Maybe you ate dinner early or you just stayed up late and now you’re hungry again. We’ve all been there, in the wee hours, kneeling at the bright glow of the fridge like a moth to the flame and in search of something to satisfy those cravings. Whether you’re rummaging around looking for a snack to go with Netflix or because you just woke up with the munchies, it can be hard to know what you should be reaching for. Luckily, we have 16 tips to help you choose the best thing to snack on when you’re starving at night!

#1 The Myth of Eating Before Bed

If you go to bed hungry, you won’t sleep, which is probably worse. So don’t freak out if you’re stomach is rumbling and you heard it’s bad for you to snack late at night. If, however, you’re always starving before bed, it might be the case that you’re not eating enough throughout the day.

#2 Dark Chocolate

Lots of us reach for chocolate when we want a quick and easy snack, even if it’s pretty unhealthy. But not all chocolate is created equal. Cacao-rich dark chocolate lacks a high added sugar content and instead provides an antioxidant punch, so don’t feel guilty with a square or two.

Photo: Organic Facts

#3 Homemade Ice Cream

Another classic late-night treat that can actually be good for you is ice cream! Make your own with mashed frozen bananas and a cup of strawberries. Blend the fruity mix and stick it in the freezer for when the munchies strike!

#4 Steer Clear of Fatty, Spicy, Sugary and Caffeinated Foods

A midnight snack shouldn’t mess up your diet or negatively affect your sleep. So avoid these!

Photo: Giphy

#5 Ginger Tea

Caffeine-free herbal varieties of tea create a cosy nighttime routine and won’t affect your sleep. Ginger is a good choice as it’s a digestive aid too. Swap the customary digestive biscuits with your beverage for dried fruit, like dates.

Photo: Big Stock Photo

#6 Know What You’re Eating

A good nighttime snack should be around 200 calories and contain both complex carbs and protein. This way you’ll be full but not stuffed!

Photo: Giphy

#7 Pistachios

Nuts are a good choice because of their unique and satisfying nutritional package. Pistachios in the shell are a clever snack because the tedious shelling process slows down how fast you can eat them, meaning you consume less.

#8 Popcorn

At only 30 calories a cup, air-popped popcorn is an ideal late-night TV watching snack food. Dust with cinnamon or paprika for a flavour boost.

Photo: Simply Recipes

#9 Pumpkin Seeds

Satisfy a rumbly tummy and unwind at the same time with these magnesium packed seeds. The essential mineral is a relaxant and the slight saltiness of roasted pumpkin seeds will also curb any salty-snack cravings.

Photo: North Carolina Charm

#10 Frozen Blueberries

Frozen blueberries are easy, refreshing and jam full of high-powered antioxidants.

Photo: Healthy Food House

#11 Greek Yogurt

It’s high protein, low in sugar, and can really fill you up. Mix in your own fruit, like sliced papaya or avocados, or use it to make a delicious dip.

Photo: Giphy

#12 Warm Milk and Honey

You might remember your granny telling you about this little trick. Warm milk might already be a tried & tested sleep aid for many people, but adding a spoon of honey really takes this simple snack to the next level.

#13 A Homemade Cup Of Soup

Easy on your digestive system, warm liquids are inherently calming. Choose easy to digest recipes like butternut squash and just make up a batch that you can use throughout the week.

Photo: Giphy

#14 High-Fiber Cereal and Milk

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a little breakfast bowl at midnight, as long as you use a healthy cereal and low fat milk. And hey, if it’s good enough for Ryan Gosling, it’s good enough for us!

Photo: Vine/Giphy

#15 Crispbread

Whip up simple toppings like crushed avocado or a hard-boiled egg to make a very nutritious, filling and healthy snack.  

#16 Banana With Peanut Butter

Does it get any more simple? Or tasty? Nope. Win win!

Photo: The Wannabe Chef