Foods high in cholesterol are mainly animal products: red and processed meats, full-fat dairy, eggs, shellfish, and organ meats. Modern guidance emphasizes reducing saturated and trans fats because they have a stronger effect on LDL cholesterol than dietary cholesterol alone. Swap animal products for beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins, and prioritize unsaturated fats and soluble fiber to help lower LDL. Talk with a clinician or dietitian for personalized advice.

Why cholesterol in food matters

High blood cholesterol raises the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Most dietary cholesterol comes from animal products. Plant foods contain no cholesterol, although some plant-based foods can be high in saturated fat.

Foods that are high in cholesterol (and what to watch for)

  • Red and processed meats: beef, pork, lamb, hot dogs, and many deli meats often combine cholesterol with high levels of saturated fat.
  • Full-fat dairy: whole milk, butter, cream, cheese, and ice cream contribute both cholesterol and saturated fat.
  • Eggs and shellfish: these contain cholesterol but are often low in saturated fat; how much they affect blood cholesterol depends on your overall diet and health.
  • Organ meats: liver and other organs are concentrated sources of cholesterol.
  • Hidden sources: baked goods, creamy sauces, some soups, and fast-food items often include butter, cream, or egg-based ingredients.

What matters most: saturated and trans fats

Contemporary nutrition guidance places more emphasis on limiting saturated and trans fats than on dietary cholesterol alone. Those fats tend to raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol more than cholesterol in food does. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats - for example, use olive oil, avocado, and nuts instead of butter or lard.

Heart-healthier food swaps

  • Choose plant-forward meals: vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and soy products like tofu and tempeh.
  • Beans and lentils: provide protein, no cholesterol, and soluble fiber that helps lower LDL.
  • Whole grains: oats and barley contain soluble fiber that supports cholesterol control.
  • Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds, flax, and chia deliver unsaturated fats and no cholesterol.
  • Fish: fatty fish provide omega-3s and can replace higher-cholesterol meats (opt for cooking methods that don't add saturated fats).

Practical tips

  • Focus on overall patterns: a Mediterranean-style or mostly plant-based eating pattern generally lowers heart risk.
  • Check labels and ingredients: some plant-based packaged foods still contain saturated fats from coconut oil or palm oil.
  • Watch portion sizes and frequency for animal products: smaller, less-frequent servings reduce total saturated fat and cholesterol intake.
  • Consider soluble fiber and plant sterols: foods or fortified products with soluble fiber or plant sterols can help lower LDL cholesterol when part of a healthy diet.
If you have high LDL, established heart disease, or a genetic cholesterol disorder, talk with your clinician or a registered dietitian about personalized targets and whether limiting specific foods (including eggs or shellfish) makes sense for you. Also note that national dietary guidance on cholesterol limits has changed in recent years and focuses on overall healthy patterns rather than a single numeric cholesterol limit .
  1. Confirm the year and exact wording in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that removed a numeric daily cholesterol limit and verify current federal guidance on dietary cholesterol.

FAQs about Food High In Cholesterol

Do plant foods contain cholesterol?
No. Cholesterol occurs only in animal-derived foods. However, some plant-based foods may contain high levels of saturated fats (for example, coconut oil or certain processed vegan foods).
Are eggs bad for cholesterol?
Eggs contain cholesterol, but their impact on blood cholesterol depends on your overall diet and health. For most people, moderate egg consumption fits within a heart-healthy eating pattern; people with certain conditions should consult their clinician.
Which fats should I limit to lower LDL?
Limit saturated and trans fats. Replace them with unsaturated fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, and add soluble fiber from oats, barley, beans, and some fruits and vegetables.
Do plant sterols and fiber really help?
Yes. Soluble fiber and plant sterols have been shown to lower LDL modestly when included regularly as part of a balanced diet.

News about Food High In Cholesterol

Worst Foods for High Cholesterol - Mass General Brigham [Visit Site | Read More]

Five high-cholesterol foods you should eat (and what to avoid) - The Telegraph [Visit Site | Read More]

These key food groups will help you fight dangerously high levels of cholesterol and belly fat - Countryfile.com [Visit Site | Read More]

How to prevent high cholesterol - before it causes serious problems - HELLO! Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]

7 Foods to Boost Your Good Cholesterol - EatingWell [Visit Site | Read More]

What impact does salmon have on cholesterol levels? - MedicalNewsToday [Visit Site | Read More]

The truth about cholesterol: 12 things you need to know – from eggs to weight to statins - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]