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I Used NYT Cooking’s New AI-Powered Recipe Modifier, and It’s Actually Pretty Good
The New York Times has introduced an AI recipe-modification feature in an iOS-only beta, prompting a wave of criticism from readers concerned about AI in cooking. The reviewer tested it and found it useful, suggesting it can adapt recipes while protecting the quality and identity of the original dishes.
The feature lets subscribers request ingredient swaps, dietary adjustments or alternatives to equipment, with changes highlighted in the recipe. It draws on the recipe, the Times’ substitution guide and reader comments, and redirects requests that stray too far from the dish. The Times says recipe editors helped set its rules; its Cooking section was visited 514 million times in 2025.
In short
- NYT Cooking is testing AI recipe changes in its iOS app.
- The reviewer found the feature useful and its edits visible.
- The tool redirects requests that depart too far from a recipe.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A carefully bounded AI modifier can make recipes more practical by suggesting ingredient swaps, dietary adjustments and equipment alternatives while preserving the dish’s character. Drawing on editorial guidance, substitution advice and reader comments—and flagging its changes—may help subscribers adapt recipes without losing the work behind them.
The case against
Even a useful tool may give readers misplaced confidence in substitutions, since cooking changes can affect flavour, texture, safety and dietary suitability in ways automated guidance may miss. Introducing AI into a trusted recipe service also raises concerns about weakening editorial judgement and the value of human expertise, particularly when readers have not asked for automation.
Explained simply
NYT Cooking is the New York Times’ recipe service, offering tested dishes alongside advice and reader comments. Many recipes depend on particular ingredients or equipment, which can make them harder to use when someone has dietary needs or limited kitchen tools.
Recipe changes can affect a dish’s taste and texture, so substitutions are not always straightforward. The service’s editors and readers have traditionally helped explain which changes are likely to work, and the section attracts a large audience.
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