Pickle-flavoured tart? AI inspires Japan's convenience stores

Artificial intelligence is being employed in Japan to create novel convenience store desserts, defying traditional flavors and market trends. Lawson, a prominent convenience store operator, is set to introduce three new items, such as a pickle-flavored lemon tart and a bread roll containing red bean paste, margarine, and yogurt cream.

These unique offerings were brainstormed using AI, aiming to generate ideas beyond conventional thinking. FamilyMart, another major chain, is also leveraging AI, using sales data to develop a French-style canele pastry with sweet potato puree and caramel sauce. The dessert will be available nationwide next week. Both companies emphasize that AI aided brainstorming but not final product decisions.

FamilyMart's AI experiment, a biscuit sandwich with thick milk cream, has already proved successful and paved the way for more AI-assisted product development. As AI's capabilities continue to advance, concerns over its potential risks and the need for regulation have intensified globally.