Coffee lovers who can’t start their days without a cup of coffee may have noticed the controversy between bleached and undyed coffee filters. There are two types of coffee filters: bleached and unbleached filters. There are people who believe that unbleached coffee filters are better than bleached coffee filters, while others feel there isn’t much difference between the two. As we discuss the various types of coffee filters in this article, we will help you choose the right one for you.
Bleached Vs. Unbleached Coffee Filter
Bleached Coffee Filter
Among coffee lovers, there was a growing concern that bleached coffee filters were not healthy in the late 80s, but the concern has dissipated over time. Today, it is popularly used as a safe way to brew coffee. Furthermore, the bleach in it won’t leave any dangerous taste in your mouth once you drink your coffee.
Bleached filters are papers that have been treated with bleach to make them white in color. In the bleaching process, chlorine and oxygen bleach are used. The chlorine used here is the same as that used in swimming pools. However, it is not considered high quality as coffee filters that contain oxygen bleach. If you are looking for bleached coffee filters, we suggest that you look for coffee filters that use element bleach.
Bleach is not eco-friendly overall, and it can have negative environmental effects. After they are discarded, there is an extra step in the production process that contributes to pollution. Even though only a small amount of bleach is used in it, it still has its adverse effects. In this regard, oxygen bleach is slightly better than chlorine.
Unbleached Coffee Filter
In contrast to bleached coffee filters, the unbleached variant does not boast an ultra-white appearance, but it is organic and eco-friendly. The paper is brown in color and must be whitened to get a white appearance.
Unbleached coffee filters do not require any additional processing. When they are discarded, they are not as harmful to the environment as those coffee filters treated with bleaching agents, such as chlorine. When it comes to unbleached coffee filters, there are a few differences you need to understand. Using an unbleached coffee filter in the coffee maker will impart a slight flavor of paper to the coffee.
Considerations Before Buying Right Coffee Filter
Bleached Coffee Filters Do Not Affect the Taste of Coffee
A common belief among coffee aficionados is that the use of bleached or unbleached coffee filters affects the final taste of the coffee. As you will discover, this is merely a myth, and there is no such reality behind it. Neither the bleached nor the unbleached coffee filter will affect the overall taste of the coffee. The white color of the filters is not caused by excessive bleach, nor does it change the taste or have any harmful effects on our health.
Quality
Bleached or unbleached coffee filters have no effect on the coffee’s overall taste. A good quality coffee filter can, however, have serious implications on taste, so don’t make any compromises when purchasing one.
Choose the appropriate size of the coffee filter according to the brewing technique you are using and the filter thickness. Thinner coffee filters allow water to seep through easily, which can adversely affect the brewing process. The cost of thicker coffee filters is higher, but the difference is minuscule, so your decision should not be affected.
Price
Let’s take a look at the price associated with different kinds of coffee filters now that we have established that quality is a priority and that the only difference between bleached and unbleached coffee filters is in terms of color. The unbleached filters undergo fewer manufacturing processes, however, they are more expensive than their bleached counterparts.
In conclusion, if you are looking to save some money, it would be wise to choose a coffee filter that is bleached using oxygen and thicker than the others out there. You can always opt for an unbleached coffee filter if you are concerned about the environment, but keep in mind that they cost a little more than the bleached ones.
How to Remove Bleached Filter Paper From Your Coffee?
One thing you need to understand about uncolored coffee filters: when you pour the coffee through it, it leaves a small style of paper within the cup. Follow these five steps to prevent it every time it happens. By following these three steps, you will prevent the taste of the paper from transferring to your coffee.
- Place the filter in the brewing machine.
- You should wet the filter before using it by pouring hot water over it.
- You can throw away the used water.
In addition to this guide we compiled, we also have compiled a list of best reusable coffee filter as well.
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
