Coffee, Diterpenes, and Your Health

Did you know your brew method might be affecting your cholesterol?

Updated July 2026

Brewed coffee contains compounds called diterpenes — specifically cafestol and kahweol — which are lipids that can raise LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind), triacylglycerols, and liver enzymes. According to studies, unfiltered coffee contains up to 30 times more diterpenes than filtered coffee.

The good news: diterpenes are released during brewing and are easily captured by a filter. The brew method matters more than the coffee itself.

Brew methods that effectively filter out diterpenes

Both paper and metal filters reduce diterpenes significantly. Here's how the most common methods compare:

• V60, Kalita, Origami, Chemex, and other paper filter pour-overs — lowest diterpenes; paper captures more than metal

• Drip coffee makers with paper filters — similarly low

• AeroPress — low to moderate, depending on whether you use a paper or metal filter

• Espresso — moderate; the pressure and short brew time limit extraction

Paper filters remove more diterpenes than metal filters, while still retaining the polyphenols that give coffee its health benefits. If you use paper filters, rinse them with hot water before brewing to remove any paper taste.

Brew methods to be mindful of if you have high cholesterol

• French press — grounds sit in direct contact with water; no filter catches the diterpenes

• Turkish coffee — unfiltered, highest diterpene levels

• Cold brew — the long steep time (12+ hours) can extract more diterpenes even with a filter

A note on decaf and diterpenes

Here's something most people don't know: the Swiss Water® Process — which we use for all of our decaf — removes caffeine by washing the green beans in water, which also removes a significant portion of the coffee oil. Diterpenes live in that oil. So our Swiss Water Process decaf is naturally lower in diterpenes than most unfiltered caffeinated coffees, in addition to being 99.9% caffeine-free. For anyone managing cholesterol who also wants to avoid caffeine, that's a meaningful combination.

You can learn more about why we chose Swiss Water Process — and what it means for the flavor of your cup.

Coffee has real health benefits — antioxidants, polyphenols, and micronutrients among them. For most people, diterpenes at typical consumption levels aren't a major concern. But if you have high cholesterol or are monitoring your lipids, your brew method is worth paying attention to.

This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation.

— Carol