Are Paper Coffee Filters Healthier? Find Out Now

Many people still use them, but are they healthier than the alternatives? 

In this article, we will look at some of the health benefits of using paper coffee filters and some of the negatives. 

After reading the article, you will know the best choice when buying coffee filters for your home. 

Let’s first compare and see the difference between paper filters and permanent ones.

Paper coffee filters

Paper coffee filters, also known as disposable filters, are constructed of crepe paper and are ideal for swiftly boiling a carafe of coffee without the effort of washing up afterwards. 

However, they are biodegradable, and if you are an environmentalist, using a paper coffee filter in your coffee maker is unlikely to help you save the earth.

If you’re concerned about the impact of waste on the environment, I will propose permanent coffee filters as a preferable alternative. 

Permanent coffee filters are good for the environment. Not only are they washable, but they are also reusable, so once you have them, you don't have to keep buying new ones.

Paper coffee filters are commonly divided into two categories: bleached and unbleached. Bleached filters are treated with chlorine or potassium bromate to stop the growth of mould, mildew, algae, and other bacteria. 

Bleaching can cause your coffee to be bitter. The colour of the filter may also change over time due to chlorine in the water. A colour change may also indicate a difference in quality.

An unbleached filter is a way to go if you want to block out the chemicals and chlorine or if you want to avoid any changes in colour or flavour. A higher-quality filter will be less prone to these effects. 

However, this is not always the case, so it is best to check the packaging of your coffee filters before buying.

Permanent or Reusable Coffee Filters

After purchasing the permanent metal filter, you wash and reuse it. If you want to brew coffee in the cheapest manner possible but still maintain the full flavour of the coffee, the one-time investment in a permanent coffee filter is well worth it. 

You won't have to repurchase coffee filters soon if you have a reusable filter. If you prefer to hold onto your coffee filters for as long as possible, consider the reusable filter. 

Paper coffee filters may not be the healthiest option for coffee, but they are easy and convenient. However, it is essential to make sure you know what you’re buying before you purchase them.

Let’s look at the health benefits of paper coffee filters.

Health Benefits:

Some people prefer to use paper coffee filters, believing that they are healthier for them. There are indeed some health benefits to using paper coffee filters, but the negatives outweigh them for most people. 

Here are some of the common reasons why people believe paper coffee filters are better-

• They are biodegradable, unlike plastic ones, which will stay in the rubbish pile for over 1000 years before breaking down. 

• They are flushable, unlike metal or plastic ones which are not safe to put down in the toilet.

• They are cheaper than most other types of filters.

• They can be recycled if they are still in good condition. Otherwise, it’s just a question of getting rid of them in the right way by putting them in your rubbish bin or garbage bag and getting rid of them at your local waste disposal centre.

• They do not add any unhealthy chemicals to your coffee.

Negatives:

• They don’t work very well and can clog up quite quickly, making it difficult for the water to pass through and drip onto the coffee. 

• If you don’t use them very often, they can get mouldy and unclean, which is more than likely going to make your coffee taste quite bad 

• Paper coffee filters do not keep your coffee beans as fresh as metal or plastic ones.

• They are not as effective as metal or metal filters at blocking any of the unwanted chemicals from entering your cup or mug.

• They can be challenging to separate from the coffee once you have poured it, which will likely result in you spilling some of your beverage on the countertops and floor.

So, which is the healthier option? 

It appears that using a paper filter to brew coffee captures more oily molecules in the coffee known as diterpenes. But using a permanent filter allows more of these diterpenes to pass through into your cup. 

So you get a more excellent taste from using a permanent filter.

The long-term effectiveness of paper coffee filters is also questionable. If you want to ensure that your coffee is as fresh as possible, the permanent metal filter is a better option. 

However, if the price is more important to you, then, by all means, go ahead and use paper filters. 

Are paper or metal coffee filters better?

If you want to get the best flavor from your coffee, you should use a permanent coffee filter. These filters are reusable and will give you better-tasting coffee.

However, if price is more important to you, then use a paper coffee filter. They are cheaper than metal filters and last longer too.

If you want to avoid getting those nasty chemicals into your cup, a reusable paper filter is a good option too.

What is the healthiest way to have coffee?

First of all, as a coffee lover, I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you like the taste of coffee.

If that is so, then you know how important it is to get the best flavor out of your coffee. This means using a reusable paper filter. If your one cup at a time love for coffee is not enough to get you to buy these filters, remember that they are reusable and can last for years.

Which is better white or brown coffee filters?

This depends on how much you care about the environment.

Brown coffee filters are actually paper and will biodegrade as they are made from wood pulp. This means that they are a lot more environmentally friendly than their white counterparts. Another advantage of using brown paper filters is that they do not absorb any of the coffee oils.

The only disadvantage is that because they are paper, they can get quite messy and you can end up with residue at the bottom of your coffee pot or mug.

What can I use instead of coffee filter paper?

The best way to get the cleanest-tasting coffee is by using a permanent coffee filter. However, if you are looking for another option, there are some things you can use as an alternative.

You can use permanent metal filters instead of paper ones. These solve the problem of paper filters getting dirty and can be rinsed out and reused.

Are coffee filters bad?

Coffee filters can be bad because they can absorb the oils in your coffee. This means that you end up drinking more of the coffee than you should.

This can result in a lot of sugar and calories, which is not a great idea for anyone especially if you are trying to lose weight.

They can also absorb stale flavors from your coffee brewer and this could make your drink taste bland.

Are plastic coffee filters safe?

Plastic coffee filters are a good choice for you. Unlike paper filters that absorb oils, plastic ones do not absorb them.

So this means that the coffee you drink from these is much fresher than that of paper filters and does not have a stale flavor or smell.

They are also easy to clean and reusable which makes them a great choice for those who make a lot of coffee every day.

Is it bad to use a paper towel as a coffee filter?

The best way to make coffee is to use a paper coffee filter. However, if all you have is a roll of paper towels and that is all you need to make the coffee, then by all means, use it!

Make sure you apply just the right amount of pressure on the coffee grounds as you pour boiling water so that all of them are soaked.

Can coffee makers make you sick?

Filters may be full of bacteria and germs and can potentially cause illness.

Why? Because they have been directly exposed to bacteria and germs. So, you should not use the same filters that are used in the filter of a coffee maker or any other kitchen appliance where bacteria could be present.

As well as that, you must always remember to change your filter regularly to make sure that there is no stagnant water sitting in them.

Conclusion:

The best way to make your coffee is by personal preference. For example, some people may enjoy the taste of coffee brewed on paper filters.

However, if you are concerned about health benefits, using permanent filters is the healthier option! 

What filter do you use? I’ve tried both types of coffee filters, and I prefer permanent filters. It might be an extra expense to buy the permanent filter, but it is well worth the investment since you won’t have to buy filters for a long time!