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The New York Times has introduced an AI-powered recipe modifier in an iOS-only beta for its Cooking section, sparking immediate backlash from subscribers before winning over testers with its practical utility. As reported by WIRED, the October 23 announcement prompted an outcry in the comment section, leading moderators to shut down comments after four days of largely angry feedback.
Reader Backlash and Platform Plans
Commenters voiced strong concerns and threats to cancel subscriptions, questioning the necessity of artificial intelligence in the kitchen. NYT executive communications director Jordan Cohen noted that the site and app recorded 514 million visits in 2025, and its YouTube channel boasts over 1.4 million subscribers.
Addressing the subscriber concerns, NYT Cooking general manager Camilla Velasquez stated that users will soon be able to hide the AI feature within the app if they prefer. The tool remains in an iOS-only beta phase, with no official timeline for a broader release across other platforms.
How the AI Modifier Works
Earlier this year, the platform introduced AI assistance for scaling ingredient quantities and converting imperial measurements to metric units. The new beta feature adds a “customize this recipe” field above the ingredient list, allowing users to make adjustments based on available equipment, dietary needs, or ingredient swaps.
Velasquez explained that the large language model relies on the original recipe, the publication’s ingredient substitution guide, user comments, and institutional expertise in that specific order. The system applies a “hard redirect” when requests stray too far from the original dish, steering users toward more appropriate recipes instead.
Testing the Feature in the Kitchen
Testing the tool with various dishes—including Alison Roman’s chicken and dumplings, Francis Lam’s grain bowl, and Yewande Komolafe’s waffles—revealed that the AI successfully integrated changes throughout the instructions, adjusted cooking times, and modified cooking methods for substituted ingredients. While most tests yielded positive results, one test involving chicken breast instead of thighs resulted in a slightly dry texture after prolonged simmering.
The modifier ultimately functions as a practical tool for pantry substitutions and dietary adjustments rather than a replacement for expert culinary creation. Velasquez emphasized that the team maintains zero intention of publishing fewer recipes and continues to expand its staff.
The updated app version indicates modifications in visible red-orange text and allows users to toggle between the original and customized versions, accompanied by a disclaimer stating the altered version is not tested or endorsed by the original creators.
