NYT Tests AI Recipe Modification in Cooking App, Faces User Backlash Over Mandatory Interface
The New York Times is testing an AI tool in its Cooking app for ingredient substitutions and scaling. While optional, the forced interface presence has sparked subscriber complaints about AI intrusion.
According to The Verge, U.S. media outlet The New York Times is testing a new AI feature in its NYT Cooking app that allows users to modify recipes. Announced by NYT Cooking senior editor Genevieve Ko last Friday, the tool recommends substitutions for ingredients and cooking equipment, scales recipes to any number of servings, and aims to "make our recipes work for what a cook needs at that moment." For instance, if a user asks to use baby spinach instead of kale, the AI advises adding it later because baby spinach wilts faster.
The feature is currently rolling out gradually to all iOS Cooking subscribers and will be more broadly available soon. Customized recipes are private and cannot be published or shared via the app. However, the update has sparked drama among users. Some readers expressed concerns in the comment section regarding the environmental impact of widespread AI adoption and the general effect on user experience. When asked if there would be a way to disable the AI feature, Ko responded, "No, not at this time," noting that the feature is "completely optional to use."
This isn't the first time AI has been used by the NYT Cooking app. Ko stated it was used two years ago to convert imperial volume measurements to metric weight, and a serving-size conversion feature was added last year. Regarding the closure of comments on the announcement post, NYT spokesperson Jordan Cohen told The Verge that this is standard practice to allow moderators to focus on new discussions. He noted that many community members are already trying the tool and reporting good results.