The 12 Foods You're Most Likely To Choke On Slideshow

Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli Rabe (also known as rapini) is a cruciferous vegetable with a notably bitter taste. The stems, leaves, and buds (which look like little broccoli florets) are all edible but fibrous. The stems are particularly stringy, are difficult to break down, and can be swallowed prematurely if folded into pasta.

Celery

Celery is a dieter's dream but a parent's nightmare. Though it is mostly water, celery is also made up of thin fibers that are susceptible to getting lodged in windpipes. 

Fish Bones

When dining on a salmon fillet, make sure to investigate each bite for potential bones. Fish bones are sharp and can pierce the throat, and since they are so thin, they don't pass through the throat very easily. To dredge up a fish bone, try coughing or drinking salty water.

Grapes

The slick skin and torpedo-like shape of grapes makes them a prime choking hazard for kids and adults. If packing grapes for your child's lunch, cut them lengthwise — not widthwise — to reduce the risk of choking.

Marshmallows

These treats are perfect for roasting around the campfire, but their deceivingly airy texture makes them a choking risk for kids. Some kids' games center around competing to see who can stuff the most marshmallows in their mouth, but this game is dangerous and should be avoided.  

Noodles

It's easy to forget to chew when rapidly slurping down a bowl of ramen or a plate of spaghetti, but that's why noodles present such a danger. In order to prevent an accident, cut noodles into smaller pieces before serving to children or toddlers.

Nut Butter

A spoonful of nut butter is a great pre-workout snack, but be careful; the thick substance can get stuck in the throat or spread through the lungs where it is difficult to remove. Get your nut butter fix by spreading some on bread, crackers, or a piece of fruit. 

Pineapple

Similar to celery, pineapple can cause windpipe blockage. Dice up pineapple into bite-sized portions before serving to kids.  

Pizza

A gooey, cheesy slice of fresh pizza is a delicacy, but the stringy, chewy cheese may also pose a choking a risk. When eating fresh pizza, try to take smaller bites and pay attention when swallowing.

Popcorn

Foods eaten by the handful, like popcorn, are common choking hazards; especially for children. A child's airway is narrower than an adult's — about the width of a straw — and an un-chewed kernel is often large enough to clog it.

Seaweed

The greatest fear associated with eating sushi is falling ill from some bad fish, but seaweed's dry yet chewy texture makes it just as much of a danger. Make sure to chew your maki and temaki rolls extra carefully.

Steak

There are few things more satisfying than going to your favorite steakhouse and ordering a thick-cut Porterhouse, but just remember to chew it carefully. Steak, especially when cooked improperly, can be tough and chewy.