Sweet or savory, late-night bites are always a hoot – especially when you are looking for something to satiate those hunger pangs after a night of bar hopping. With the COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end, we are all looking for ways to reboot life, get out, and party this summer like never before.

Of course, what better way to do it than plan the perfect night out with friends? However, if you are a foodie and love to munch on delicious snacks as much as we do, you would definitely agree that the best way to call it a night is with your favorite snacks in hand. If you’ve had a couple of drinks, eating a light snack before bed may also help with a hangover the next day.

However, while no one can deny the joy of midnight snacking, it is also important to keep an eye on what you are eating. Instead of raiding the kitchen for leftovers or calling your favorite fast food place, why not try something that’s not only mouthwatering but also healthy?

You don’t want to fill your plate with empty calories. Instead, turn your late-night cravings into an opportunity to include healthy foods in your diet and stay in shape. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some comfort food ideas to satisfy your late-night cravings after a night of bar hopping.

6 Comfort Food Ideas for Late-Night Snacking   

If those late-night cravings have got you tossing and turning in bed, we have some good news for you: There are several healthy comfort foods that you can try. They are quick and easy to make, so you can try them even after a night out. Read on to check out our top picks.

1. Popcorns

When you are in the mood for a light snack to quell a craving, popcorns should be on the top of your list. Salty and addictively crispy, it is the perfect snack for late nights as they are high in fiber and relatively low in calories.

With only 31 calories per cup, air-popped popcorns are much healthier than a pack of chips or cookies. So, if you are really into healthy snacking, consider investing in an air popper that uses nothing air to pop the corn kernels. Whether you are ready to call it a night or looking to party till the wee hours, popcorns make the perfect midnight snack!    

2. Hummus & Whole Grain Crackers  

Featuring chickpeas as the star ingredient, hummus can keep you full. You can finally quiet down that rumbling stomach by using hummus as a yummy dip for whole-grain crackers. Whole grains are also packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and B vitamins.

Furthermore, they are low-calorie, which means you can munch through a pack of whole-grain crackers even if you count the calories with every bite.

If you want to add a bit of variety to your late-night snacking, try bringing in some of your favorite veggies. Hummus dip works well with raw veggies, like carrots and zucchini. It is a quick and easy way to enjoy late-night meals after a night out without going on a guilt trip!

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are crunchy and salty. But did you know they are also the perfect snack to put you to sleep? According to American Sleep Association, pumpkin seeds make the list of the top 10 foods that can help you sleep better at night. The good news is that there is no prep time. All you have to do is reach out for the pack of seeds and enjoy!

While the seeds may be small in size, they are packed with magnesium and tryptophan. Both these nutrients work to boost serotonin levels in the body, helping you unwind after a long day and drift off into a peaceful sleep.

You can get organic pumpkin seeds or try roasted pumpkin seeds for your midnight cravings. If you are particularly fond of nuts and seeds, you will be glad to know that flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are all not only delicious but will also help you sleep better.

4. Eggs

Eggs are generally the go-to item for breakfast to start your day on the right foot. However, did you know that they are just as good for those late-night cravings? Filled with protein and full of tryptophan, eggs can also help you sleepy. They are also high in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

The truth is, regardless of the time of the day, eggs are among the healthiest foods you can eat. They are also weight-loss friendly, so if you are trying to lose those extra pounds and get the perfect summer body goals without compromising on late-night cravings, boil an egg or two and enjoy it with your favorite seasoning.     

5. Cheese & Crackers

If you are looking for a quick fix for late-night hunger pangs, try pairing up cheese and crackers. The combo is divine! We have already seen why crackers make the perfect choice for an after hour snack. Now let’s talk about cheese. You may find it surprising, but cheese is actually sleep-friendly. Meaning it can help you fall asleep at night without making you feel too full or bloated.

That’s because our all-time favorite cheese is loaded with tryptophan and melatonin. Both these nutrients work to alleviate your mood, help you relax, and doze off into a sound and peaceful sleep – that’s just what you need after a fun-filled night. To take this snack to the next level, try adding apple slices into the mix to enjoy a burst of flavors.      

6. Veggie Chips

Chips are one of those things that we can eat for hours without blinking. However, sleeping right after consuming all that fat and salt in the wee hours can leave you feeling bloated the next day. It can also diminish the quality of sleep, making you feel drowsy the next day. Plus, let’s not forget all those extra calories.

Not to worry –we have the perfect solution to this problem: Veggie Chips!

Veggie chips are just as crispy, crunchy, and tasty. The only difference is that they are much healthier as compared to the standard potato chips. There are numerous options that you can try, such as beet chips or even sweet potato chips. But our favorite veggie chips for late-night munching are none other than zucchini chips.

The Bottom Line

Keep in mind is that moderation is the key when it comes to snacking. No matter how nutritious a snack may be, it won’t do you any good in the long run if you don’t have it in moderation. So, the next time you get home late and find yourself craving a yummy snack, make the right choice even in those wee hours and stick to these healthy comfort foods to satiate your cravings the right way.