🕒 Created

Restaurants Face Consumer Backlash as AI-Generated Food Images Create 'Uncanny' and Often Misleading Menu Displays

Restaurants are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to generate food images for menus and marketing, though the technology is drawing mixed reactions from consumers and industry professionals. While many operators use AI to cut costs on graphic design and photography, diners often find the results unappetizing or misleading. Several reports highlight the 'uncanny' nature of AI food, which can feature surreal textures like reptile skin or bread resembling sponges. In some cases, the images are so off-putting that they have led to physical backlash, such as a San Francisco cafe owner, Lyndsey Lozano, who had to pay to remove graffiti after locals mocked the AI-generated signage. Industry experts note that while AI is a useful tool for back-end operations, its use in front-facing food imagery can be a 'turnoff' for customers who value authenticity. Some businesses are even pledging to avoid AI entirely, opting for hand-drawn illustrations or smartphone photos to ensure the food they serve matches what is advertised. Researchers have found that while consumers often prefer AI images when they are unaware of their source, they find them less appealing once the technology is disclosed.

Sources

Paywall and unreadable sources