol, consult the resources at reputable health organizations like the Cleveland Clinic or the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfiltered coffee, such as that from a French press, contains oily compounds called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol). These compounds interfere with the body's metabolism, causing total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol to rise.

Espresso contains more diterpenes than paper-filtered coffee but less than other unfiltered methods. For most people, a shot or two is unlikely to cause a significant issue, but frequent, high consumption of espresso-based drinks can impact cholesterol.

Yes, you can. The key is to choose filtered or instant coffee, as these methods effectively remove the compounds that raise cholesterol. You should also be mindful of high-fat additives.

Instant coffee contains negligible amounts of cafestol and other diterpenes because the brewing and drying process removes them. Therefore, it is a safe option for those concerned about cholesterol.

The presence of cholesterol-raising diterpenes is determined by the brewing method, not the caffeine content. A decaf coffee brewed with a paper filter will have minimal impact, while a decaf French press will not.

Moderate consumption of filtered coffee, typically up to four cups per day, is generally considered safe for heart health and has even been associated with benefits. The risk of increased cholesterol is primarily linked to unfiltered varieties.

For a heart-healthy coffee, consider alternatives like low-fat milk, plant-based milks, or natural spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract for flavor instead of high-fat creamers and excessive sugar.