Late Night Snacking Without the Regret

Key Takeaways
- Protein and fiber are your best friends for satiety and stable energy.
- Avoid high sugar content before bed to prevent energy crashes.
- A savory crunch can satisfy cravings without the bloat of fried chips.
- Portion control is easier with pre-packaged snacks.
It's 11 PM. The credits are rolling on that show you binged, and a hollow feeling hits your stomach. Not quite hunger, but a need for something. You wander to the kitchen, staring into the abyss of the pantry. The usual suspects are there: salty chips, sugary cookies. Things that feel like a betrayal of your morning goals.
The real enemy isn't the snack itself; it's the combo of sugar and salt that can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling puffy. You want the comfort of a late-night ritual, but you hate that sluggish, bloated feeling the next day. It's a battle between instant gratification and future you.
I hit Costco with a mission: find snacks that scratch the itch without the baggage. We're looking for high protein, satisfying crunch, or low sugar options that support a decent night's rest and a better morning.
Sugar Analysis

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).
The Redditor's Verdict
"What the community is actually saying..."
The consensus is clear: convenience is king, but health is the queen. Shoppers love the Bada Bean Bada Boom for their high protein and crunch, calling them a 'guilt-free' replacement for chips. The pea snacks are a close second for being savory and light. The fruit snacks, while nostalgic, are often flagged for their high sugar content, making them a 'sometimes' treat rather than a daily staple.

Gushers Fruit Flavored Snacks
The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.
In-Depth Reviews
Gushers Fruit Flavored Snacks
These Gushers Fruit Flavored Snacks are that classic chewy, burst-in-your-mouth texture that feels like pure nostalgia. With 43g of sugar per 100g, they are undeniably sweet, which can be a lifesaver during a mid-afternoon slump when you need a quick mood lift. I can see tossing a pack in your gym bag for a fast energy hit before a workout. The texture is soft and easy to eat on the go, but the high sugar content means you might feel a crash later. They're fun, but definitely a sometimes treat.
Pros
- - Chewy, nostalgic texture
- - Easy to eat on the go
Cons
- - Very high sugar content
- - May cause energy crash
Cheese flavored snacks
These Cheese Flavored Snacks look like a solid choice for a savory, crunchy fix. With a stellar score of 9.9 and zero sugar, they seem perfect for anyone trying to cut back on sweets. The ingredient list starts with enriched corn meal, suggesting a classic chip-like texture, though the blend of vegetable oils means they could be a bit oily to the touch. I'd probably stash these in my desk drawer for those 3 PM snack attacks when I want something salty without the sugar. The trade-off is likely the sodium content, which isn't listed but is common in cheese snacks.
Pros
- - Zero sugar per serving
- - High overall product score
Cons
- - Likely high in sodium
- - May be oily to handle
Baked Green Pea Snacks Lightly Salted
The Baked Green Pea Snacks offer a surprisingly simple ingredient list: green peas, canola oil, and a bit of salt. With only 1g of sugar and a 9.9 score, they feel like a responsible choice for a light, savory crunch. The baked method suggests they aren't greasy, making them a clean option to toss into a tote bag for a beach day without worrying about messy fingers. While they provide a good protein punch from the peas, the 'not a low sodium food' warning is a real heads-up, so you'll want to watch your intake for the rest of the day.
Pros
- - Simple, recognizable ingredients
- - Baked, not fried
Cons
- - Not a low sodium food
- - Texture might be dry for some
Fruit Flavored Snacks Mixed Berry
These Fruit Flavored Snacks in Mixed Berry are packed with 68g of sugar per 100g, making them the sweetest option in this lineup. The use of organic rice syrup and cane sugar gives them a sticky, chewy consistency that can be really satisfying when you need a fast energy spike. I imagine these being perfect for a quick bite right before a long drive or a run, where the sugar can actually be beneficial. However, the sugar level is intense, so they might be too sweet for some palates and definitely shouldn't be an everyday snack.
Pros
- - Uses organic ingredients
- - Provides quick energy
Cons
- - Extremely high sugar
- - May be overly sweet
Bada bean bada boom crunchy broad beans snacks
Bada Bean Bada Boom crunchy broad beans offer a bold, savory kick. The wasabi powder ingredient suggests a spicy, sinus-clearing heat that pairs well with the crunch of the fava beans. With only 3g of sugar and a 9.7 score, these are a nutrient-dense option that feels substantial. I'd keep a bag in the car for a long road trip, as the protein and crunch help keep you full and alert. The trade-off is definitely the texture; broad beans are much harder than a typical chip, so they might be too tough if you have sensitive teeth.
Pros
- - High protein and fiber
- - Bold, spicy flavor
Cons
- - Very hard/crunchy texture
- - Spice level may be too intense
The Verdict
FINAL VERDICT: The Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans are the clear winner for a utility-focused late-night snack. They deliver a robust, satisfying crunch that rivals any potato chip, but they back it up with a serious protein punch from the broad beans. This combination of protein and fiber is exactly what your body needs to feel satiated without the sugar spike that can disrupt deep sleep. The lightly salted flavor profile is savory enough to kill a craving but not so heavy that you feel bloated. It's the only option in this lineup that feels like a legitimate food choice rather than a candy compromise.
Buying Guide
When navigating the snack aisle, flip the package immediately. Ignore the front marketing and scan the nutrition panel. For late-night eating, your primary metric is sugar content; aim for under 5 grams per serving. Next, check the protein count. A snack with 5+ grams of protein will keep you fuller longer. Finally, look at the ingredient list. Shorter is generally better. You want recognizable ingredients, not a chemistry experiment. The Bada Bean and the Baked Pea snacks pass this test with flying colors.
FAQ
Q: How much is a reasonable portion for a late-night snack?
Stick to a single serving size listed on the package. It's easy to mindlessly eat from a large bag, so pour a portion into a bowl. This helps your brain register that you've eaten and prevents overconsumption right before bed.
Q: Who should be cautious with these specific snacks?
If you have a nut or legume allergy, the Bada Bean snacks are obviously off-limits. Those sensitive to sodium should also be mindful of the savory options. Always check the allergen warning on the specific package you buy.
Q: What's the best way to store these after opening?
For the crunchy snacks like Bada Bean and the pea crisps, air is the enemy. Transfer any uneaten portion to a resealable bag or an airtight container to maintain their texture. The fruit snacks should be sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can these really help with weight management goals?
They can be a helpful tool. Choosing a high-protein, high-fiber snack over a sugary one can prevent late-night hunger pangs and may lead to better overall calorie management. However, they are part of a larger picture that includes your overall diet and activity level.
How We Review & Trust
Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.
Your late-night snack doesn't have to be a source of guilt. By choosing options that prioritize protein and flavor over sugar, you can satisfy that craving and wake up feeling ready to go. The Bada Bean Bada Boom is my top pick, but the baked pea snacks are a solid runner-up. Your pantry is a tool; stock it wisely.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.
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