What Should I Eat or Drink After Hot Sauce?

We all know the feeling of taking that one bite of hot sauce that sets our taste buds on fire. It's like a love-hate relationship we can't resist. Hot sauce can add an incredible kick and flavor to any meal, but the after-effects can leave you feeling the burn (sometimes more than you want!). Whether it's your first time trying a spicy dish or you're about to enter a spicy food contest, you're probably wondering what you should eat or drink to ease the heat.

So we're going to talk about the science behind cooling off your mouth and provide some suggestions for what to consume after hot sauce.

(Note: These tips are for foods and drinks to consume if you ate something too spicy. Not how to tone down spicy foods or sauces)

Key Takeaways

Dairy is your best friend – Milk, yogurt, or sour cream are great options as they contain casein, a protein that helps break down the capsaicin in spicy foods.

Starches help absorb the heat – Foods like bread, rice, or potatoes can help soak up the spiciness and provide relief.

Avoid water – Drinking water might spread the capsaicin around your mouth, making the burning sensation worse.

Try acidic foods or drinks – Lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar can neutralize the alkalinity of capsaicin, offering some relief.

Sugar and honey can soothe – Sweet remedies like sugar or honey may help counteract the heat by coating your mouth.

The Capsaicin In Chili Peppers & Hot Sauce

Capsaicin, a component of chili peppers, is the active ingredient that gives hot sauce its fiery kick. The heat intensity of capsaicin is often measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with different peppers having varying SHU ratings on the Scoville Scale.

From a chemical perspective, capsaicin is fascinating because it triggers the same sensory neurons that respond to heat. When capsaicin binds to these neurons, it sends signals to your brain that you're consuming something hot, even though the temperature hasn't actually changed.

This deception is what creates the sensation of a burning mouth when you consume hot sauce. Additionally, capsaicin is not water-soluble (it's oil-based), which means gulping down water will not alleviate the burn.

What to Eat Or Drink After Spicy Food?

According to science, dairy and acidic foods and drinks are what you need to consume to help cool off the spiciness. Balancing it with an acid can help neutralize the capsaicin.

This means that drinking or eating something acidic can give you some temporary relief from the burning sensations. Things such as lemonade or orange juice are great options. You can also try a tomato-based item. And if you're a milk lover, you'll be happy to know that milk is also acidic!

Another option is to reach for some carbs. Bread, rice, or potatoes can help absorb some of the spiciness in your mouth and provide a more neutral flavor. This method may not be as effective as consuming acidic or dairy products, but it's worth a shot. Plus, who doesn't love carbs?

So, to recap, if you need some relief from a spicy food or hot sauce, try consuming:

Acidic:

• Lemonade

• Limeade

• Orange juice

• Tomato-based foods and drinks

• Milk

Carbs:

• Bread

• Rice

• Potatoes

What Not to Eat After Consuming Spicy Food

When it comes to cooling down after eating something spicy, there are certain foods and drinks that you should avoid.

For instance, carbonated drinks like soda or beer will only intensify the heat in your mouth. Some will argue that those can help, but there isn't any science behind it. In addition to that, as we mentioned, water won't do much in helping either as capsaicin is an oil-based molecule.

The Real Low Down

Now that we've provided you with what science says about cooling down your mouth from spiciness, we're going to share with you some bad news... the real lowdown on it.

Real chiliheads know that there isn't much you can do. Consuming these items will most likely only give you temporary relief before the heat comes right back. The only thing you can do is wait it out. Your mouth will eventually adjust and return to normal.

So, the best thing to do is pace yourself if you're looking to try a new hot sauce or spicy dish. Take small bites and sips at first so your taste buds can adjust accordingly. If you think it's still too much, you can always take advantage of the options we provided above!

FAQ

Q: What should I drink if my mouth feels like it's on fire from spicy food?

A: Dairy-based drinks like milk or yogurt are the most effective at neutralizing the heat. Water can actually spread the heat around, so it's best to avoid relying on it.

Q: Are there any foods that can help with spicy heat?

A: Yes, starchy foods like bread or rice can help soak up some of the spice. Additionally, eating something acidic like a slice of lemon may help balance the heat.

Q: How long does the burning sensation last?

A: The heat typically subsides within a few minutes as your mouth adjusts and your taste buds recover. If it persists, consuming dairy or starchy foods can speed up the process.

Q: Can I build a tolerance to spicy food?

A: Yes, gradually incorporating spicier foods into your diet can help your taste buds adapt and reduce the intensity of the heat over time.

Q: Should I drink water to cool my mouth?

A: Drinking water might give temporary relief, but it often spreads the capsaicin—the compound responsible for the heat—around your mouth, potentially making it worse. Opt for milk or a similar alternative instead.

Recapping:

There's no clear-cut solution to counteract hot sauce's spiciness. According to science, consuming acidic or dairy products may help for a short time, but there's no guarantee.

Waiting it out may be your only option, but don't worry, the sensation will pass eventually.

Hot sauce may be a love-hate relationship, but it's worth the burn for the fantastic flavor it brings to our taste buds!