How Coffee Brewing Method Impacts Cholesterol Levels

Experts say unfiltered coffee contains more cholesterol-raising compounds than paper-filtered varieties.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Nutrition experts say the way you brew your morning coffee can impact your cholesterol levels, with unfiltered methods like French press and Scandinavian boiled coffee containing more cholesterol-raising compounds than paper-filtered varieties like drip or pour over. However, what you add to your coffee, like heavy cream or sugar, may have a bigger effect on cholesterol than the coffee itself.

Why it matters

For many people, coffee is a daily ritual, but those with high cholesterol may need to be mindful of how they brew and prepare their coffee, as it can affect their heart health.

The details

Coffee contains oily compounds called diterpenes that can interfere with the body's cholesterol-regulating processes and raise LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, when consumed regularly. Unfiltered coffee contains far more of these compounds than paper-filtered coffee, making brewing method an important factor. Experts recommend choosing paper-filtered methods like drip or pour over, while unfiltered methods like French press, Scandinavian boiled, and Turkish coffee contain the highest levels of these cholesterol-raising compounds.

  • The research on coffee's impact on cholesterol is mostly based on observational studies.

The players

Candance Pumper

A registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Laura Ligos

A registered dietitian nutritionist.

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What they’re saying

“Unfiltered coffee contains far more of these compounds than paper-filtered coffee, making your brewing method an important factor for cholesterol.”

— Candance Pumper, Registered Dietitian

“We know that saturated fats like those found in heavy cream, butter or coconut oil can impact cholesterol and we also know that insulin resistance can also contribute to worse lipids (and) triglycerides.”

— Laura Ligos, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The takeaway

While coffee alone may not be a major driver of cholesterol levels for most people, the brewing method and what you add to your coffee can make a difference. Those with high cholesterol may want to opt for paper-filtered coffee and limit high-fat, high-sugar additives to help manage their heart health.