Sample ramen pizza, alongside other limited-edition items to pick up, or just make your own treats.

Snacks in Japan come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from ever-feuding mushrooms and bamboo shoots to make-your-own sweets, but one that I see fairly often in the hands of little children are packets of Baby Star Ramen. A popular snack made of deep-fried, crunchy, bite-sized pieces of instant noodles, Baby Star Ramen came about in 1959 when the founder of Oyatsu Company realized that the broken noodle fragments left at the bottom of instant noodle production lines could actually be seasoned and packaged up as a snack by themselves.

The Oyatsu Company factory is located in Tsu, Mie, and while factory tours are currently suspended, for those who want to dive into the world of Baby Star, right next door is Oyatsu Town, a theme park offering everything from a giant athletic course to making original Baby Star Ramen, as well as limited-edition food you can only eat there, resulting in an enjoyable experience for child and adult alike.

▼ Sadly, no factory tours are currently available.

Our Japanese-language reporter Natsuno Futon visited the theme park with her kids in tow during Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest periods for travel and day excursions, so upon arriving and noting that same-day entry was limited until after lunch, it wasn’t too unexpected. So, Natsuno’s first recommendation for any future visit is to always reserve your entry tickets in advance, particularly if you plan to go on a weekend or holiday.

Arriving at the entrance, the first thing to welcome Natsuno and her family was a giant Baby Star photo spot, appearing as if Baby Star was flowing like a waterfall, along with a spot where you could get inside a Butamen cup, Oyatsu Company’s line of instant cup noodles, adorned with designs of Hoshio-kun, the Baby Star Ramen mascot.

Peak season entry is 2,500 yen (US$15.70) for adults, whereas it drops down to 2,200 yen during the Regular days, and 1,600 yen for the Value days.

It’s best to check the company website for absolute clarity, but the general rule seems to be Saturday through Monday is Regular, Tuesday through Friday is Value, and national holidays like Golden Week in May and Obon in August are Peak.

▼ Natsuno couldn’t help but take one last look at the factory, as she really enjoys factory tours, but it sadly wasn’t to be.

Stepping inside, Natsuno was greeted with the company’s history spread out on the floor, designed almost like a board game.

It was quite interesting to learn that the name change to Oyatsu Company was an unexpectedly recent development.

▼ Not at all spoken through the pitch-black sunglasses of denial: 1993 is still very recent.

Proceeding further inwards, a giant athletic area appears, teeming with the Golden Week crowd of people.

While as an adult, Natsuno tends to curb her childhood playfulness and instead let her children loose to gallivant through play areas, she couldn’t quite restrain herself from wanting to join in on the fun. Looking around, she could even see many adults playing there quite seriously, so she embraced her inner child and entered the play equipment.

Among them, what was particularly enjoyable was the Hoshio-kun Giant Slide, which gets quite a bit of speed.

▼ They’re even considerate enough to provide wrap-around skirts to make sliding even more speedy.

The Super Giant Butamen-kun Adventure and Giant Jungle Gym are also extremely fun.

Since you walk on the net, the stimulation to the soles of your feet is amazing, nearing the level where you might mistake it for a minor piece of health equipment.

▼ Natsuno is still a child at heart, she promises.

The most popular one, though, is the giant athletic course consisting of three whole floors, which are divided by height; the first floor is for small children, but the second and third floors offer up more of a challenge.

Natsuno ventured up to the third floor together with her children but had to retire halfway through for a very specific reason: her sweaty hands.

It’s a little difficult to see in the image below, but this is a course where you have to move forward while moving around the outside of orange bars that bulge outward.

With hands that get particularly sweaty, Natsuno could just foresee herself slipping off due to them. Yet, because she wanted to show her children an inspirational figure that takes on challenges even in the face of adversity, plus it was too frustrating to just give up, she attempted it a second time and cleared it safely. However, she later heard from her children, “since we were moving ahead of you, we couldn’t see you.” Sad though she was, she still felt a sense of accomplishment, so it wasn’t all bad.

▼ There is even a section of the park dedicated to interactive digital content that kids can have fun with.

Next, the family moved on to the experience of making Baby Star at Hoshio-kun Kitchen, where you can make your very own original Baby Star Ramen.

For an additional 1,000 yen each to the park entrance fee, the children challenged the “My Special Baby Star,” where you can choose your favorite flavor from several types, season it yourself, and then have the staff bake it for you in the oven.

Natsuno had reserved in advance, but there seemed to be sufficient availability that you could even reserve on the day itself.

After completing the ramen, you put stickers on the original container, though her children instead opted to put on only a few, saving the rest for later to add to their sticker collection albums.

The family came away from the experience with the children beaming with happiness and proud faces for their new creations.

However, being hungry, they decided to swing by Baby Star Dining, where you can savor original foods using Baby Star, such as Baby Star Katsu Curry.

Among them all, Natsuno can personally recommend the pizza, particularly the limited-time Pink Butamen Gratin Pizza, being a lot more authentic than expected.

It’s baked in a pizza oven, so you get that classic pizza base texture, and the pink coloring is added via beetroot instead of food coloring.

The appearance certainly has quite the impact, referencing Butamen and its pig mascot, but the taste has no unexpected quirks and is extremely delicious.

▼ The Ramen Pizza was also full of ingredients and highly satisfying.

Of course, you can eat freshly-fried Baby Star Ramen.

At the gift shop Oyatsu Marche, limited-edition products and character goods are lined up, with Natsuno being drawn to all of the Butamen goods. He just has such a charming presence…

Natsuno also discovered Baby Star limited to Oyatsu Town, this time purchasing the Spiny Lobster Flavor (850 yen for a pack of six), and found it to have a very strong shrimp taste, both rich and delicious.

There was also a cute, little steel suitcase-like container that you could stuff your favorite Baby Star flavors into for just 1,700 yen.

Before walking through the doors, Natsuno had assumed she would be entering a facility designed just for children, but she ended up, even as an adult, enjoying it with all her might.

In the end, from their 10:30 a.m. start, they stayed fully until the closing time at 5:00 p.m., staying more than six hours. With the addition of a new area opening in Spring 2027, there will be even more to get lost in, although prospective visitors should take note that the park will be closed from January 12, 2027, to prepare for this new opening.

Whether you visit with kids or not, it’s all but guaranteed you’ll have a great time exploring Oyatsu Town, just remember to book in advance on the weekends and holidays.

Location information
Oyatsu Town / おやつタウン
Address: Mie-ken, Tsu-shi, Mori-cho 1945-11
三重県津市森町1945-11
Open: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Tuesday–Friday), 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Saturdays and Mondays), 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Sundays) However, times can change, so check the website for up-to-date information
Closed: Irregular Days
Website

Photos ©SoraNews24
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If you get hungry before bed, you do not need a perfect snack. You just need one that is small, balanced, and easy to digest. The best healthy late night snacks can take the edge off hunger, support steadier blood sugar, and in some cases may even help with sleep. (2,5)

That does not mean everyone needs to eat before bed. For many people, a bedtime snack is optional. But if you often go to sleep hungry, wake up hungry, or need help avoiding overnight low blood sugar, a small snack may make sense. (2,1)

“Bedtime snacks are not any different than snacking at other times. A nutrient-rich snack containing lean protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates is recommended to help keep you full through the night while keeping blood sugar steady,” says Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian.

Do You Really Need a Bedtime Snack?

Not necessarily.

“Individuals without certain medical conditions such as diabetes generally do not need a snack before bed to stabilize blood sugar overnight, as the body is well equipped to regulate glucose levels during sleep,” says Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian.

However, a bedtime snack might help some people, including those who need to prevent overnight low blood sugar and, in some cases, active people using nighttime nutrition strategically. (1,2)

That is why bedtime snacks are best thought of as helpful for some people, not a must for everyone. Your full eating pattern during the day matters more than one snack at night. (2)

What Makes a Healthy Bedtime Snack?

A healthy bedtime snack usually includes a source of lean protein and fiber-rich carbs. That combination helps you feel fuller for longer and slows the rise of blood glucose. (4,20)

For example, fruit on its own may not keep you full for long. But fruit with nut butter or yogurt is more balanced. Toast alone is less satisfying than toast with cottage cheese or avocado.

Portion size matters too. One review found that a small, nutrient-dense nighttime snack, around 150 calories, may be fine for healthy adults, though this is based on limited research and individual needs vary. Yet still, large meals late at night are more likely to affect sleep and health in a negative way. (2)

If you want to get a better sense of whether you are eating enough protein, fiber, or calories during the day, logging meals in the MyFitnessPal app may help you spot patterns. Late-night hunger can sometimes be a sign that dinner was too small or not well balanced. 

6 Healthy Late Night Snacks to Try

1. Greek Yogurt With Berries And Walnuts

Plain low-fat Greek yogurt with berries and walnuts is one of Sullivan’s go-to bedtime snacks. It is a simple, balanced option that can feel light while still being satisfying. Sullivan also notes that dairy and walnuts have both been studied for possible sleep benefits. (5,9,10)

Dairy foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of melatonin and serotonin. Researchers are still learning more about the link between dairy foods and sleep, but the connection is promising. (5,9)

It’s also important to note that the research on walnuts and melatonin looked at daily walnut consumption over time, not a single handful at bedtime, so the sleep benefit from an occasional snack portion is uncertain. (10) 

However, this is still one of the easiest healthy bedtime snack ideas because it takes only a minute to put together.

2. Banana And Nut Butter, Two Ways

It appears we have a consensus. Both Sullivan and Gregg recommend bedtime snacks built around banana and nut butter.

Sullivan’s version is oatmeal with peanut butter and banana, which works well when you want something warm and a little more filling. Gregg’s version is a banana with peanut butter or almond butter, which is a faster option when you want something simple and easy.

Both banana and nut butters contain magnesium, a nutrient that has been studied for its role in sleep. (6)

3. Whole Wheat Toast With Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

This is another easy snack from Gregg.

Whole-grain toast with cottage cheese pairs a slower-digesting carbohydrate with a protein-rich topping. (3,11) It’s also a good option if you prefer savory foods over sweet options at bedtime. 

4. Whole Grain Toast With Avocado

Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian, recommends a slice of whole grain toast topped with avocado.

Whole grains provide fiber and complex carbs to keep you full longer, while avocado contains magnesium, which has been shown to improve sleep. (3,6,18)

This snack is simple, plant-forward, and easy to keep in your routine, while still being extra delicious.

5. Tart Cherry Juice With A Handful Of Nuts

Brookell White, MS, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian, recommends a small glass of tart cherry juice with a handful of nuts before bed. 

Tart cherry juice has been studied for its possible sleep benefits as it contains melatonin which may help support longer sleep duration, though more studies are needed. (14,19)

Additionally, nuts can help make the snack feel more balanced and satisfying. Nuts also contain magnesium which has been associated with better sleep in those who lack this mineral in their diet. (6,19)

6. Pistachios With Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

Basbaum recommends a handful of pistachios with a small bowl of low-fat cottage cheese. 

Of all nuts, pistachios have the highest concentration of melatonin, and cottage cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to help make melatonin and serotonin. (15,16,17)

What Foods Should You Avoid Before Bed?

Some foods are more likely to work against sleep than support it.

White says foods and drinks with caffeine, including coffee, tea, and chocolate, may affect sleep quality. Research cited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that caffeine taken even six hours before bed can still disrupt sleep. (8)

Large or heavy meals can also be a problem. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends avoiding large meals close to bedtime because they can interfere with sleep. (7)

When Should You Eat a Bedtime Snack?

There is no perfect time that works for everyone.

Some research has found an association between eating or drinking very close to bedtime and more wakefulness during sleep, suggesting that a longer gap between the last meal and bedtime may be better for sleep. (12)

In practice, this often means a small snack one to two hours before bed may work better than eating right before lying down. This timing is a general guideline rather than a strict, research-backed rule. Still, a heavy meal late at night is more likely to disrupt sleep.(2,7,12)

Keep in mind that sleep and nutrition responses vary from person to person, so what works well for one individual may not work the same for another. 

One Change That Helps Beyond Bedtime

Your nighttime snack matters less than your full eating pattern.

“From a dietary standpoint, eating a plant-forward diet is one of the best things you can do to improve sleep quality and support overnight blood sugar control,” says Basbaum.

A plant-forward way of eating includes more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. These foods tend to be rich in fiber and other nutrients that support better overall health and sleep. (13)

That means the best bedtime snack is only one part of the picture. Eating balanced meals throughout the day may do even more to help you sleep better and avoid blood sugar swings overnight.

If you are trying to improve your routine, the MyFitnessPal app can help you see whether your meals are balanced and whether you are getting enough protein and fiber across the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are good foods to eat before bed?

Good foods to eat before bed include small, balanced snacks that combine protein with fiber-rich carbs. This can look like: Greek yogurt with berries, banana with nut butter, oatmeal with peanut butter, or whole grain toast with cottage cheese. Some of these also contain magnesium, which has been associated with better sleep. (3,4,18)

• What are the best bedtime snacks for diabetics?

The best bedtime snacks for diabetics depend on the person, their medications, and their overnight blood sugar patterns. In general, small snacks with carbs plus protein, fat, or fiber may be used when needed as this combo generally supports stable glucose levels. People using insulin should get individualized advice from their care team. (1,20)

• How long before bed should you eat a snack?

There is no perfect time for everyone, but a small snack is usually better than a heavy meal close to bedtime. Some research suggests a gap between eating and sleep may be associated with better rest, though the ideal timing will vary by individual. (2)

• What foods should you avoid before bed?

It is usually best to avoid large or heavy meals right before bed. Foods and drinks with caffeine, like coffee, tea, and chocolate, may also make it harder to sleep well. (7,8)

Bottom Line

A good bedtime snack doesn’t need to be complicated. Yogurt with berries and walnuts, oatmeal with peanut butter and banana, or toast with cottage cheese or avocado all fit the bill.

If you want something before bed, choose a snack that feels light but still takes the edge off hunger. If you’re not hungry, skip it.

The post Healthy Late Night Snacks for Better Sleep and Stable Blood Sugar appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

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