The New York Times integrates AI assistant into cooking application

The New York Times has updated its NYT Cooking application to include a built-in AI assistant. The feature is designed to act as a digital sous chef, providing users with real-time assistance for ingredient substitutions, meal planning, and troubleshooting during the cooking process.

Early assessments indicate that while the AI performs effectively for simple adjustments, such as modifying savory dinner recipes, it can struggle with the precision required for more complex tasks like baking. The tool serves as an interactive layer on top of the publication's existing database of recipes.

This move reflects a broader trend among digital publishers integrating generative AI tools to increase engagement within subscription-based platforms. By embedding AI into niche apps, companies aim to provide immediate value to users navigating daily tasks.