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The NYT Cooking app is testing AI recipe modifications

AI1 min read

The New York Times is testing an AI feature in its NYT Cooking app that changes recipes for each user. Some readers are upset that they cannot turn it off.

What happened

The New York Times is testing a new AI tool in its NYT Cooking app. It helps users change recipes. It can suggest swaps for ingredients and cooking tools, resize recipes for more or fewer servings, and adjust recipes to fit what a cook needs. For example, a user asked to use baby spinach instead of kale. The tool said to add the spinach later, because it wilts faster. Changed recipes are private and cannot be shared.

Key facts

  • The feature is available to all Cooking subscribers on the iOS app.
  • The rollout is gradual, and the NYT will broadly release it "soon."
  • When a reader asked if the AI could be turned off, the editor said "No, not at this time." She also said the feature is "completely optional to use."
  • The app already used AI two years ago to convert imperial volume measures to metric weight measures.

Some background

NYT Cooking has used AI before. Last year, it added a feature that cuts a recipe in half or doubles it. The new tool adds a chatbot text box at the bottom of the recipe screen. Users must agree to terms and conditions before they use it.

Why it matters

Some readers worry about the environmental cost of AI and about how AI changes the app they enjoy. Their complaints show a bigger question. Should AI be added to everyday tools, and should users be able to say no? The NYT says the comments were closed as normal practice, and that people who tried the tool report good results.

What to watch

  • Whether the NYT adds an option to turn off the AI feature.
  • How quickly the tool reaches all users outside the iOS app.
  • How readers react as the feature spreads, and whether the complaints continue.

Glossary

NYT Cooking
The New York Times app and website that shares recipes and cooking tips.
AI
Artificial intelligence, computer systems that can perform tasks that usually need human thinking, such as writing text or suggesting changes.
iOS app
An app made for Apple's iPhone and iPad.

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