Regardless of what diet regime you follow, whether paleo or keto, there are going to be nights when you suddenly crave a midnight snack and can’t sleep unless you have one. That might not be something you wanted to hear. Especially when observing keto, which limits daily macros and food choices, it can be a challenge to navigate late-night hunger pangs. 

But it’s not impossible. There are plenty of low-carb and delicious keto snacks that can help satisfy your cravings no matter how late they hit.

Why Choose Keto-Friendly Late Night Snacks?

When hunger hits you in the wee hours of the night, it’s easy to make the mistake of grabbing whatever snack available. More often than not, that’s the bag of chips you’ve been hiding on your kitchen counter or takeout from the nearest fast food chain. But all these are no-nos when observing keto. 

Even when snacking late at night, you need to be strict with what you eat to meet your macros and stay in ketosis. But it’s not just about staying on track with your weight loss goals. 

Keto snacks, especially when consumed late at night, can help prevent you from consuming excess carbohydrates and spiking your blood sugar before bed, which can negatively impact your sleep quality. According to research, eating large amounts of carbohydrates less than an hour before bedtime can significantly extend the time it takes to fall asleep. 

Key Ingredients to Look For in a Keto Late Night Snack

Since common midnight snacks like chips or crackers are off the table, you might be wondering now what exactly you can have on nights when hunger strikes. Easy — nutritionists suggest focusing on eating snacks that are high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Key ingredients include: 

• Healthy fats like cheese or avocado 
• Protein sources like nuts, seeds, eggs, chicharrones or lean meat 
• Low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, celery, or cucumber 

Quick and Easy Keto Snacks for Late Night Cravings

For late-night cravings that won’t budge no matter how hard you try to ignore them, these quick and easy keto snacks can save you from binge-eating unhealthy, high-carb foods. 

Cheese-Based Snacks for a Filling Treat

Cheese is a good option for late-night snacking. High in protein and healthy fats, eating cheese can help your body build cell structures that keep you full and suppress your appetite. 

The best cheeses to snack on while on keto are cheddar cheese, gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese. Eat them as is or enjoy them in the form of cheese sticks or crisps! 

Nuts and Seeds: Keto Staples for Late Night

Ask any keto expert or dieter and they’ll tell you that nuts and seeds are staples in their keto diet regime. Often consumed as snacks, they provide a satisfying crunch like pork rinds and flavor that can fill you up and provide your body with a source of healthy fats. 

Having a stock of almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds in your pantry can go a long way in helping you curb late-night cravings. 

Keto-Friendly Desserts for a Sweet Tooth

If your sweet tooth is acting up late at night, keto desserts are what you need. Contrary to popular belief, keto dieters can definitely indulge in sweet treats — as long as they know how to substitute high-carb sugar for keto-approved sweeteners. 

Monk fruit or stevia are common sugar-free sweeteners often used in the keto diet. Use them to flavor chia seed pudding, keto cookies, or chocolate bars and satisfy sweet cravings. 

Veggies and Dip for a Light, Low-Calorie Option

Easy, refreshing, and incredibly healthy, you’ll be remiss not to try veggies paired with a keto-friendly dip when you’re craving a bite at midnight. Veggie sticks are high in fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A, E, and C, which support overall health and the maintenance of body systems. 

Seasoned keto dieters swear by the following veggie and dip combinations: 

• Cucumber and ranch
• Zucchini and hummus
• Bell pepper and guacamole
• Radishes and sour cream

Store-Bought Keto Snacks for Convenience

Keto snacks are best prepared in advance and stored in your fridge for nights when you need a bite before bed. But sometimes, it’s also good to have a stock of store-bought keto snacks for grab-and-go convenience. 

Luckily, there are plenty of options now available in local grocery stores. Grab some cheese crisps, keto-friendly protein bars, or nut mixes, and keep them in your pantry for late-night emergencies. 

Tips for Keeping Your Late Night Snacks Keto-Friendly

Late-night snacking can be a risky endeavor on keto if you’re not careful of what and how much you consume. To keep your snacks conducive to your keto diet, keep these in mind: 

• Read the label: When stocking up on pre-packed or store-bought keto snacks, always check the label and read through the ingredients list carefully. Avoid snacks that contain hidden carbs or added sugars. 
• Prepare your own snacks in advance: Keto experts always recommend preparing your own snacks so you can control the ingredients and portions. If you can, make it a habit to prepare your snacks in advance and store them in your fridge for later. 
• Control your portions: It’s easy to consume snacks in large quantities, which can end up skewing your diet goals. Even low-carb snacks can add up quickly, so make sure to manage your portions. 
• Balance your macros: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that keto snacks don’t play into your daily macros. Even the snacks you eat late at night should be accounted for to maintain your ratios and keep your body in a state of ketosis. 

Making Late Night Keto Snacks Part of Your Routine

You never know when hunger is going to strike. But most of the time, it chooses the wee hours of the night to hit. While late-night cravings are often spontaneous, planning ahead will help you stay on track with your keto diet. 

As with any other keto meal, plan your late-night keto snacks through meal prepping or stocking up on pre-packed keto options. This will go a long way in curbing your late-night cravings while helping you stick to your goals.