Locations:
Search IconSearch

Is It Bad If My Child Swallows Popcorn Kernels?

A digestive disease expert explains

Child excited about eating popcorn

Q: Help! My toddler swallowed a handful of popcorn kernels. Should I be concerned?

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.

Related Articles

Young child coloring with crayons
December 8, 2023/Children's Health
Are Crayons Toxic? What To Do if Your Kid Eats One

They’re nontoxic, but crayons can cause an upset stomach and pose a serious choking hazard

toddler biting
April 4, 2023/Children's Health
Why Is My Toddler Biting — and How Can I Stop It?

Teething and frustration can make the ‘terrible 2s’ an unfortunate reality

Button batteries.
November 22, 2022/Children's Health
What To Do if Your Kid Eats a Button Battery

These little batteries can do severe damage — go to the ER immediately

Dad changing baby's diaper diaper rash
May 3, 2022/Children's Health
How To Get Rid of Diaper Rash

These simple steps can soothe your baby’s blotchy bottom

sad little boy peeking out of his bed covers
January 25, 2022/Children's Health
How To Help Your Child Stop Wetting the Bed

Reduce frustration and get more sleep

Dad Changes baby's diaper
August 17, 2021/Children's Health
What’s Behind Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?

Tips for getting to the bottom of the problem

child playing with magnets
November 12, 2020/Children's Health
What to Do If Your Child Eats Toys, Magnets or Batteries

Know when your child needs medical attention

Newborn baby being treated with blue UV light for jaundice
July 15, 2025/Children's Health
How Do You Know if Your Newborn’s Jaundice Is Serious?

Jaundice that’s present at birth or lasts more than a week should be evaluated by a pediatrician

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad