If you accidentally bite into a too hot pepper, then just drink a few sips of it straight. It works a lot better than plain milk. (A lot of Southerners will drink it straight but I just can't.) I will, every once in a blue moon, crumble up a piece of cornbread in a quarter cup of it. Call me crazy, I enjoy it anyway and it is very filling. Also, if you have an upset stomach it is very good to use. Cornbread crumbled up in buttermilk is my "go to" whenever I feel nauseated or otherwise sick at the stomach and otherwise just can't eat. It calms things down and stops my stomach from flopping. But... no, otherwise don't take it straight on. I was raised on the stuff, and I don't recommend drinking it straight. Just my opinion - it's very sour.