4 Compartment Tiffin Box vs 3 Compartment: Which One to Buy?
Compare 4 compartment tiffin boxes with 3 compartment options to find out which one is better for your needs, including size, convenience, meal variety, and portability.
The lunch packing ritual is more than just a task; it is a personal investment in your health and energy levels for the entire day. But after all the hard work you put into it, your grapes go mash-halwa-style, then you should know this: the container you use is very important. As Bento-style eating becomes the norm for meal prep, a question often arises: Do you need a traditional 3 compartment container, or should you consider a 4 compartment tiffin box?
The decision to pick either of them lies in the amount of appetite that you may have to keep satisfied. Let’s explain.
The 3 Compartment Tiffin Box
The 3 compartment design is made for traditionalists. The design comprises a massive portion that covers half of the box with two other smaller pockets on either side.
Why You May Love It:
- The Big Eaters: If your lunch consists of a chicken sandwich, a thick burrito, or an order of pasta, you'll need the large section.
- Simplicity: Three sections are more manageable in the morning than trying to sweat through four different items daily.
- Space-Efficient: Such boxes tend to be a little narrow compared to the usual boxes, making them easier to carry in a laptop bag.
The 4 Compartment Tiffin Box
3 sections are fine, but the 4 compartment boxes are turning out to be the favourite selection among many fitness enthusiasts and even parents. Such designs are named ‘Bento Quad’ by manufacturers like Basil.
1. The Power of the ‘Fourth Section’
All this changes with an added divider. You could have a sandwich, some chips, and an apple in a 3 compartment box. But with a 4 compartment tiffin box, you are encouraged to include a serving of almonds, carrots, or a small snack. It makes a meal into a nutrient-dense experience.
2. Removing the Flavour Leak
We’ve all experienced this phenomenon: the juices of the sliced cucumbers somehow travel over to the crackers. A 4-way layout is much easier to organise for someone like me with very specific needs. This is the dream setup for picky eaters (or those like me who like each food group to keep to itself).
3. Built-in Portion Management
If you are counting macros or just trying to be a bit more mindful about what you are eating, a 4 compartment container is a great aid to help you stay on track. By assigning each section to a different category of foods: Protein, Carbs, Veggies, Fats/Fruit, you can guarantee a balanced diet without needing to break out a scale.
4. The Snacker's Dream
Eating patterns are moving away from the traditional sit-down lunch in favour of "grazing" throughout the day. A 4 compartment tiffin box is great for assembling an adult lunchable: cheese cubes, good lunch meat, berries, and crackers.
Conclusion
If you have a one-big-meal-and-two-sides kind of lunch, the 3 compartment lunch box is the way to go. But if you’re a person who wants a lot of variety and a healthy and well-organised ‘snacking’ experience, the 4 compartment lunch box is the better option.
Ready to make the change? The box you want is one that meets your requirements for hardiness but also looks great. Case in point is the Basil Bento Quad, constructed of high-quality stainless steel to keep your food fresh and your bag dry.
Put money into that additional compartment, and your energy levels in the afternoon hours will reward you.
