AI Tools & Products

NYT Cooking App Tests AI Recipe Modifications

The New York Times is testing an AI feature for its Cooking app that allows users to modify recipes, sparking user reactions and concerns about its impact on the experience.

The Verge AI · Oct 29, 2026

What happened

  • The NYT Cooking app is testing an AI feature for recipe modifications.
  • Users have mixed reactions to the AI feature, with some expressing disappointment.
  • The AI feature can recommend ingredient substitutions and adjust recipes for different serving sizes.

Why it matters

The NYT Cooking app's new AI feature highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday tools, raising questions about user experience, environmental impact, and the future of recipe sharing. The mixed reactions from users suggest a broader debate about how technology should influence traditional culinary practices.

The Elephant take

🐘 鼋 The NYT's AI recipe tool is a double-edged sword—helpful for customization but potentially disruptive to the simplicity of cooking. It’s a reminder that even in the digital age, the human touch remains irreplaceable.

Who should care

  • Culinary professionals
  • Tech developers
  • Users of recipe apps

What to do next

  1. Test the AI feature for yourself
  2. Share feedback with NYT
  3. Consider the impact of AI on traditional cooking methods

Keep in mind

The feature is still in testing and may have unintended consequences on user experience.

Read the original reporting at The Verge AI ↗