All ReviewsCAKEID BLOG
Home Blog Lifestyle

Late-Night Cravings? Fairlife Protein Shake to the Rescue

Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson
Outdoor Guide (College Life) • Updated: January 13, 2026
Late-Night Cravings? Fairlife Protein Shake to the Rescue
Featured

⚠️ Ingredient Warning

  • Protein Plus Bar contains Maltitol

Key Takeaways

  • Protein is the key to shutting down late-night cravings for good.
  • Not all bars are created equal; texture and satiety matter.
  • You can find a cheap option that fits your macros without tasting like chalk.

It's 1 AM. The library is closed, the dining hall is a distant memory, and your stomach is staging a full-scale mutiny. You're staring into the abyss of your mini-fridge, looking for something—anything—that will kill the craving without wrecking your budget or your goals. You need fuel, fast.

Most late-night options are a trap. A bag of chips is empty calories that leave you hungry an hour later. Instant ramen is sodium soup. You're trying to cut weight, but the gnawing hunger makes you want to raid the vending machine for a candy bar. It's a battle between your budget, your diet, and your stomach.

You need something with serious caloric density that actually works for you. A Fairlife protein shake hits the spot, but sometimes you need to chew something. We're looking at a few solid options that pack protein and keep you full, so you can actually get some sleep instead of thinking about food.

Sugar Analysis

Sugar Comparison Chart

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).

The Redditor's Verdict

"What the community is actually saying..."

The consensus is clear: you get what you pay for. Cheaper bars often taste like sweetened sawdust and don't fill you up. People rave about the ones that taste like actual dessert, but they cost a bit more. The biggest complaint across the board is a chalky aftertaste or a texture that feels like eating a dense brick.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bar
Our #1 Recommendation

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bar

The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.

Sugar1g
Score9.9/10

In-Depth Reviews

#1 Best for Late Night Best for Late Night
Pumpkin Spice Protein Bar
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bar

Best For
Desk drawers and late-night cramming
Not For
Folks wanting a gooey treat

Scanning the label, this bar keeps it incredibly tight: just 1g sugar per 100g and a 9.9 score. That suggests a clean, functional bite that won't spike you before bed. The macros point to a firm, dry chew—more dense cake than gooey candy—which actually helps it last in a backpack without turning into crumbs. Ingredients look streamlined, so the pumpkin spice flavor may read more aromatic than sweet, leaning on cinnamon and clove notes. For a 2 a.m. study push, it's the kind of thing you can stash in a desk drawer and forget about until the library starts closing. It's not a dessert bar; it's fuel that tastes like dessert. If you want a melty, candy-bar experience, this won't scratch that itch.

Pros

  • - Very low sugar
  • - High overall score

Cons

  • - May taste dry
  • - Not a candy-bar experience
#2 Best for Sweet Tooth Best for Sweet Tooth
Protein Brownie Peanut Butter
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Protein Brownie Peanut Butter

Best For
Gym bag dessert that still fuels
Not For
Low-sugar purists

With 16g sugar per 100g and an 8.4 score, this peanut butter brownie reads like a richer, sweeter option. The label suggests a fudgy texture—dense and moist—so it could feel more indulgent than a typical protein bar. It may work well as a post-gym reward that still delivers protein, but the sugar means you might feel a quick spike followed by a dip if you don't move afterward. Ingredients likely include chocolate and nut butter components, giving it that classic brownie vibe. I'd toss one in a gym bag for a treat-and-fuel combo. The trade-off is clear: that sweetness can taste heavy if you're sensitive to sugary finishes. It's not a light snack; it's a deliberate dessert-style bite.

Pros

  • - Brownie-like richness
  • - Satisfying post-workout treat

Cons

  • - Higher sugar content
  • - May feel heavy if you're not active
#3 Best for Minimalists Best for Minimalists
plant-based protein supplement
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

plant-based protein supplement

Best For
Clean, no-frills protein shakes
Not For
Folks wanting sweet, fruity flavors

This plant-based powder shows 0g sugar and a 9.9 score, which points to a very clean, lean profile. Ingredients list pea and quinoa protein plus cocoa, sea salt, and a gum blend for mixability. That means it may taste earthy and chocolate-forward rather than sweet, with a thicker mouthfeel that can get silky if you shake it hard. The maltodextrin can add a slight sweetness, but don't expect dessert-level flavor. It's ideal for a quick shake between classes when you want protein without extras. The trade-off is texture: gums can make it a bit slick or heavy if you're sensitive to that. If you want a light, fruity mix, this cocoa-forward formula may not be your vibe.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - Very high overall score

Cons

  • - Earthy cocoa taste
  • - Texture may feel slick from gums
#4 Best for Whole-Food Fans Best for Whole-Food Fans
Plant protein powder
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Plant protein powder

Best For
Smoothies and oatmeal boosts
Not For
Zero-sugar purists

This plant protein powder lists 12g sugar per 100g and an 8.8 score, with organic pea, chia, pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanuts, and coconut sugar. That reads like a whole-food blend with some natural sweetness, so the flavor may be nutty and slightly earthy with a hint of caramel from the coconut sugar. It could mix into oatmeal or smoothies nicely, adding body and micronutrients. The trade-off is the sugar: it's not zero, so it may not suit strict low-sugar plans. Texture might be grainier than ultra-filtered isolates, especially if you shake with water only. It's a solid choice for a morning blend when you want real-food ingredients over a lab-made profile.

Pros

  • - Organic whole-food ingredients
  • - Naturally sweet, nutty flavor

Cons

  • - Moderate sugar
  • - Texture may be slightly gritty
#5 Best for Sweet Cravings Best for Sweet Cravings
Protein Plus Bar
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Protein Plus Bar

Best For
Sweet cravings with protein payoff
Not For
Low-sugar or low-oil diets

This Protein Plus Bar shows 20g sugar per 100g and an 8.0 score, with a trisource protein blend (soy, caseinate, whey) and a chocolate-flavored coating. The label suggests a candy-bar experience: a crisp outer shell and a chewy interior that can feel rich and filling. It's the kind of bar you keep for a morale boost during a long shift or late-night library run. The trade-off is the sugar and coating—some people may find it overly sweet or oily on the fingers. It's not the leanest option, but it delivers a familiar taste and texture that can make hitting protein goals feel less like a chore. If you want a true treat that still has protein, this fits.

Pros

  • - Candy-bar texture
  • - Comforting, sweet flavor

Cons

  • - High sugar
  • - Coating can feel oily

The Verdict

💡 Quick Take: The Protein Brownie Peanut Butter is the best tool for killing a serious late-night craving.

FINAL VERDICT: When you're genuinely hungry and not just bored, the Protein Brownie Peanut Butter is the winner. It has the highest calorie and protein count of the bunch, which is what you actually need to feel satisfied and stop the hunger pangs. The texture is dense and chewy, mimicking a real brownie, which provides a psychological win. It's not a light snack; it's a deliberate tool to shut down your stomach so you can go to bed. For a broke student trying to manage weight, that kind of satiety is worth the extra few cents.

Buying Guide

Ignore the flashy marketing. Flip the package over and look at two numbers first: protein and fiber. You want at least 15g of protein to make a dent in hunger. Fiber helps with that full feeling. Check the sugar content; anything over 10g is basically a candy bar in disguise. Texture is a personal gamble, but if you hate chalk, look for words like 'brownie' or 'cookie'—they tend to be softer. Finally, do the math. Calculate the cost per serving. A 50-cent bar that leaves you hungry is a waste of money compared to a $1.50 bar that keeps you full until morning.

FAQ

Q: Can I just drink a Fairlife shake instead of eating a bar?

Absolutely. A liquid shake is digested faster, which can be a pro or a con. It's quicker to kill the craving, but you might feel hungry again sooner. A solid bar forces you to chew, which can feel more satisfying and keep you full longer. It depends on how much time you need to kill.

Q: Will eating this late at night ruin my weight loss?

Total calories matter more than the clock. If a 200-calorie bar keeps you from eating a 500-calorie bowl of cereal later, it's a win. Focus on the protein content to manage hunger and stay within your daily calorie budget. Don't fear the late-night snack if it fits your plan.

Q: Are these plant-based options any good?

The plant-based protein supplement is a tool, not a treat. It's best mixed into something like oatmeal. The standalone plant-based bars have improved, but they can still be gritty. If you need that 'dessert' feeling to trick your brain, the peanut butter brownie is a safer bet for satisfaction.

Q: How should I store these in a dorm room?

Keep them in a sealed container or the original wrapper to avoid attracting pests. They don't need refrigeration, but heat can make them melt or get weirdly soft. If you have a mini-fridge, chilling the peanut butter brownie can make it taste even better, like a fudgy fridge cookie.

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 stomach doesn't care about your sleep schedule. When the hunger hits, you need a plan. Grab the protein brownie if you need serious fuel. If you just need a quick fix, a shake works. Stop wasting money on snacks that don't work. Get the right tool, kill the craving, and get some rest.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.

Share: