Google’s AI Mode is combining recipes from multiple creators into single results. Food bloggers say the feature threatens their ability to earn a living. According to The Guardian, the AI often mangles instructions by merging steps from different sources. In one case, it advised users to cook with non-toxic glue after failing to recognize satire from the Onion.
Traffic Drops and Revenue Concerns
Many recipe bloggers depend on ad revenue from site visits. When Google’s AI displays synthesized recipes directly in search results, users no longer click through to the original sites. Jim Delmage, who runs the blog and YouTube channel Sip and Feast with his wife Tara, says many creators are scared to discuss the problem. Matt Rodbard, founder and editor-in-chief of the website Taste, calls it an extinction event for sites that rely on advertising.
One blogger, Carrie Forrest of Clean Eating Kitchen, told Bloomberg she has lost 80 percent of her traffic in the past two years. Adam Gallagher of Inspired Taste noticed that while Google shows links to his site more often, actual visits have dropped. This suggests users are satisfied with the AI version and do not click through to the full recipe.
Limited Legal Protection
Recipe writers have little legal recourse. Recipes generally are not copyrightable under US law. Copyright protects the specific wording of instructions but not the list of ingredients or basic steps. This leaves bloggers vulnerable to AI systems that reproduce their work without permission.
Survival Strategies and Future Outlook
Some bloggers are focusing on building loyal followings rather than chasing search rankings. Karen Tedesco of Familystyle Food creates detailed recipes based on her restaurant experience. She includes technical advice and process photos that AI cannot easily replicate. But she worries users trust the AI results without clicking source links.
Moving to subscription platforms like Substack is one option. But both Tedesco and Delmage note that successful subscription creators arrived with large existing audiences. Blocking AI crawlers is another choice, but bloggers are reluctant to make themselves invisible to Google searches. Rodbard suggests cookbooks might make a comeback. Sales of baking cookbooks are up 80 percent this year, according to market research firm Circana.
A survey commissioned by media company Raptive found that nearly half of respondents rated AI content less trustworthy than human-made content. Tom Critchlow of Raptive believes people will place higher value on tested recipes from creators they know and respect. But recipe bloggers remain uncertain about the future of their ad-supported business model.
