This new way of cutting sandwiches has people second-guessing their usual method: 'The rebel's cut'

The taste of food depends on various factors beyond its flavors, such as temperature, doneness, and even color. For sandwiches, the way they are cut can also influence their appeal. While diagonal cuts are commonly preferred, a new method of slicing sandwiches has gone viral. This trick creates more portions without the less popular horizontal cut. In May, Ryan Duff (@ryancduff on X) shared this unique technique, and the post has since garnered over 19 million views.

In his post, Duff showcased a ham and cheese sandwich cut in an unusual way. "Practice makes perfect. I went the ham and cheese route today," Duff wrote in the caption. The picture showed a toasted sandwich cut into three pieces. It's the norm for many to slice sandwiches in the middle horizontally or diagonally ending up in two pieces. But Duff managed to make three pieces by simply doing a Y-shaped cut. Two diagonal cuts on top reach the sandwich's center from where he made a vertical cut. More the portions, the merrier the meal time.

This post sparked mixed responses on the platform. Many were shaken by this idea and wanted to try it out. Some seconded Duff's cut saying that it works quite well. "I cut my sandwich like this today and I’ll be honest you really did something here," said @throeingit. "I’m going to start cutting all my sandwiches this way," chimed in @Beth_way14. "I didn’t know it was legal to cut a sandwich this way. You made twice as much sandwich out of a sandwich," added @Bonecondor.

A few others preferred to stay with the stereotypical method of cutting a sandwich into two halves. "What, why, who cuts bread like this? Aah, this is disturbing on all levels," said @daguindd. "What is with you? Why do you have to do everything the wrong way?" remarked @Purity4God. "Wouldn't a simple X be easier and accomplish the same thing? You get the angles, more of them actually, with only 2 cuts," added @ScottCross_8. Despite its silliness, Duff's way of cutting sandwiches was favored by experts as it brought in more portions.

Claire Lower, the digital editor at Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street wouldn't take the time to do this cut but was thrilled about the extra pieces. "First, it’s (almost) symmetrical, but novel, so it seems genius, even though it is just mildly clever. But it also lets the eater start with three bites that they know are going to be ‘good,’ as in they will have the even distribution of fillings and condiments you get at the center of the sandwich," she told Popular Mechanics. In fact, an Arizona State University study about "visual cues associated with food on food acceptance and consumption," suggested that more portions might increase people's appetite for the food item.