Can We Drink Milk After Eating Spicy Food? The Science Behind the Relief

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 study published by Penn State University, milk significantly reduced the burning sensation from spicy foods for participants, confirming its reputation as a reliable antidote. Can we drink milk after eating spicy food to truly find relief, or is it just a myth?

Quick Summary

Yes, drinking milk after eating spicy food is highly effective at reducing the burning sensation. The protein casein in milk binds to and washes away capsaicin, the oily compound responsible for the heat. Casein works similarly to how soap dissolves grease, offering rapid and proven relief from the fire in your mouth.

Key Points

Casein is the Active Ingredient: Milk contains casein protein, which binds to capsaicin, the oily compound that makes chili peppers spicy, and washes it away from your taste receptors.
Water is Ineffective: Water does not dissolve capsaicin and can actually spread the heat around your mouth, offering only temporary, minimal relief.
Fat Content Isn't Crucial: Both whole and skim milk are equally effective because the primary relief comes from the casein protein, not the fat content.
Other Dairy Products Work: Yogurt, sour cream, and ice cream also contain casein and are highly effective at combating spiciness.
Dairy Substitutes are Ineffective: Plant-based milks like almond or soy do not contain casein and are not reliable remedies for spiciness.
Swish for Better Relief: Swishing the milk around your mouth before swallowing maximizes the contact between casein and capsaicin, leading to better relief.
Stomach vs. Mouth Burn: Milk helps with the mouth burn but can sometimes worsen indigestion caused by spicy food for sensitive individuals.
Alternative Remedies: For non-dairy options, sugar and starchy foods like bread or rice can offer some relief, though they are less effective than milk.

The Scientific Reason Why Milk Quells the Heat

When you eat spicy food, the burn you feel is caused by a chemical compound called capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. Capsaicin is an oily, hydrophobic molecule, meaning it does not mix well with water. This is why chugging a glass of water offers only fleeting relief—it simply spreads the capsaicin around your mouth rather than washing it away.

Milk, however, contains a superhero protein called casein. Casein is an emulsifier that has a strong affinity for capsaicin molecules. When you drink milk, the casein proteins actively bind to the capsaicin molecules and help to carry them away from the pain receptors on your tongue and in your mouth. This mechanism is similar to how soap works to dissolve and wash away grease and oil from a surface, which is why milk is so effective against the oily capsaicin.

How Different Milks Compare Against the Burn

Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the fat content of milk is not the most important factor in its effectiveness. While many people have historically believed that whole milk works better due to its higher fat content, research suggests that the protein casein is the primary source of relief. This means that both skim milk and whole milk can be effective. Plant-based alternatives, which lack casein, are not as reliable for relief, though some sugary or fatty alternatives may offer slight, temporary comfort.

Here’s a comparison of common beverages and their effectiveness against capsaicin:


Beverage Type	Effectiveness Against Capsaicin	Primary Mechanism of Action
Cow's Milk (Whole or Skim)	High	Contains casein protein, which binds to and removes capsaicin molecules effectively.
Water	Low (Temporary)	Offers only a momentary cooling sensation; it spreads the oily capsaicin rather than removing it.
Plant-Based Milks (Almond, Soy)	Low	Lacks the casein protein necessary to bind effectively with capsaicin.
Yogurt & Sour Cream	High	Contains casein and fat, providing excellent relief for both the mouth and stomach.
Bread & Crackers	Low to Moderate	Dry, starchy foods can help distract the mouth and absorb some capsaicin, but are not as effective as dairy.
Alcohol (Low-Proof)	Low	The high water content in most beer means it’s largely ineffective against capsaicin.

Best Practices for Using Milk for Spicy Food Relief

To maximize the effectiveness of milk, don’t just chug it. Swishing the milk around your mouth and letting it coat your tongue and cheeks for a few seconds allows the casein to have more contact with the capsaicin, providing a more complete relief. Swallowing it after a good swish then helps to wash away the spicy particles. Repeating this process is key for lingering heat.

It’s also worth noting that other dairy products can be equally effective, or even more so. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt on a spicy dish can provide immediate, localized relief. Ice cream can also work as a delicious and cold remedy. For those with lactose intolerance, opting for lactose-free dairy products is a viable solution, as these still contain the crucial casein protein.

Potential Caveats: Milk and Stomach Discomfort

While milk is excellent for soothing oral pain, it can sometimes exacerbate stomach issues caused by spicy food. For some, spicy food stimulates stomach acid production. Adding milk, which can also trigger acid secretion, might worsen indigestion or acid reflux symptoms in sensitive individuals. In these cases, an antacid is often a better solution for a burning belly. This distinction is crucial: milk is the remedy for the mouth, while an antacid can address the stomach.

Alternative Remedies for Capsaicin Burn

If you can’t or prefer not to drink milk, several other options can help soothe the burn:

Yogurt or Sour Cream: As mentioned, these dairy products contain casein and fat, making them highly effective.
Sugary Drinks: While not as potent as dairy, sweet drinks like a fruit-flavored soda or Kool-Aid can provide some relief.
Starchy Foods: Foods like bread, crackers, or rice can help absorb some of the capsaicin and provide a different sensation to distract from the heat.
Oil or Peanut Butter: Since capsaicin is fat-soluble, the fats in nut butter or even a small amount of oil can help carry it away.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Milk and Spicy Food

In conclusion, drinking milk is an effective and scientifically-proven way to reduce the burning sensation from spicy food. The casein protein it contains acts like a detergent, breaking down and washing away the capsaicin molecules that cause the heat. Whether you prefer whole or skim, milk is a reliable option. However, if you experience stomach upset from spicy foods, be aware that milk may not be the best solution for the internal burn. For those who can tolerate dairy, a glass of milk or a scoop of yogurt remains one of the fastest and most reliable remedies for oral spicy food discomfort.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for health concerns.

Epicurious: How to Make a Dish Less Spicy

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, milk is widely considered one of the best beverages for combating the burn of spicy food because it contains a protein called casein that binds to and helps wash away capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat.

Capsaicin, the spicy compound, is an oil-based molecule. The casein protein in milk acts like a detergent, enveloping the capsaicin molecules and allowing them to be rinsed away from the mouth's pain receptors, thereby reducing the burning sensation.

No, a 2019 Penn State study found that whole milk and skim milk were equally effective at reducing spiciness. The crucial factor is the presence of the protein casein, not the fat content.

Plant-based milks like almond, soy, and oat milk are generally not effective because they lack casein. While they may offer a temporary cooling sensation, they do not have the necessary protein to bind with the capsaicin.

For some individuals, spicy food can cause indigestion and acid reflux. While milk helps with the oral burn, it can sometimes stimulate stomach acid production, potentially worsening stomach-related symptoms.

Besides milk, other dairy products rich in casein and fat can offer relief. These include yogurt, sour cream, and ice cream, all of which are effective at soothing the mouth after a spicy meal.

Yes, some non-dairy options can help, though they are less effective. Starchy foods like bread or crackers, and sugary beverages can offer some relief by distracting the taste buds or absorbing some capsaicin.