Businesses are increasingly turning to automatic AI-generated images for their products on platforms like Amazon and Uber Eats. While some fear the fake imagery could harm sales, others are embracing AI image generation with bizarre results. Small restaurants, delis, and food trucks seem to be at the forefront of this trend, but the nightmarish depictions of menu items have people nostalgic for amateur Photoshop jobs.

The technology reporter on X highlighted a deli serving instant noodles topped with an undocumented species of headless and tailless shrimp. Amusing as it may be, the concern lies in whether AI-generated food imagery can ever satisfy customers’ expectations. Can you really trust your dish to come topped with a radioactive creature if the image looks that way?

Many people are sharing their own examples of AI food nightmares on social media, warning others, especially those with trypophobia, about alien textures that might make them never want to eat out again. Many restaurants are taking notice: “If this is the level of detail you can manage, I won’t be eating anything from you,” writes one person. Another warns, “Bankruptcy within the year for all restaurants using this imagery.”

Despite fears, design agencies remain in business as large companies still value human touch over AI-generated images. However, smaller businesses might find easy access to AI image generators a time-saver that comes with hidden costs. The hassle of taking photos could be worth it to avoid creeping out potential customers.