Feeling a little bit ragged the morning after co*cktails and looking for the best hangover foods to pep up? Nights out with boozy concoctions can be highly enjoyable, but they can also spell some unfortunate after-effects on the body which can range from slight dehydration to headaches, nausea and in general, just not feeling 100%.
The foods we eat the morning and day after can go a long way to refuel and fend off the symptoms that can sometimes befall us after a little too much fun the night before. From the simple to the more advanced, we’ve rounded up a few great foods to help make you feel better, both physically and mentally, after a night of drinks.
If you’re looking for a way to up your cooking skills the morning after or any time at all, you can check out a number of great cooking classes near you. From cooking classes in Napa to cooking classes in Philadelphia, you can find the perfect class for adding new skills to your kitchen game, including online cooking classes wherever you are.
Jump to Section
- Fresh Fruit
- Toast
- Chicken Soup
- Oatmeal
- Bacon and Eggs
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Omelets
- Breakfast Burritos
- French Toast
- Pizza
- Coconut Water
- Ginger
- Grilled Cheese
- Crackers and Hummus
- Baked Goods
- Coffee
- Bone Broth
- Salmon
- Nut and Seed Butter
- Smoothies
- Avocados
1. Fresh Fruit
The benefits of fresh fruit for any morning are not-so-secret, but they are especially great for replacing nutrients after a long night out and for giving your body much-needed fluids. Fresh fruit is best as hangover food, but even canned or frozen fruits offer similar benefits and can work in a pinch. Try a fruit salad or fruit co*cktail first thing in the morning or add fruit to other things you may be eating like oatmeal or yogurt. Fruit particularly high in moisture content includes all members of the melon family. Try a banana for both fueling carbs and potassium.
2. Toast
Toast is currently having its moment, with trendy eateries specializing in this super basic favorite sprouting up all over the country. But toast is also one of the best hangover foods to combat nausea (as any mother knows) and offers endless options for customization, from the basic with butter and jam to more elaborate concoctions involving eggs and avocado. If your stomach is upset, try a simple slice of your favorite bread with butter, jam or cream cheese. You can also make an excellent fruit toast with goat cheese and berries on top.
3. Chicken Soup
Another tool in the arsenal of healing recipes, classic chicken soup is also one of the best hangover foods. With its steamy effects, high protein poultry and comforting carb-heavy noodles, it’s a great option for even self-made ailments. A definite cure-all, you can also customize the recipe to include fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger that have their own repair properties. We're particularly fond of this Greek lemon chicken soup.
4. Oatmeal
One of the most comforting breakfast foods is also one of the best hangover foods. Oatmeal is great on an uncertain stomach but provides plenty of energy to get your day rolling. Plus its warm, steamy demeanor is endlessly comforting when you’re feeling poorly. Add milk or yogurt for a boost of calcium, or nuts and fruit for additional nutritional value and flavor. This baked apple oatmeal is bound to be a new favorite.
5. Bacon and Eggs
While it's widely believed that foods high in fat, like bacon and eggs, contain oils that can absorb remaining alcohol in your body, this is a misconception. Nevertheless, this comforting meal has its own ways of making you feel a little better the morning after a night out. Bacon and eggs are high in protein, which can support your body's recovery process. If cholesterol is an issue, try turkey bacon with egg whites. Very versatile, you can up your nutritional boost by placing it all on a piece of wholegrain toast or between a bagel or English muffin to add energy-driving carbs. Or add avocado and other vegetables for additional benefits.
6. Biscuits and Gravy
Like bacon and eggs, this Southern classic skillet breakfast does an excellent job if you are looking for something filling and comforting to get you through your day. For a more nutritious version, try adding some roasted vegetables on the side.
7. Omelets
Eggs are a great way to start the morning, filled with protein and a range of vitamins and minerals your body needs, making them one of the best foods for hangovers due to their endless options for preparation. An omelet is a French standard eaten for any meal of the day. In addition, you can fill it and top it with your choice of additional protein like cheese, ham or steak, and vegetables like onions, bell peppers and mushrooms for additional nutritional value.
8. Breakfast Burritos
One of the best hangover foods for eating on the go, breakfast burritos are completely customizable. Need protein? Include meat, eggs and black beans. Rice is a great carb boost in addition to the burrito on the outside. You can add in extra nutrients by including produce like tomatoes, onions and peppers. Even non-meat eaters can indulge in a vegan breakfast burrito. Hot sauce or spicy salsa on top can also add a little bit of kick to your morning.
9. French Toast
French toast is a great way to combine the benefits of sweetness and comfort. While the classic with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar is always a favorite, you can also make more elaborate concoctions by adding apples, berries or bananas on top for extra vitamins, or switching up the bread like in this sourdough French toast recipe. A dash of cinnamon is also great for a delicious pick-me-up.
10. Pizza
Whether it’s reheated leftovers or a deliciously-made breakfast pizza, this popular food checks all the boxes, making it one of the best foods for a hangover. Not only is the leftover version easy to grab and reheat in a rushed morning, but it is loaded with energy-granting carbs and the benefits of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and onions as toppings. While you might want to avoid pepperoni due to its potential to dehydrate you further, other toppings only add to the nutrients. If you’re making a breakfast pizza, you can also add in the additional boost of protein-rich eggs.
11. Coconut Water
One of the most hydrating beverages outside water, coconut water has emerged as one of the best ways to rehydrate after a workout. This also means it's a perfect way to rehydrate after a night out by replenishing lost electrolytes in the body.
12. Ginger
For centuries, ginger has been a key home remedy and ingredient for fighting nausea in the form of teas and herbal infusions. This makes it especially great as one of the best foods to battle a hangover. Consider adding ginger to teas and broths to help you battle any nausea or drink a refreshing ginger ale first thing in the morning.
13. Grilled Cheese
This childhood favorite is also one of the best foods for a hangover. Made with simple ingredients and not a lot of prep, you can combine the energy benefits of bread with the gooey, calcium-loaded greasiness of your favorite cheese for grilled cheese. The extra protein and carbs will give you a much-needed boost. You can also combine it with a bowl of steamy tomato soup for extra vitamins, fluids and endless nostalgia.
14. Crackers and Hummus
Crackers are a particularly great food for hangovers with upset stomachs, but you can boost their effectiveness by adding your favorite hummus, which will add some extra protein in the mix. A full hummus plate with veggies is also a great way to get in some more vegetables full of nutrients and much-needed water.
15. Baked Goods
Sometimes the best treatment and food for a hangover is a delightfully sweet treat like muffins, pastries and donuts. While nutritional value can vary by recipe, all provide a needed carb boost to start the morning. Baked goods like toast or plain crackers are gentle on the stomach and can be easier to digest, offering relief. If you can't have regular flour, try thesegluten-free blueberry muffins instead.
16. Coffee
Coffee can be a helpful choice for a hangover, particularly due to its caffeine content that might alleviate withdrawal headaches. However, given its dehydrating effect, it's advisable to alternate sips of water with coffee to counter dehydration and avoid worsening the headache. Balancing caffeine intake with hydration can help manage the discomfort associated with a hangover more effectively.
17. Bone Broth
Like chicken soup, the steamy benefits of bone broth are not only nutritional but physical and comforting. Bone broth’s large amount of collagen helps with dehydration and repair, while its mildness is great for an upset stomach. You can even make Instant Pot bone broth if you're short on time.
18. Salmon
Salmon’s health-rich reputation is well known, but it's also one of the best hangover foods. Rich antioxidants and omega fatty acids are great for reducing inflammation in the body that may come from too much of a good time. For breakfast, try some salmon on a bagel with cream cheese or opt for sushi or grilled salmon for lunch.
19. Nut and Seed Butter
Butters, from peanut to sunflower seed, are a great element to add to any hangover food, boasting extra protein and nutritional value. Classic peanut butter is perennially perfect for toast, oatmeal and breakfast smoothies. A great quick hangover cure snack is peanut butter on celery, which is a water-rich vegetable that helps with dehydration.
20. Smoothies
Your favorite smoothie combo can also be your best friend in terms of hangover foods on the go. Looking for something cool and soothing after celebrating a little too hard on International Beer Day? Smoothies are just the thing. Completely customizable, try a selection of your favorite fruits combined with milk or yogurt for extra calcium, with the ice adding much-needed liquids. This dragon fruit smoothie is particularly high in antioxidants!
21. Avocados
This rich omega fatty acid food is the perfect thing to enjoy on its own or add to other favorites. One of the best simple foods for curing a hangover, try spreading it on toast, adding it to a smoothie or whipping up a simple recipe for guacamole to enjoy with chips and other dippable favorites.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Exclusive deals, recipes, cookbooks, and our best tips for home cooks — free and straight to your inbox. PLUS: 500 Rewards Points.
YOU'RE IN!
Thank you for signing up for our mailing list.
Whether you are looking for something easy to grab and go or enjoying a full buffet of breakfast options after a raucous night out on the town, there are a number of foods that can replenish and nourish your body both nutritionally and comfort-wise.
For even more fun ways to explore food, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
