Feeling a mild rumble before bed is generally safe, but you should grab a bite when your hunger makes it too uncomfortable to sleep. Consider these eight healthy late-night snacks to satisfy your cravings.

1. Banana With Almond Butter

A banana with almond butter is a sweet, creamy snack that takes less than a minute to prepare. Slice one small banana and spread or drizzle a tablespoon of unsweetened almond butter over it. The combination satisfies dessert cravings without relying on candy bars or sweet baked goods.

Bananas provide fiber, potassium and carbohydrates, while almond butter contributes healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium and some protein. Both bananas and almonds also contain compounds involved in the body’s production of melatonin. 

For convenience, keep bananas on the counter and a jar of almond butter in the pantry. It’s an easy, healthy late-night snack when you want something filling without having to cook.

2. Greek Yogurt With Berries

Plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh or frozen berries is another quick DIY option. Spoon yogurt into a bowl, add your favorite berries, and, if desired, sprinkle on cinnamon or a small amount of chopped nuts. There’s no cooking, chopping or complicated preparation involved.

Greek yogurt is particularly useful at night because it supplies protein, which helps reduce hunger. This dairy goodness also contains probiotics, live bacteria and yeasts that aid digestion. Berries add natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants without requiring the added sugar found in many flavored yogurts. 

Keep individual containers of plain Greek yogurt and a bag of frozen berries in your refrigerator or freezer. Frozen berries are especially convenient because they last longer and can double as a naturally cold, refreshing topping.

3. Apple and Peanut Butter

An apple with peanut butter gives you the satisfying combination of crisp fruit, creamy texture and nutty flavor. Simply slice an apple and pair it with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. Choose peanut butter with little or no added sugar for a more nutritious nibble.

Apples provide fiber and carbohydrates, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, such as oleic acid, making this combination even more satisfying. It’s also sweet enough to feel like a treat without turning to cookies, ice cream or other heavily processed desserts.

This snack requires almost no preparation, making it ideal when you’re tired or hungry late at night. Apples keep well, and peanut butter is a pantry staple, so you can have everything ready whenever cravings strike.

4. Whole-Grain Crackers and Cheese

Whole-grain crackers paired with cheese offer a savory alternative to the usual sweet nighttime snacks. For an easy serving, place a few crackers on a plate and top them with slices of reduced-fat cheese. You can also use cottage cheese or another favorite variety.

The crackers provide carbohydrates and whole grains, while cheese adds protein and fat. The combination of carbohydrate-rich crackers and tryptophan-containing cheese is a potentially useful nighttime pairing. Keep portions moderate, particularly if you’re watching calories or sodium.

This snack is one of the easiest to assemble when you’re barely awake. Store whole-grain crackers in the pantry and individually wrapped cheese or sliced cheese in the refrigerator for a quick, no-cook option.

5. Premade Oatmeal With Fruit

Oatmeal isn’t just a breakfast food. A small bowl can also make a hearty late-night snack, particularly when you want something warm. Prepare a modest serving of oats with milk or water, then add sliced banana, berries, cinnamon or a few nuts for flavor.

Oats supply fiber and some protein, making them more nutritionally substantial than many sugary nighttime snacks. Hot cereal is a good late-night choice, as cooked whole grains can be prepared ahead and reheated later. 

For maximum convenience, prepare several portions of oatmeal in advance and refrigerate them. When hunger hits, simply reheat one serving and add your preferred toppings. It’s a practical DIY snack that feels warm and satisfying without much effort.

6. Dry-Roasted Edamame

Dry-roasted edamame is a crunchy, savory snack that satisfies the urge for chips without cooking. It comes ready to eat, making it especially convenient for people who want something substantial but don’t want to prepare food late at night.

Edamame is a source of plant-based protein and contains tryptophan, an amino acid that turns into sleep-promoting melatonin and serotonin once metabolized. Choose lightly salted versions if you’re trying to keep sodium intake in check.

Keep a resealable bag in your pantry or portion it into small containers when you get home from the store. The crunchy texture makes it enjoyable to eat slowly, while its protein content can make it more satisfying than many conventional snack foods.

7. Tart Cherries

Dried tart cherries are a naturally sweet option for nights when you want something fruity without having to prepare anything. They can be eaten straight from the package, mixed into a small amount of nuts or added to yogurt. Look for versions without excessive added sugar.

Tart cherries contain antioxidants and naturally occurring melatonin. They may support sleep and are relatively calorie-dense when dried. A small portion is preferable to eating directly from the bag.

For convenience, divide dried tart cherries into small containers or snack bags after buying them. This makes portion control easier and lets you simply grab one when you’re hungry, rather than measuring food at bedtime.

8. Kiwi

Fresh kiwi is an excellent ready-to-eat option when you want something light, juicy and naturally sweet. You can eat it with a spoon after cutting it in half or peel and slice several fruits in advance.

An average kiwi has about 50 calories, vitamins C, E and K, folate, potassium and fiber. Its sweet-tart flavor can also help satisfy dessert cravings.

Keep several kiwis in the fridge once they’re ripe, so they’re ready when you feel like snacking on something filling and healthy late at night. Because they require little preparation and aren’t especially calorie-dense, they’re an easy choice when you want something refreshing rather than heavy before bed.

Snack the Healthy Way Late at Night

These nighttime snacks are simple and have high nutritional value, but enjoy them in moderation. Overindulging, even in the healthiest of foods, can disrupt your sleep and cause digestive discomfort. Keep the portion to a minimum to satisfy your hunger and hit the sack without indigestion.