Is Drip Coffee Healthier Than French Press? (Solved & Explained!)

Drip coffee has the potential to be healthier than French Press. But, this will depend on the kind of drip coffee machine you have and the materials it comprises. That said, the coffee that comes out of a French press tends to raise bad cholesterol levels.

In general though, any type of filtered coffee will be infinitely healthier than a French press. This is mostly due to brewing method along with the high content of diterpenes. But, it’s important to note that drip coffee is more acidic than French press. So, there’s a slight trade off with both.

What Makes Coffee from a French Press Unhealthy?

Because of the metal mesh filter employed in a French press, it has more of a thicker texture than brewed with other methods. Because of this, according to research, French press coffee can shoot blood cholesterol levels up by six to eight percent. This will be especially true when someone consumes five or more cups per day over a four-week period.

Also, copious amount of unfiltered coffee consumption can contribute to heart problems including stroke and heart attacks. Plus, it can contribute to insomnia, nervousness and anxiety.

Are There Any Potential Unhealthy Dangers from Drip Coffee?

While drip coffee is healthy in theory since it incorporates a filter, there are a few basic dangers that can result from drinking it. But, this has more to do with the materials that comprise the machine than the brewing method itself.

Unfortunately, many modern drip coffee machines contain varying types of plastics and aluminum. These are notorious for having cancer-causing agents. In particular, biphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system. This not only causes cancer but also infertility, miscarriages and hormonal problems.

About Plastics

While newer products advertise BPA-free materials of drip coffee makers, you have no way of knowing that’s actually going to be a safe bet. This is because they often don’t label their machines with the specific kind of plastic used, which might be even worse than BPAs.

Aluminum Components

Aluminum lining on some components of drip coffee machines are also a great hazard. Recent studies show how aluminum contributes to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

How Do You Ensure Drip Coffee Will Be Healthy?

The best way to ensure drip coffee will be the healthiest it can be is by getting a maker that has no plastic parts whatsoever. Look for materials like glass, stainless steel and/or porcelain.

Does Brewing Method Influence Healthiness between Drip and French Press Coffee?

Yes, brewing method greatly influences the healthiness of drip versus French press coffee. French press coffee steeps in hot water which you then press down a plunger. Drip coffee machines heat water as it drips over coffee grounds sitting in a filter. It’s the inclusion of a filter that makes the drip healthier.

Also, French press coffee takes a total of 20 to 30 minutes whereas drip coffee takes a total of 10 to 15 minutes (sometimes less). It’s this time that water comes into contact with the coffee grounds that leaches more of the unhealthy constituents into the brew.

Why Isn’t French Press Coffee Considered Filtered Coffee?

The reason why French press coffee doesn’t fall under the category of filtered coffee is because the mesh filter doesn’t absorb oils and diterpenes. Drip coffee machines, on the other hand, use a paper-type of filter. This thin membrane soaks up all the cholesterol-raising components and other unhealthy byproducts.

Is French Press Coffee More Acidic than Drip Coffee?

While the French press does offer more risks to heart health and rising cholesterol levels, it isn’t nearly as acidic as drip coffee. This is because of the heat of the water when it comes into contact with the grounds and for how long they sit floating in water.

Drip coffee doesn’t give you the option of controlling brew time and other conditions. This means it has the potential to burn the grounds or the grounds will sit too long in the water. Such things result in a bitter and acidic coffee. With a French press, you can control those conditions and heat the water to a temperature of your liking.

How Does French Press Coffee Increase Bad Cholesterol Levels?

Because there’s no paper filter of any kind in the French press, there’s no barrier to absorb oils. This means that diterpenes and LDL cholesterol get into the cup in high amounts. Add that to the fact that most people mix in cream and sugar; it’s a recipe for elevated cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can lead to heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure. All of this can contribute to daily stress, increasing cortisol and your chances of experiences a cardiac event.

Does French Press or Drip Coffee Taste Better?

In general, French press coffee has a taste with a fuller body and a more powerful aroma. But, drip coffee has a cleaner, lighter taster while also giving a caffeine boost. Therefore, it will really come down to how someone prefers to have their coffee.

Does the Type of Coffee Bean Affect the Healthiness of French Press or Drip Coffee?

Certainly the type of coffee bean can influence how healthy the coffee comes out of any given method. But, it’s not going to be significant enough to break it down in definitive terms. However, if you go for a lighter bean in a French press, you will reduce some of the LDL cholesterol that leeches during steeping.

Comparison between the Healthiness of French Press Coffee and Drip Coffee

	French Press	Drip Coffee
Brewing Method	Steep	Hot Water Drip
Filtration Method	Metal Mesh	Paper Filter
Brewing Time	20 to 30 minutes total	10 to 15 minutes total
General Device Materials	Glass, Ceramic, Plastic and/or Stainless Steel	Mostly plastic with some glass and aluminum
Potential Health Dangers	Elevated cholesterol levels, increased heart problems, anxiety, insomnia and nervousness	Cancers and hormonal issues from materials; otherwise anxiety, insomnia and nervousness