NYT Cooking Tests AI-Powered Recipe Modification Tool
The New York Times Cooking section has introduced an AI-powered feature in an iOS-only beta that allows subscribers to modify recipes. The tool, which appears as a "customize this recipe" field above ingredient lists, enables users to make adjustments such as swapping ingredients or tailoring recipes to specific dietary needs. When a user requests a change, the system updates the recipe, highlighting modifications in red-orange text. If a user makes an impractical request, such as turning a noodle dish into a cookie, the tool redirects them to a more appropriate recipe.
The rollout of this feature has met with significant resistance from a segment of the platform's user base. Following an announcement on October 23, the article detailing the change garnered 172 comments, the vast majority of which were negative. Users expressed frustration over the implementation, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions. The Times ultimately disabled the comments section for the story after four days.
Despite the backlash, the tool functions by drawing on the recipe itself, the Times’ existing ingredient substitution guide, user comments, and what the company describes as AI "drawing on our expertise." Camilla Velasquez, general manager of NYT Cooking, stated that the AI is intended to act as a helper rather than a primary interface. She emphasized that the Times' recipe editors were involved in creating the initial rule set for the technology and evaluated its performance during development.
The integration of AI into the kitchen product space has historically been met with skepticism due to past failures in "smart kitchen" technology, such as poorly functioning apps or unnecessary hardware. However, the Times’ approach includes safeguards, such as explicit disclaimers on modified recipes stating they are "not tested or endorsed by the original recipe's creators." Users can also toggle between their modified version and the original recipe. Velasquez noted that current usage primarily involves ingredient and equipment substitutions, or adjusting quantities to match available supplies.
Addressing concerns regarding the impact on the staff of 60 editors, writers, video journalists, and other employees, Velasquez stated that the company has "zero intention of publishing fewer recipes" and continues to hire for the team. While the Times does not disclose specific subscriber numbers for the Cooking section, it reported 514 million visits to its site and app in 2025, with its YouTube channel surpassing 1.4 million subscribers.
Why it matters
This development highlights the tension between legacy media brands integrating AI tools into trusted content and the potential for subscriber alienation when technology is perceived as unnecessary or risky to quality.
FAQ
What does the new AI tool allow users to do?
The tool allows users to modify recipes, such as swapping ingredients, adjusting for dietary needs, or changing equipment, with modifications highlighted in red-orange text.
How does the AI determine its recommendations?
The AI uses the recipe itself, the Times’ ingredient substitution guide, user comments, and the company's own expertise.
Are the AI-modified recipes tested by the Times?
No, modified recipes include a disclaimer stating they are not tested or endorsed by the original recipe's creators.
What happened to the comments on the announcement article?
The Times turned off comments on the story after four days and 172 mostly negative responses from users.
Source: WIRED AI. See the original source for full details.
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