Mondelez International, the maker of Oreo cookies, is now using artificial intelligence to create new flavors, raising questions about the future of snack innovation.
At a Glance
- Mondelez is using AI to develop new cookie flavors for Oreos and Chips Ahoy
- AI has been integrated into Mondelez’s product development since 2019
- The AI tool optimizes ingredient combinations and accelerates recipe development
- Over 70 different projects at Mondelez have utilized AI technology
- Human taste-testing remains crucial in the development process
AI Shapes the Future of Oreo Flavors
Mondelez International, the company behind the iconic Oreo cookie, has embraced artificial intelligence to revolutionize its product development process. Since 2019, the snack giant has been leveraging AI technology to speed up recipe creation and optimize flavor combinations for its popular brands, including Oreos and Chips Ahoy.
The AI tool, developed in partnership with Fourkind (now part of Thoughtworks), uses machine learning to generate pre-optimized recipes based on various parameters such as aroma, appearance, cost, nutritional value, and flavor. This innovative approach has significantly reduced the number of product tastings required and accelerated the overall development process.
Mondelez is using AI to tweak its snacks and develop new brand offshoots, and at a pace four to fives times faster than before. (Tasting remains firmly with humans.) https://t.co/cLu2AA9l0t
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 17, 2024
Efficiency Meets Tradition
The integration of AI into Mondelez’s product development has yielded impressive results. The company reports that production trials are now four to five times faster than traditional methods, allowing for quicker response to market trends and consumer preferences. This efficiency has been particularly useful in addressing demands for specialized products, such as gluten-free options and seasonal treats.
“Mondelez International, the maker of Oreo cookies, is crunching the numbers—and the recipes—with the help of artificial intelligence.” Wall Street Journal
One notable success story is the development of Gluten-free Golden Oreos, which demonstrates how AI can help cater to specific dietary needs while maintaining the beloved Oreo taste. The AI tool has also contributed to the creation of flavors like Toffee Crunch and Birthday Cake, showcasing its ability to generate both traditional and innovative flavor profiles.
Human Touch Remains Essential
Despite the advanced capabilities of the AI system, Mondelez emphasizes that human expertise and intuition remain crucial to the development process. The AI is not designed to generate entirely new concepts but rather to optimize existing ingredients and flavor combinations. This approach ensures that products maintain their nostalgic appeal while adapting to modern preferences.
“As the company’s biscuit digital R&D manager Kevin Wallenstein explained, the AI is not about replacing traditional methods but enhancing them by cutting down on repetitive trial-and-error steps.” Kevin Wallenstein
Human taste-testing remains a critical part of the process, ensuring that each new flavor meets the high standards consumers expect from Oreo and other Mondelez brands. The company has also refined its AI tool over time, training it on the “essence” of its products to better align with consumer expectations and brand identity.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition
As Mondelez continues to explore the potential of AI in snack development, questions arise about the balance between technological innovation and traditional culinary creativity. While the AI system considers parameters like flavor, aroma, appearance, cost, environmental impact, and nutritional values, some may wonder if the human touch in flavor creation is being diminished.
However, Mondelez’s approach suggests a symbiotic relationship between AI efficiency and human expertise. By streamlining the more repetitive aspects of recipe development, the AI tool allows human innovators to focus on the creative and sensory aspects of new product creation. This collaboration between technology and tradition may well be the recipe for success in the ever-evolving snack industry.
As consumers continue to seek out novel and exciting flavors, Mondelez’s AI-assisted approach to product development positions the company to respond quickly to changing tastes while maintaining the quality and appeal that has made Oreo a household name for generations.
Sources:
- They’re Using AI to Come Up With New Oreo Cookie Flavors Now
- Your most beloved Oreo cookie flavor could have been AI-generated
