The Viral Sandwich Cutting Hack We Can't Decide If We Love Or Hate

Move over symmetrical geometric shapes because sandwiches may be getting a new look. A social media user on X, @ryancduff, has introduced the world to the Y-cut sandwich with an image that has amassed nearly 20 million views. In the photo, viewers can see this hack involves carving into the sandwich halfway up from the bottom before making two additional cuts diagonally from the top. This leaves a hungry eater with three portions — one triangular wedge and two identical trapezoids. 

While visually appealing, from a practical standpoint, this hack loses marks. It involves an additional, slightly more complicated cut than simply halving lengthwise or diagonally. And unless you are serving hors d'oeuvres, making more than one slice into a grilled cheese is a mistake.

What it loses in practicality or neatness of design, however, it gains in bite-able edges. The annoying part — particularly if it's full of mustard — is nibbling without soiling your face. And while the size of each piece is approaching finger sandwich territory, that might not be a bad thing depending on the size of the sandwich or the company you keep. 

People have long argued over the correct way to divide a sandwich. Some have sworn loyalty to the horizontal cut; others contend that those who slice horizontally are off their rockers, and diagonal is the only way to go. There are solid reasonings on each side, but how does the Y-cut sandwich hack stand up to the champions?

Evidence that horizontal slicing is superior includes the assertion that the halves stay together better, leaving the tasty fillings intact as you enjoy your meal. The Y-cut hack leaves you with two pieces that may stand up to a structural integrity test, but the top triangle piece looks like the insides can't wait to escape onto your favorite shirt. It might be worth stabbing each portion with a toothpick the first go-round with the Y-cut. 

Proponents of the diagonal slice argue that not only is a triangle more visually appealing than a rectangle but it also gives the sandwich that great length of edge along the hypotenuse. While the Y-cut actually gives you the most edge (adding to the perimeter with additional cuts), the diagonal cut seems ideal for crust haters, who have the cleanest access to the prime real estate of the sandwich. The Y-cut and the horizontal cut seem downright fussy if that's a concern. But what if you're divvying up a sandwich for a crowd? 

The debate over how to slice a sandwich will likely endure, but this Y-cut hack may be a good idea for those with small children. Serving smaller sandwich pieces is one trick to create less waste if a child — as many do — has a fickle appetite. However, those with multiple children may want to proceed with caution.

Because there are two similarly shaped pieces and one that is unique, it's not out of the realm of possibility that siblings will fight over who gets the better slices — whichever they may think that is. If more than one has their eye on the triangle piece, get prepared to deal with the argument over why Sally or Jimmy always receives the best slice when presented with the Y-cut. This hassle can be avoided by serving up a sandwich with a more traditional horizontal or diagonal cut, or mixing up many sandwiches.

If you are just someone young at heart and like to enhance the little things in life, this viral trick is a great way to jazz up a humble sandwich. But if you don't need your meal to have any additional frills, don't bother with dissecting it in the first place. An uncut sandwich is just as delicious as it is when it's sliced, and when all is eaten, it ends up in the same place.