The Healthy Snacks To Have In Your Pantry For Late-Night Munchies

Whether you're heading home after a long night out, trying to fall asleep after 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 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.

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.

Whole Foods Market Organic Hummus

Good news for hummus lovers: Chickpeas are a great source of tryptophan, the amino acid that makes you sleepy.

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 but feel a little heartburn-inducing for just before bed, try this stomach-friendly 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 another source of tryptophan. 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.

365 Everyday Value Chopped Walnuts

Walnuts are another surprising source of tryptophan; these come chopped so you can add them to your yogurt or cottage cheese.

from refinery29