The AI-slop menu is disgusting and, sadly, makes perfect sense

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   Restaurants Face Backlash Over AI-Generated Food Imagery

   Restaurants and vendors are increasingly using AI-generated imagery for menus and promotional materials, leading to public criticism and accusations of creating unsettling or nightmarish visuals. While some industry perspectives suggest allowing the practice, others argue it destroys traditional folk graphic design. The trend has sparked enough controversy that the CNE is now reviewing the use of AI-generated images in promotional posters following a debate over vendor practices. In Malaysia, an AI-generated nasi lemak advertisement specifically shocked netizens.

   Why it matters

   Food photography traditionally serves as a visual promise of a meal's quality and appearance. The shift toward synthetic imagery creates a gap between marketing and the actual product served to customers.

   What is confirmed

   • Restaurants are using AI-generated photos of food on menus and advertisements.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The use of AI-slop menus makes perfect sense from a business perspective.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the CNE review regarding AI-generated promotional posters
   • Industry-wide adoption or banning of synthetic food imagery in menus
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Business Insider — The AI-slop menu is disgusting and, sadly, makes perfect sense
   2. Bon Appétit: Recipes, Cooking, Entertaining, Restaurants | Bon Appétit — Restaurants Are Using Unsettling AI-Generated Photos of Food
   3. Creative Bloq — These nightmarish REAL restaurant menus show that AI is killing folk graphic design
   4. Newswav — M’sian restaurant uses AI for nasi lemak ad, but the result shocks netizens
   5. Toronto Star — AI slop or the real deal? CNE to review use of AI-generated images in wake of debate over vendors’ promotional posters
   6. Restaurant Business Magazine — Let them serve AI slop
   confidence 80%