Which Coffee Has the Least Cholesterol? Brewing Methods Matter

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study published in Science Reports, consuming unfiltered coffee can significantly raise 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels compared to filtered varieties. So, the answer to which coffee has the least cholesterol doesn't lie in the bean itself, but in the brewing method used.

Quick Summary

The lowest cholesterol coffee is filtered or instant, because paper or processing removes cholesterol-raising compounds called diterpenes. Unfiltered methods like French press or espresso allow these compounds to pass into your cup, impacting LDL levels. What you add to your coffee also affects overall heart health.

Key Points

Brewing Method is Key: The most important factor is how you brew, not the bean. Filtered methods remove cholesterol-raising compounds.
Filtered Coffee is Best: Brews made with a paper filter, such as drip, pour-over, or instant, have the lowest levels of diterpenes.
Unfiltered Coffee is Higher: Methods like French press, Turkish, and espresso allow more diterpenes to pass into the final drink.
Diterpenes Raise LDL: The compounds cafestol and kahweol, found naturally in coffee oils, are responsible for increasing 'bad' cholesterol.
Watch the Add-ins: Creams, syrups, and sugars can increase saturated fat and calories, potentially impacting cholesterol more than the coffee itself.
Moderation is Important: For most people, moderate consumption of any coffee is safe, but those with high cholesterol should prioritize filtered methods.
Instant Coffee is Safe: Because it is processed, instant coffee contains negligible amounts of diterpenes, making it a low-risk option.

Understanding Diterpenes: The Culprit in Your Cup

To understand why brewing methods matter for cholesterol, you must first understand diterpenes. Coffee beans naturally contain oily compounds known as diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol.

How They Work: Diterpenes interfere with the body's metabolism, causing an increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Cafestol is the most potent of these compounds.
The Filter's Role: When you brew coffee using a paper filter, these diterpenes are largely trapped and removed, preventing them from ending up in your final beverage.

The Brewing Method Breakdown

Filtered Coffee: Your Heart-Healthy Champion

Filtered brewing methods are the clear winner for those monitoring their cholesterol. The paper filter acts as a barrier, effectively stripping out the majority of the diterpenes responsible for raising LDL levels.

Drip Coffee: A standard drip coffee maker uses a paper filter, making it one of the safest options for heart health.
Pour-Over: Methods like Chemex or Hario V60 also rely on paper filters, offering a clean, low-cholesterol cup.
AeroPress: When used with its paper filter, the AeroPress produces a brew with minimal diterpenes.
Instant Coffee: During processing, instant coffee is brewed and then dried, and this process removes most of the diterpenes, making it a very low-cholesterol option.

Unfiltered Coffee: A Word of Caution

Methods that skip the paper filter retain the diterpenes, resulting in a brew with a much higher concentration of cafestol and kahweol.

French Press: The metal mesh filter used in a French press allows the coffee oils and diterpenes to pass into the final drink.
Boiled Coffee: This includes traditional Turkish and Scandinavian-style boiled coffee, where ground beans are simmered directly in water.
Espresso: While served in smaller quantities, espresso is made by forcing hot water through very finely ground coffee without a paper filter, leaving diterpenes in the cup.
Cold Brew (without filtration): The long steeping process can extract diterpenes, and without a paper filter, they remain in the final concentrate. Some modern cold brew preparations, however, use paper filters to mitigate this.

The Impact of What You Add

Beyond the brewing method, what you add to your coffee can significantly affect your cholesterol levels. A plain cup of filtered coffee is best for heart health. Adding ingredients with high saturated fat, like heavy cream or whipped cream, can negatively impact cholesterol, potentially more than the diterpenes in an unfiltered brew. Flavored syrups and excessive sugar also contribute to overall poor health.

Comparison of Brewing Methods and Cafestol Content


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Cafestol Content (mg/L)	Effect on Cholesterol
Drip/Filtered Coffee	Paper	0.12 ± 0.02	Very Low
Instant Coffee	N/A (Processed)	1.9 ± 0.05	Very Low
Espresso	Metal/No Filter	16.7–17.3	Moderate
French Press	Metal	20–27	High
Moka Pot	Metal	37.5 ± 1.3	High
Boiled/Turkish Coffee	None	48.3 ± 3.8	Very High

A Note on Moderation

For most healthy adults, consuming coffee in moderation is unlikely to cause significant cholesterol problems, regardless of the brewing method. The key is to be mindful of your intake, especially if you already have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. Limiting yourself to 1-2 cups per day can minimize the potential impact of unfiltered coffee.

Conclusion: Simple Choices for Heart Health

The research is clear: for the lowest cholesterol impact, the brewing method is paramount, not the coffee bean itself. Filtered coffee, brewed using a paper filter via a drip machine, pour-over, or AeroPress, contains minimal levels of the cholesterol-raising compounds known as diterpenes. Instant coffee is also a safe, low-impact option. Unfiltered brewing methods, such as French press, Turkish, and espresso, contain higher levels of these compounds and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with cholesterol concerns. Remember that how you embellish your coffee—with creams, sugars, or syrups—can also significantly affect your heart health. By opting for a simple, filtered cup, you can enjoy your daily brew with peace of mind, knowing you are making a positive choice for your cardiovascular well-being.

Learn more about managing cholesterol with diet and other lifestyle factors from the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, instant coffee contains negligible levels of cholesterol-raising compounds because they are largely removed during its manufacturing process, making it one of the safest options for those with cholesterol concerns.

Brewing methods that use paper filters are best for keeping cholesterol low. This includes standard drip coffee makers, pour-over methods like Chemex, and the AeroPress when used with a paper filter.

French press coffee increases cholesterol because its metal mesh filter does not trap the natural coffee oils, which contain cholesterol-raising diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol.

While some evidence suggests darker roasts might contain slightly lower levels of diterpenes due to the roasting process, this effect is relatively small. The brewing method has a far greater impact on cholesterol levels.

Yes, you can still drink coffee, but it is best to switch to a filtered brew method to minimize the intake of diterpenes. Always consult with your doctor for personalized advice.

Diterpenes are oily compounds naturally found in coffee beans, most notably cafestol and kahweol, that have been shown to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when consumed.

While individual tolerance varies, experts suggest that consuming large amounts (more than 4-5 cups per day) of unfiltered coffee can significantly impact cholesterol. Moderation is key, and switching to filtered coffee is the safest option.