New York Times adds more AI features to its Cooking app. Users aren't thrilled
Genevieve Ko, a senior editor at NYT Cooking, announced that the feature modifies recipes based on reader requests, with a particular focus on ingredient substitutions. The tool follows previous automated options that converted measurement units and scaled serving sizes. Cooking staff evaluated numerous sample responses to align the chatbot's outputs with the publication's editorial standards.
Key points
- NYT Cooking added an AI tool on iOS that modifies recipes and suggests ingredient substitutions.
- A sentiment analysis of reader comments found roughly 77% were negative and 14% were positive.
- Senior editor Genevieve Ko confirmed that users cannot disable the tool, though it is optional to use.
Subscribers expressed widespread pushback in the announcement's comment section. An analysis of reader comments conducted using GPT-6.1 Sol found that roughly 77% were negative, compared to 14% positive. Readers cited environmental concerns, questioned paying subscription fees for automated content, and asked for an option to disable the feature entirely. Ko stated that users cannot turn the feature off, though using it remains optional.
Model page: GPT-6.1 Sol →
New York Times adds more AI features to its Cooking app. Users aren't thrilled
niemanlab.org · 29 October 2026
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