10 Healthy & Delicious Late Night Snack Ideas

The struggle is SO REAL when you're cozy on the couch, relaxing and watching TV and you're hungry. At 10 pm. Already had dinner and can't believe that you're actually hungry... That's me a LOT of the time and I know I'm not alone! Eating at night isn't necessarily as bad as you may think - or it doesn't have to be anyway. I know all too well that to eat healthily, you have to find something you REALLY enjoy that'll keep you from going to all of those heavy, carb-filled leftovers you have in your fridge, or that big bowl of ice cream that is calling your name. These are the best late night snack ideas I've tried and have regularly, but also ones you can go to during the day to stay healthier too! For me, the key is eating in moderation and not totally depriving yourself, but when you do indulge, find ways to make it not so bad. Here's my top 10 go-to snacks for when I'm craving something delicious late at night!

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

This is one of those classic snacks that most people know and love, but I had to include it here! It's delicious and I can never pass up peanut butter, lol! You could even make this your dessert and add some dark chocolate chips or granola bites on top.

2. Avocado Toast

As basic as basic gets, but I couldn't ever turn down avocado toast. Best breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack EVER and it only gets better when you add some Everything but the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's (also available on Amazon - get it here! Some Trader Joes' stores don't carry it!) on top. Put a slice or two of your favorite sliced bread into the toaster (or even whole wheat crackers!) and you're good to go! I love 7-grain bread especially; it's light and fairly healthy.

3. Whipped Cream with Berries

Low carb, check. Lots of fruit, check. Virtually no prep or cook time, check! Fat free Reddi-Wip whipped cream is quite literally NOTHING! 10 calories in two tablespoons and is the perfect substitute for ice cream or to satisfy that sweet tooth. I love replacing the ice cream that I'm really craving with whipped cream, it's so much lighter too on your stomach! Any type of berry goes perfectly with whipped cream so you can pick what's seasonal or your favorites; I love mixing it up between strawberries, blueberries and raspberries!

4. Popcorn

Put the chips back and find a flavor of popcorn you love - the difference in calories/fat is HUGE! It'll satisfy that salty craving in a healthier way and there's so many flavors and choices to pick from. My very favorite is the Boom Chicka Pop Real Butter Popcorn - when I tell you it tastes JUST like movie theater popcorn... OMG. It's amazing!

5. Pretzels with Dark Chocolate Chips

These hollow pretzel bites are everything! They're healthier since they're hollow and just so tasty! I love dark chocolate and always have some in the house rather than regular chocolate just because it's healthier, and since I love a good mix of sweet and salty this is the most delicious combo ever, and probably my most frequent late night snack. ;)

6. JIF Poppers

I just came across these in the grocery store about a week ago and I think I'm addicted. I'm one of those people who LOVES peanut butter of all types so, so very much! Hah! They come in Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and both have peanut butter covered popcorn bites, and either peanut butter covered pretzels or chocolate covered pretzels depending on which flavor you get. Both are equally as delicious, and while these are probably the least healthy snack on my list here, they still aren't bad for you and in moderation there really is no issue! I'll have a small handful whenever I want something sweet and salty - it's the perfect combo - especially during the day while I'm working or at night after dinner.

7. Carrots with Dill Veggie Dip

This is VERY healthy and the Dill Dip is so incredibly easy to make! Simply mix Greek yogurt (about a cup) with mayo (about 1/4 cup - I eye both), then add in parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder and fresh dill all to taste. I dip carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, etc. in it and always have some made because it's simple and delicious and goes so well with so many things! I also love that it's something you can make with ingredients you already likely have in your kitchen. Veggies are filling and add in this dill dip and you'll be good to go! It's also a great party food if you're looking for something new to try out!

8. Healthy Chocolate Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are one of my top 10 favorite foods of all time, ever. I never feel all that bad when enjoying them because I rationalize that it's fruit with just a little chocolate (LOL) but now that I've found a legitimate healthy way to enjoy something I love, there's no going back! This Hershey Whipped Cream is fairly new (also try out the Reeses one!) and it is so. freaking. good. It tastes so much like a Hershey bar and it's delicious alone, on any dessert, or on strawberries! There's only 10 calories in two tablespoons which blows my mind and it's a great way to enjoy a dessert in a healthier way.

9. Peanut Butter Banana Bites with Granola

Noticing a trend here with all of the fruit?! There's so many ways to make fruit into a more filling, more satisfying snack while still staying healthy. Similar to these banana bites, there's so many other fun things to do with bananas - cover slices in dark chocolate and freeze them, put slices onto bread and add peanut butter - the list goes on! I actually love this for breakfast too, it's delicious and the perfect flavor combo!

10. Oven Roasted Chickpeas

One of the most simple, delicious, protein-packed snacks EVER. The best part about chickpeas is that you can cook them, eat them plain and put them in almost anything - they add a perfect amount of flavor and you can do so many things with them. I'll add some into my salads, sauté them with some spinach, or put them on a baking sheet and add some garlic powder/salt, pop them in the oven and enjoy them like listed here! They're delicious, SO healthy and everyone loves them! They taste like chips once you bake them (the crispier the better!) and the garlic powder adds that extra flavor that makes them golden and delicious.

What's your favorite thing to snack on when you're hungry at night (or during the day)?! XOXO -A