Whether you’re heading home after a long night out, trying to fall asleep after binge-watching something scary, or just hungry after a sub-satisfying dinner, most of us have been in the late-night snack conundrum. You want something, but you don’t want to make food, so you turn to your kitchen cupboards hoping there’s something tasty.
Even if you don’t have a well-stocked pantry, there are a few packaged snacks you should have on-hand for these midnight munchies. Ideally, you should aim for foods that contain nutrients known to help you fall asleep, and eat a smaller portion of them so you’re not uncomfortable while your body digests.
With those guidelines in mind, there are so many healthy snacks you can choose from — arguably too many. Here are our sleep-inducing snack suggestions to add to your cart next time you’re grocery shopping.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The YES Bar Plant Based Cookie
Say “yes” to these vegan, paleo, dark chocolate chip cookies that have the R29 editor stamp of approval.
The YES Bar Dark Chocolate Chip – (6 Count), $, available at Amazon
The Real Coconut Sea Salt & Vinegar Coconut Flour Tortilla Chips
Another editor fave? These salt and vinegar tortilla chips made with coconut flour and oil for a savory-sweet treat.
The Real Coconut Sea Salt & Vinegar Coconut Flour Tortilla Chips, $, available at Thrive Market
Sakara Classic Superfood Granola
Enjoy a bowl of Sakara’s good-for-you granola (made with almonds, goji berries and coconut flakes) over almond milk or yogurt for a delicious, filling snack.
Sakara Classic Superfood Granola, $, available at Sakara
Rhythm Kale Chips Kool Ranch
If Cool Ranch Doritos are your kryptonite, then try making the healthy swap to this kale chip alternative.
Rhythm Kool Ranch Kale Chips, $, available at Thrive Market
Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Praline Chocolate Bar
Get your chocolate fix minus the stomachache with Hu Kitchen’s vegan, paleo dark chocolate bar, which comes in flavors like Hazelnut Butter, Crunchy Mint, Crispy Quinoa, and Cashew Butter.
Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Praline Chocolate Bar, 2.1 OZ, $, available at Amazon
Peatos Crunchy Puffs, Masala
You wouldn’t know it from how tasty they are, but these pea protein crunchy snacks (seasoned with a flavor explosion of masala spices) are a healthy way to get your daily dose of fiber.
Peatos Crunchy Puffs, Masala, $, available at Thrive Market
Seapoint Farms Sea Salt Dry Roasted Edamame
Made from soybeans, which can help you get in your protein, this treat is also vegan friendly. It’ll satisfy your salty cravings whenever they hit.
Curry Turkey Meat & Veggie Bars
Most people know that turkey is one source of tryptophan, the amino acid that makes you sleepy. These turkey jerky bars also contain some dried fruits and veggies for added fiber.
Barnana Organic Chewy Banana Bites
If you’re one to get late-night cravings for something sweet, consider these dried banana bites. Bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and melatonin, so it’s a triple-threat for sleep.
I’m A Nut Dried Red Cherries
Studies show that eating tart cherries may increase melatonin, helping you fall and stay sleep. These tart cherries are dried, so they can be added to trail mix, yogurt, and even baked goods.
Sargento Snacks Natural String Cheese
Calcium in a cheese stick will help your body produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Mozzarella also tends to have less fat in it than other types of cheese, so it’s easier to digest.
Sargento Natural String Cheese Snacks, 12-Count, $, available at Walmart
Anna and Sarah Dried Turkish Apricots
Apricots are high in potassium, which is a nutrient that’s known to make people sleepy.
Blue Diamond Almonds
Tryptophan, the amino acid that’s often associated with drowsiness, is found in more than just turkey. Almonds, for example, have 21% of your recommended daily intake of tryptophan. This particular flavor is perfect when you’re craving something salty and crunchy.
Siggi’s Blueberry Non-Fat Yogurt
A sweet flavor of Greek yogurt will prevent late-night tummy growls, and it contains probiotics that help with digestion.
Siggi’s Fat-Free Blueberry Yogurt, 5.3 oz, $, available at Amazon
Skinny Pop
Eating fibrous foods before bed may help your sleep because it takes your body longer to digest. Popcorn provides a decent serving of fiber, and this pick is sold in single-serving sizes for easy snacking.
Beanitos Baked Crunch Mac n’ Cheese
These cheese puffs check all the boxes: they have a salty cheesy taste, they’re high in fiber and protein, and they’re made from tryptophan-rich legumes.
Whole Foods Market Original Hummus
Good news for hummus lovers: Chickpeas are another great source of tryptophan.
365 Everyday Value Chopped Walnuts
Walnuts are another surprising source of tryptophan; thes1e come chopped so you can add them to your yogurt or cottage cheese.
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