Idris Elba’s Favorite 1-Ingredient Snacks Are Pure Nostalgia

Ever since Idris Elba said, “Look at me, I’m Black Superman,” in one of my kiddo’s favorite movies, Hobbs & Shaw, I’ve been a fan of the actor. Being a food writer and recipe developer, I’m always curious about the snacking habits of my favorite celebrities. What interests me the most is what they like to eat as a midnight snack. What does Black Superman snack on? 

I discovered that Elba doesn’t really have a favorite midnight snack. He told GQ that he usually does not eat after 9 p.m. He stated, "I will make sure to have a teaspoon of high-quality honey, though. That usually curbs any hunger pangs, and I’ll sleep all through the night when I do that."

So, could we say Elba’s favorite midnight snack is a spoonful of honey? Let’s go with that. While not exactly honey and somewhat medicinal, I’ve had a spoonful of pi pa gao (or Chinese herbal syrup) before sleeping, which tastes like minty honey. As a child, it helped me sleep well through the night. 

Now, what about during the day? Elba tries not to snack during the day, but when he needs a pick-me-up he reaches for another one-ingredient snack that requires zero prep: a banana. Elba told GQ, “I do love a banana, which is great for energy.“ I, too, reach for a banana when I’m low on time or trying to meet writing deadlines and need something to fill me up quickly. 

Every now and then, Elba satisfies his inner child and sweet tooth with a chocolate bar. “It’s a nostalgic thing…” he told GQ.

How I Combine Idris Elba's Favorite Snacks Into One

Learning about Elba’s three favorite one-ingredient snacks lit a lightbulb in my head. What if I made a quick three-ingredient snack in honor of Elba’s minimalist snacking traditions by combining honey, banana, and chocolate?

The resulting dish is the perfect midnight snack. You only need a ripe banana, a teaspoon of honey, and some chocolate. You can use chocolate sauce instead; however, for texture, you should also include chocolate chips or chunks. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate because you want that richness and bitterness to balance the sweetness of banana and honey. 

Peel then slice the banana into coins or mash it with a fork. If you slice the bananas, drizzle the slices with honey. If you mash the banana, mix in the honey. Then top with the chocolate. If you’re feeling a bit fancy and want to connect all the flavors, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top for a pop of salt.

And there you have it, an easy snack inspired by Elba’s minimalist snacking habits. I hope that with each bite, this snack nourishes, satisfies, and comforts you. Lastly, if Black Superman ever happens to read this (it would be such an honor), I hope he approves and that this combination of his three favorite snacks becomes his go-to treat, perfect for midnight or anytime snacking!