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Technology has made it convenient to order food with just a few clicks. However, with the rise of food delivery apps, there’s a new trend: the use of AI-generated images for food items. While these images can be mouth-wateringly perfect, they can also set unrealistic expectations for the actual dish.
1. More Appealing Than Practical
This inherently biases AI image generators to create food images similar to those in their training data set: images with precise composition, cinematic lighting, impeccable textures, and unnaturally vibrant colors—images that catch your eye and entice you to order but may not be a true reflection of the dish.
2. Surrounding Props Pattern
Another giveaway is the pattern of the surrounding props. Props in AI-generated images are often very strategically placed, lacking the random, authentic touch that real-life settings usually have.
You might also notice that the props around the food—like cutlery, napkins, or decorations—follow a certain theme that changes with each image. Real photos maintain some consistency in the setting because they were shot in the same place.
3. Check Multiple Photos
When browsing through food images, look for consistency in the setting. Genuine photos will maintain a consistent environment, lighting, and plating style. AI-generated images may show variations in these elements as they change with each new prompt given to the AI. This can result in a series of images where the food looks dramatically different from one picture to the next.
Where possible (like on DoorDash), you may also check customer-uploaded images to see how they compare with those shared by the restaurant. If there are no customer images yet, you can check photos of other dishes served by the same restaurant.
AI image generators are great at creating images of popular dishes. However, they’re not as great for local ones. Because of the fewer references in its training dataset, inconsistencies would be easier to spot.
4. Use an AI Image Detector
AI image detectorslike Hive Moderation and AI or Not can help identify AI-generated images. These detectors analyze patterns and inconsistencies that you may miss. While these detectors can be helpful, they are not infallible and should not be wholly trusted. They serve as a supplementary check to support your observations.
5. Use Your Gut
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of trusting your instincts. This is especially true if you know the generalrules of spotting AI-generated images. If an image makes you pause because something feels “off,” it’s worth a closer inspection.
Look for out-of-place elements, such as an out-of-season fruit or vegetable that wouldn’t normally be available. AI doesn’t always understand seasonal availability, so you might spot a summer berry in a dish advertised during winter.
Why Spotting AI-Generated Food Images Is Difficult
The challenge in distinguishing real from AI-generated images lies in the fact that even professional non-AI food photography often involves a degree of deception. Food stylists reportedly use various tricks to make dishes look more appealing, such as using glue for milk or motor oil for syrup. So, the line between professionally taken ‘real’ and AI-generated food images can be quite blurry.
While AI-generated images can be incredibly sophisticated, there are subtle clues that can help you identify them. By being aware of these signs, you can better manage your expectations and avoid the disappointment of receiving a dish that looks nothing like what was advertised. Always remember, if an image of food looks too perfect, it’s worth a second glance.
