It’s 11:30pm, and you’ve just returned to your room after a jam packed day followed by a long night of hard work. You’re tired, your body feels dull, and you’re craving...a reward. A taste of happiness to shake things up before you crash for the night. You need a bedtime snack.

But where should you turn?

Here are some ideas:

1. Peanut Butter

Izzi Clark

Peanut butter is the ultimate go-to. Not only is it high in protein, which will leave you feeling super satisfied, but it’s also absolutely delicious and totally hits the spot. Creamy, crunchy, or just plain buttery - the choice is yours.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can forgo the traditional Skippy’s in favor of some natural brands, which can be found in your local supermarket. They range according to thickness with Smucker’s is my favorite, but Justin’s, Brad’s, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s can work too (just take look at the ingredients and make sure there is no added sugar or oil).

Once you have your ideal peanut butter, you can spread it on fruit or a rice cake. But of course, peanut butter doesn't always need a buddy - a simple plain SPOON of it will never fail. Regardless of brand, health, or style, for a bedtime snack, all you need is to whip out a spoon and indulge. Your tastebuds will thank you.

2. A SPOONful of Ice Cream

dairy product, cream, mango, ice cream
Sam Jesner

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream...unless it’s late at night. Then we just enthusiastically whisper. Ice cream is objectively delicious. It’s even more delicious late at night.

Ice cream can help your body cool down during the summer before getting under those covers, and it’s still great in the winter too. Just pick your flavor and stock up. And if you’re watching your health, you go for some fro-yo or lighter brands like Halo Top (the oatmeal cookie flavor is my favorite) or Enlightened.

But be careful - like peanut butter, while delicious, too much ice cream might make you feel sick and could hurt your sleep. The best way to make sure you don’t keep returning to that tub is to take one spoonful, put it back in the freezer, and then put away that spoon. Until tomorrow.

3. Fruit

mango, mangos, mangoes, tropical fruit, Fruit, fruits
Jocelyn Hsu

Feeling like you need just a little something to sweeten up? Fruit is great for a light bite to sensationalize your taste buds without too much commitment. I’ve found that fun fruits like cherries and berries work really well before bed. And mango, one of the greatest fruits ever, works at any time of day!

In fact, certain fruits like cherries, grapes, bananas, apples, and passion fruit have been shown to help produce sleep-inducing melatonin and relax you for a sound sleep!

4. Popcorn

popcorn, corn, cereal, kettle corn, salt, sweet
Sara Carte

Feeling like you need just a little something salty? Popcorn definitely hits the spot! Butter, kettle, or simply garnished with a dash of salt, this fun snack will hit the salty spot. Whether you buy a bag, microwave a kit, or pop it fresh yourself, it won’t disappoint.

5. Tea

tea, oil, jam
Jocelyn Hsu

There’s nothing more soothing than a cup of tea before bed. I love chamomile at night - make sure that the flavor you pick isn’t too caffeinated (green tea typically is). Pair it with fruit and a book to feel extra zen!

I hope you found some inspiration to satisfy those munchies at night! Nosh well!