AI assistants can turn a few ingredients and preferences into a weekly meal plan in seconds. Used well, they save time and reduce food waste. Here is how to get started.
1. Give clear instructions
Tell the assistant how many people you are cooking for, your dietary needs, cooking time and equipment. The more specific you are, the more useful the plan.
2. Cook from what you already have
List the ingredients in your fridge and pantry and ask for recipes that use them. This helps cut waste and saves a trip to the shop.
3. Build a shopping list
Ask for a combined shopping list grouped by aisle. Remove items you already own before you head out.
4. Adjust and substitute
Need a nut-free swap or a vegetarian version? Ask for substitutions and scaled quantities.
5. Double-check the results
AI can make mistakes. Check cooking temperatures and times, and be careful with allergies. Confirm food safety guidance with a trusted source before serving.
Prompt example
Plan five dinners for two people, vegetarian, under 40 minutes each, using rice, lentils, spinach and tomatoes. Include a shopping list.
Want to explore more tools? Read our roundup of AI tools changing the food industry and how AI is improving food safety.