The consistency and magnitude of cholesterol lowering achieved following the introduction of statins has resulted in less importance being given to long-term diet-based interventions over the past few years. Nevertheless, lifestyle changes are, and will remain, the preferred option before resorting to long-term drug therapy. They are also essential in people below the cut-off cholesterol level for drug treatment or where side-effects limit drug use. This article reviews the portfolio diet and its role in cholesterol management.