Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the food and beverage industry, optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, and redefining menu innovation. Just in the past two years, the technology’s rapid advancement has made AI-driven solutions an essential tool for foodservice companies of all stripes that want to stay competitive. Our latest report, The New AI Landscape, explores how AI is transforming the industry and what the future holds.

The New Standard

AI is now an industry standard, with nearly 75% of consumers and 70% of foodservice operators at least somewhat familiar. Quick-service and fast-casual segments are leading AI adoption, using technology to streamline kitchen and front-of-house processes. More food and beverage businesses are recognizing AI’s potential to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and improve customer interactions.

Consumers are flooded with messages about the AI evolution in every segment they touch, from the workplace, their daily commute, foodservice and even their own homes. About half of consumers say they’re drawn to AI-enabled devices, both in and out of the kitchen. 

Within foodservice, one of the biggest advantages of AI is its ability to drive operational efficiency. AI-powered solutions are improving inventory management, predictive maintenance, and food safety monitoring, helping operators reduce waste and optimize costs. AI-driven pricing models and dynamic menu engineering are also allowing restaurants to adjust to shifting consumer demands and ingredient availability with ease. And consumer demand for AI solutions in foodservice is growing, particularly for complex back-of-house operations. 

new avenues for innovation

Customer experience is another area where AI is making a significant impact. AI chatbots and voice assistants are streamlining ordering processes, while personalized recommendations enhance guest satisfaction. AI-powered kiosks and digital menus are creating seamless, engaging dining experiences that cater to individual preferences and dietary needs.

In fact, consumers have surprising confidence in AI-generated recipes and food products, even when compared with those created by actual human chefs. Almost 60% of consumers believe that food made by AI can be more healthy or nutritious, and just under half (47%) believe it can be more flavorful.

Considering these responses, it’s not surprising that AI is also reshaping menu innovation. 

AI-assisted recipe development is gaining traction, enabling chefs and R&D teams to create nutritious, trend-forward dishes. AI can analyze consumer preferences and emerging food trends, guiding product innovation and menu updates in ways that were previously unimaginable. 

The Future of Food & Beverage AI

While most foodservice operators remain apprehensive or uninformed about the full breadth of what AI can do to benefit their business, those who embrace its potential can gain a competitive edge in countless ways. 

AI can help streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and create more personalized dining experiences. By leveraging AI tools effectively, operators can reduce inefficiencies, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

Operators are generally more nervous than excited about the potential of AI, and unlike consumers, that perspective has not changed as consumers’ has evolved.

the challenges – and potential

Despite AI’s many benefits, challenges remain – even beyond a still-apprehensive industry. Concerns around data privacy, job displacement, and maintaining the human touch in hospitality persist. Operators must integrate AI thoughtfully, balancing automation with personalized service to ensure they enhance, rather than replace, the human elements that make dining experiences special.

Looking ahead, agentic AI—which autonomously performs complex tasks—promises to further transform foodservice operations. From automated supply chains to AI-driven culinary assistants, this next wave of AI innovation will redefine efficiency and creativity in the industry. Major food brands are already investing heavily in AI, setting new standards for tech-driven operations and customer engagement.

Click the link to find out more about how Datassential is using AI to predict food and beverage trends. Visit the page linked here to access the full report featuring consumer and operator perspectives on the future of artificial intelligence in foodservice.