How Google AI Summaries Are Disrupting Recipe Writers' Livelihoods

In March 2025, Google introduced AI Mode, an AI-powered search feature that generates recipe summaries by combining elements from multiple sources.

However, this approach has led to distorted recipes that often lack the nuance and detail of original creations.

For instance, the AI sometimes merges instructions from various bloggers, producing incoherent or oversimplified recipes.

In one notable case, AI even mistakenly included comments from a Reddit thread, resulting in bizarre advice such as cooking with non-toxic glue.

Many food bloggers rely on ad revenue generated from their free recipe content, but AI-generated summaries and AI-assembled cookbooks have caused significant drops in their site traffic.

Since recipes themselves are not copyrightable, creators have limited legal options to protect their work from being repurposed without attribution.

Some bloggers, like Carrie Forrest, have reported up to an 80% decline in traffic over two years, while others maintain steady numbers by focusing on building loyal audiences and leveraging their culinary expertise.

Despite AI Mode linking to original sources, users often trust the AI-generated content without visiting the original blogs, further reducing traffic and ad revenue.

Critics argue that Google's algorithm changes and AI integration are the primary factors driving this decline, rather than intrusive ads on recipe sites.

While some see hope in a growing public skepticism toward AI content, many bloggers face tough choices: blocking AI crawlers, moving to subscription models, or adapting their content strategies.

The resurgence of traditional cookbooks offers an alternative, as they provide trusted, tested recipes and a tactile experience that AI cannot replicate.

However, even published cookbooks are vulnerable, with AI training datasets including pirated versions of these works.

Ultimately, while AI is reshaping how recipes are consumed online, the future of food blogging may depend on creators' ability to adapt and maintain trust with their audiences.