Which coffee has no cholesterol? A guide to brewing methods

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Plain coffee beans and brewed coffee contain no actual cholesterol, which is a waxy substance produced by the body and found in animal products. However, coffee beans do contain natural oils called diterpenes, namely cafestol and kahweol, which can influence how your body regulates and produces cholesterol.

Quick Summary

The impact of coffee on cholesterol depends heavily on the brewing method. Filtering coffee removes the oils that can increase LDL cholesterol, making certain preparations heart-friendlier.

Key Points

Filtered coffee is cholesterol-free: Brewing methods that use a paper filter, like drip or pour-over, effectively remove the cholesterol-raising oils from coffee.
Unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes: Methods such as French press, espresso, and Turkish coffee allow the natural compounds cafestol and kahweol to remain, which can increase LDL cholesterol.
Moderation is important: For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of unfiltered coffee is not a major concern, but heavy consumption can be.
Drip coffee is the safest bet: If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, traditional drip coffee is the recommended choice due to its low diterpene content.
Watch your additives: The saturated fats in cream and butter added to coffee have a greater impact on cholesterol than the coffee itself.
Decaf also counts: Decaffeinated coffee also contains diterpenes, so the same filtering principles apply for a cholesterol-friendly brew.

Understanding the Coffee and Cholesterol Connection

For decades, coffee has been a subject of debate regarding its effects on heart health. The confusion often stems from the distinction between brewing methods. The coffee bean itself is naturally cholesterol-free, but its oils, known as diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), can interfere with your body's cholesterol metabolism. Specifically, research has shown that cafestol, in particular, can suppress the liver's function in breaking down cholesterol, leading to an increase in LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. The key to controlling the impact lies in preventing these oils from making it into your cup.

The Role of Paper Filters

Paper filters are the heroes of cholesterol-conscious coffee brewing. When hot water passes through coffee grounds and a paper filter, the filter effectively traps and removes the diterpenes. This process ensures that the final brew contains negligible amounts of these cholesterol-raising compounds, making it the safest option for those concerned about their LDL levels. This is why traditional drip coffee and pour-over methods are consistently recommended by health experts.

Unfiltered Brewing Methods and Higher Cholesterol

Brewing methods that do not use a paper filter or involve prolonged contact between water and coffee grounds allow the natural oils to pass directly into the drink. This is where the potential for increased cholesterol levels arises. These methods are known for producing a richer, more full-bodied flavor profile, but they come with a health trade-off for heavy consumers.

Common unfiltered methods include:

French Press: With this method, coffee grounds steep directly in hot water before being separated by a metal mesh filter. The mesh is not fine enough to trap the diterpenes, so they remain in the final cup.
Turkish Coffee: This preparation involves boiling very finely ground coffee with water in a special pot, leaving all the oils and fine particles in the brew.
Espresso: The high-pressure, quick process of forcing water through finely ground coffee uses a fine metal filter that still allows more diterpenes to pass through than a paper filter. While individual serving sizes are small, high consumption of espresso-based drinks can be a concern.
Boiled Coffee: Also known as Scandinavian coffee, this is a method where coffee grounds are simply boiled in water, resulting in a very high diterpene content.

Moderation is Key, Even with Unfiltered Coffee

For most healthy individuals who consume unfiltered coffee in moderation (e.g., 1-2 cups per day), the effect on cholesterol is likely to be minimal. The total cholesterol impact from coffee is often less significant than that from other dietary factors, such as saturated fats found in added creams, butter (as in 'bulletproof' coffee), and sugary syrups. For those with pre-existing high cholesterol or a genetic predisposition, however, switching to a filtered method is a simple and effective step to take.

The Health Benefits of Coffee Remain

Despite the concerns surrounding unfiltered coffee and cholesterol, it's important to remember that coffee, in general, offers a host of health benefits. These include high levels of antioxidants, which can have anti-inflammatory and protective effects against certain diseases. Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of various conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. As with many things, the balance lies in understanding how different factors influence your body and making informed choices based on your personal health needs.

Brewing Method Comparison Table


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene (Cafestol/Kahweol) Content	Impact on Cholesterol
Drip Coffee	Paper Filter	Very Low	Minimal to None
Pour-Over (Chemex, V60)	Paper Filter	Very Low	Minimal to None
Aeropress	Paper Filter	Very Low	Minimal to None
French Press	Metal Mesh	High	Can Increase LDL
Espresso	Fine Metal Filter	Moderate	Can Increase LDL (especially with high consumption)
Turkish Coffee	None	High	Can Increase LDL
Boiled Coffee (Scandinavian)	None	High	Can Increase LDL
Instant Coffee	Processed, Filtered	Negligible	Minimal to None

Conclusion

If you are searching for a coffee with no cholesterol, your quest is straightforward: simply use a paper filter. Brewed coffee itself contains no cholesterol, and the paper filter effectively removes the natural oils (diterpenes) that can raise LDL levels. This makes methods like drip coffee, pour-over, and Aeropress (with a paper filter) the best options for heart-healthy drinking. While unfiltered methods like French press and espresso contain more of these compounds, moderate consumption is unlikely to pose a significant risk for most. For those with high cholesterol, opting for filtered coffee is a prudent choice. Remember to also be mindful of high-fat additives like cream or butter. By adjusting your brewing method and additions, you can continue to enjoy your favorite beverage as part of a heart-conscious lifestyle. For more information on the link between diterpenes and cholesterol metabolism, you can consult studies on reputable health portals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, instant coffee has no cholesterol. Since it is brewed and then dried, the process removes the cholesterol-raising oils (diterpenes), leaving a brew that will not impact your cholesterol levels.

Yes, you can still drink coffee if you have high cholesterol. It is recommended to choose a filtered brewing method, like drip or pour-over, to minimize your intake of cholesterol-raising compounds. Always consult your doctor for personalized dietary advice.

Yes, adding milk or cream can increase cholesterol. Dairy products contain saturated fats, which are a major contributor to higher cholesterol levels. For a heart-healthy option, consider non-fat milk alternatives or plant-based milks.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called 'bad' cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your body.

Regular, heavy consumption of French press coffee can raise your cholesterol levels. Because the metal mesh filter doesn't trap the natural coffee oils, more diterpenes pass into your cup compared to paper-filtered coffee.

Espresso contains a moderate amount of cholesterol-raising diterpenes, more than filtered coffee but less than French press. While a single shot has minimal impact, drinking multiple espresso shots daily can affect your cholesterol levels.

Decaffeinated coffee beans contain the same diterpenes as regular beans. To ensure your decaf coffee is cholesterol-friendly, use a paper filter when brewing, as the filtering process, not the caffeine removal, is what matters.

Yes, boiling coffee significantly increases cholesterol-raising diterpenes. Methods that involve boiling, such as Turkish or Scandinavian boiled coffee, have some of the highest concentrations of cafestol and kahweol.