**Soy milk and sugar water are evidence-backed vegan options** for easing the burn from chili peppers.

- **Soy milk:** Take a mouthful and swish it around the burning areas. A [2023 study by Gaiser and Hayes](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.105041) found that soy-milk rinses reduced capsaicin burn more effectively than water in its second experiment. Plant proteins can help; casein is one protein with this effect.
- **Sugar water:** Dissolve **20 g of sugar in enough water to make 100 mL**, then rinse your mouth with a mouthful for about **15 seconds** and spit it out. A [2022 study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9328490/) found that this 20% sugar solution reduced burning more than plain water, with measurable relief within roughly a minute.
- **A sweet, still fruit drink:** This is a convenient alternative. In a [2019 study of 72 people](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6620146/), fruit punch containing approximately 10% sugar was among the most effective drinks tested.

“Neutralize” is slightly misleading: these options **reduce the burning sensation**, and complete, immediate relief is not guaranteed. Water can provide some relief too—the 2019 study found that it helped—but several other drinks worked better.