Mondelez, the snack food giant behind brands like Oreo and Chips Ahoy, is using artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of new snack creations. The company has developed a proprietary AI tool that helps food scientists generate and optimize recipes, potentially revolutionizing the way we snack.
This AI tool, in development since 2019, utilizes machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data and identify optimal combinations of ingredients. By specifying desired characteristics like flavor, aroma, appearance, and even cost and nutritional profile, food scientists can guide the AI to generate detailed recipes.
Unlike generative AI, which can sometimes produce unpredictable or nonsensical results, Mondelez’s machine learning approach focuses on optimizing outcomes based on existing data. This ensures that the AI generates recipes that align with consumer expectations and taste preferences.
While early versions of the tool produced some unusual suggestions due to limited data, the refined AI is now trained on the “essence” of popular products like Oreos, preventing it from straying too far from familiar flavors and textures.
Mondelez claims that this AI-powered approach has significantly accelerated the recipe development process. New products are now reaching production trials 4-5 times faster than before, allowing the company to bring innovative snacks to market more quickly.
This innovative use of AI highlights the potential for technology to transform even traditional industries like food production. By leveraging the power of machine learning, Mondelez is not only creating new snacking experiences but also optimizing the development process for greater efficiency and consumer satisfaction.