French press coffee is beloved for its rich, full-bodied flavor — but you may have heard whispers that it’s bad for your cholesterol.
Is that true? Should you worry about your daily brew?
Let’s separate fact from fiction and explore what science really says about French press coffee, cafestol, and how to enjoy your favorite cup without compromising your health.
🔬 What Is Cafestol — and Why Does It Matter?
Cafestol is a natural compound found in coffee oils. It’s not inherently harmful, but research has shown that cafestol can raise LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol) when consumed in high amounts over time.
Here’s the catch: Cafestol is largely removed by paper filters, but not by the metal mesh filter used in French press brewing. That means French press, espresso, and unfiltered brews retain more cafestol than drip or pour-over coffee.
🧪 What Does the Science Say?
Several studies have investigated the link between unfiltered coffee and cholesterol:
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A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking five cups of French press coffee daily for several weeks could raise LDL cholesterol by 6–8%.
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According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, filtered coffee poses little to no risk in terms of cholesterol impact — but unfiltered methods (like French press) may increase levels if consumed excessively.
Important: These effects are dose-dependent. That means an occasional cup of French press coffee isn’t a cause for concern — but if you’re drinking several large mugs a day, it’s worth being mindful.
✅ How to Enjoy French Press Coffee the Healthy Way
You don’t have to give up your French press! Here are 4 tips to enjoy your brew while minimizing health risks:
1. Moderation Is Key
Stick to 1–2 cups per day if you’re concerned about cholesterol. This keeps cafestol intake low and still lets you enjoy that bold flavor.
2. Use a Paper Filter Hack
Place a paper coffee filter inside or over your French press before plunging. It can help trap most of the cafestol while still preserving the deep, rich taste.
3. Try Cold Brew or Pour Over Occasionally
Mix up your coffee routine with filtered methods like Chemex, V60, or cold brew made through a paper filter — especially if you’re a heavy coffee drinker.
4. Mind Your Health Markers
If you have high cholesterol or heart concerns, talk to your doctor and consider rotating brew methods or using a paper filter regularly.
🧘♂️ The Bottom Line
French press coffee isn’t inherently bad, but like all good things — it’s best in balance.
If you love the French press (we do too!), there’s no need to ditch it entirely. Just be aware of how it fits into your overall health and coffee habits. With a few smart tweaks, you can keep both your coffee and your heart happy.
🛒 Looking for a Better French Press?
We offer durable, modern French presses perfect for daily use — and we also stock eco-friendly paper filter inserts for those who want a cleaner, healthier brew.
👉 Need help choosing the right setup? Check out our French Press Collection — we’ll help you brew better, and smarter.