Restaurants Use AI Food Photos to Cut Costs, Despite 2024 Study Showing Consumer Backlash
Updated
Updated · Bon Appetit · Aug 30
Restaurants Use AI Food Photos to Cut Costs, Despite 2024 Study Showing Consumer Backlash
3 articles · Updated · Bon Appetit · Aug 30
Summary
Restaurants are increasingly using AI-generated food images in ads and menus, even when the pictures look distorted or depict items the business does not actually sell.
Cost is the main driver: AI images are cheaper and easier to produce than hiring photographers or designers, helping explain why small businesses keep adopting them.
A 2024 study found consumers liked AI-generated food images when they did not know the source, but preferred human-made photos once told the images were AI.
That tension is already showing up in practice: a Chicago deli recently said its AI menu images were only temporary placeholders, underscoring both the spread of the tactic and customer discomfort with 'AI-slop.'