Top 10 Foods Highest in Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a steroid lipid (fat) found in the blood of all animals and is necessary for proper functioning of our cell membranes and production of hormones. While there can be negative health benefits associated with low cholesterol, cholesterol deficiency is rare. Our bodies already manufacture all the cholesterol we need, so it is not necessary to consume more. Excessive consumption of cholesterol has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is only found in animal food products, and thus, vegans are likely to have lower cholesterol than non-vegans. It is recommended that you buy a
Cholesterol Test Kit, so you can monitor your cholesterol levels at home and see which diet works best for you. High cholesterol foods include eggs, liver, fish, fast foods, butter, shellfish, shrimp, bacon, sausages, red meat, cheese, and pastries. The current daily value (DV) for cholesterol is 300mg.
Below is a list of high cholesterol foods, click here for an extended list of cholesterol rich foods. To lower your cholesterol, read the article on cholesterol lowering foods.
#1: Egg Yolk
| Cholesterol 100g | Per cup (243g) | Per yolk (17g) |
| 1085mg (362% DV) | 2637mg (879% DV) | 184mg (61% DV) |
Other Eggs High in Cholesterol (%DV per egg): Goose Egg (409%), Turkey Egg (246%), Duck Egg (206%), Whole Hen's Egg (62%), Quail's Egg (25%), and Caviar, per tablespoon (31%).
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#2: Liver (Chicken)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per liver (44g) | Per ounce (28g) |
| 564mg (188% DV) | 248mg (83% DV) | 158mg (53% DV) |
Other Types of Liver High in Cholesterol (%DV per ounce): Lamb's Liver (47%), Beef Liver (37%), Chicken Liver Pâté (36%), Pork Liver (34%), Liver Pâté (24%), and Foie Gras (14%).
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#3: Fish & Fish Oils (Herring Oil)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per tablespoon (14g) | Per teaspoon (5g) |
| 766mg (255% DV) | 107mg (36% DV) | 38mg (13% DV) |
Other Fish Oils and Fish High in Cholesterol (%DV per 3oz for fish, tablespoon for fish oils): Salted Cod (43%), Sardines, canned in oil (39%), Perch & Sardine Oil (33%), Sea Trout (30%), Herring (28%), Salmon & Cod Liver Oil (27%), Menhaden Oil (24%), and Salmon Oil (23%).
While fish are high in cholesterol they are considered a heart healthy food due to providing omega 3 fatty acids.Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#4: Fast Foods (Egg & Bacon Biscuit)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per biscuit (150g) | Per ounce (28g) |
| 235mg (78% DV) | 353mg (118% DV) | 66mg (22% DV) |
Other Fast Foods High in Cholesterol (%DV per piece or serving): McDonald's Big Breakfast (155%), English Muffin with Egg, Cheese & Sausage (90%), Egg Biscuit (82%), Croissant with Egg, Cheese & Bacon (72%), Egg McMuffin (69%), Fried Chicken (55%), Hamburger (47%), Milkshake (13%), and Fried Fish (10%).
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#5: Animal Fats & Oils (Butter)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per stick (113g) | Per tablespoon (14g) |
| 215mg (72% DV) | 243mg (81% DV) | 30mg (10% DV) |
Other Animal Fats High in Cholesterol (%DV per tablespoon): Whipped Butter (7%), Light Butter & Beef Tallow (5%), Shortening, Goose Fat, Duck Fat & Lard (4%).
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#6: Shellfish & Seafood (Shrimp)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per 3oz (85g) | Per 4 large (22g) |
| 211mg (70% DV) | 179mg (60% DV) | 46mg (15% DV) |
Other Shellfish & Seafood High in Cholesterol (%DV per 3oz cooked): Calamari (74%), Canned Shrimp (71%), Lobster (41%), Crayfish (39%), Whelks (37%), Oysters (28%), Octopus & Crab (27%), Clams (19%), Mussels (16%).
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#7: Processed Meats (Bacon)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per ounce (28g) | Per rasher (9g) |
| 111mg (37% DV) | 31mg (10% DV) | 10mg (3% DV) |
Other Processed Meats High in Cholesterol (%DV per ounce): Beef Sticks (12%), Blood Sausage (11%), Salami & Pepperoni (10%), Pork Sausage & Ham (9%), Turkey Bacon & Corned Beef (8%), Italian Salami, Luncheon Meat, Frankfurter & Bratwurst (7%).
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#8: Red Meat (Lean Veal, cooked)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per piece (174g) | Per 3oz (85g) |
| 158mg (53% DV) | 275mg (92% DV) | 134mg (45% DV) |
Other Red Meat High in Cholesterol (%DV per 3oz, cooked): New Zealand Lamb (36%), Rabbit (35%), Lamb Shoulder, Beef Pot Roast & Pork Ribs (34%), Venison (32%), Beef Brisket & Pork Loin (30%), Beef Tenderloin & Sirloin Steak (28%), and Duck (26%).
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#9: Cheese (Port de Salut)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per cup, shredded (113g) | Per ounce (28g) |
| 123mg (41% DV) | 139mg (46% DV) | 34mg (11% DV) |
Other Cheeses High in Cholesterol (%DV per ounce): Fontina & Gouda (11%) Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Gruyere, Hard Goat's Cheese, Romano, Mexican Cheeses & Tilsit (10%), Colby, Brie, Gjetost & Swiss (9%), Edam, Roquefort, Feta & Monterey (8%), Mozzarella (7%), and Parmesan (6%).
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#10: Cakes, Pies & Cookies (Made with eggs/animal fats) (Sponge Cake)
| Cholesterol 100g | Per piece (63g) | Per ounce (28g) |
| 170mg (57% DV) | 107mg (36% DV) | 48mg (16% DV) |
Other Cakes, Pies & Cookies High in Cholesterol (%DV per piece): Danish Pastries (54%), Cream Puffs (43%), Pecan Pie (35%), Èclairs (31%), Ladyfingers (8%), Brownies (6%), and Butter Cookies (2%).
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