Table food? Baby snacks?

My son is a little over 8 months old, and has two bottom teeth. I was talking to a girl at work about her little girl who is almost the same age just a little older and the same amount of teeth. She feeds her little girl all sorts of stuff, lettuce, puffs, gravy, Mac and cheese.... I’m absolutely terrified to give my baby food like that! I’m so scared he’s going to choke. What do you all think? Would it be okay for him to eat more than just his baby food and formula?