Locations:
SearchA digestive disease expert explains
A: Popcorn is generally considered a healthy snack food, given all of the candy and high-fructose containing snacks on the market.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
But be cautious when giving popcorn to kids — especially to very young children — due to the risk of choking. The American Academy of Pediatrics includes popcorn on its choking-risk list for children under age 4.
Older children and adolescents shouldn’t ingest large handfuls of the unpopped “old maid” kernels either. Besides being a choking hazard, crunching them can damage teeth. In severe cases, swallowing them can cause a mass collection in the intestinal tract, known as a “bezoar.” Small bezoars may pass on their own or with the help of medication, while sizeable ones may require surgery.
If your child develops abdominal pain after eating a large amount of unpopped kernels, call your pediatrician.
The bottom line: Don’t entice a young child with popcorn. And if you’re munching away, only eat those kernels that are fully popped.
— Pediatric gastroenterologist Deborah Goldman, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
They’re nontoxic, but crayons can cause an upset stomach and pose a serious choking hazard
These little batteries can do severe damage — go to the ER immediately
Know when your child needs medical attention
There’s more than one way to potty train, but this intensive method can kickstart the process
Clean your baby’s mouth with a washcloth or small toothbrush if they have a tooth or you suspect thrush
A glass child is the sibling of someone with special needs — often seen as the easy one, but carrying invisible burdens
Babies can be noisy little sleepers! Blame small nasal passages and short sleep stages
Yes, you can have honey if you’re breastfeeding — but never feed it directly to babies under 1
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
