A new survey* by Nestlé Professional has revealed that more than three quarters of young chefs are using artificial intelligence (AI), yet only a minority (one third*) are applying it in their day-to-day work.
The research also highlights the pressure many foodservice teams are under, from staff shortages and long hours to gaps in training and support, pointing to a clear opportunity to use AI in ways that better support everyday kitchen operations.
To help support ANZ foodservice teams, Nestlé Professional has launched a free AI Prompt Library, designed to help tackle these challenges. It gives chefs and operators practical ways to apply AI across a wide range of everyday tasks, from menu and recipe development to compliance, team leadership and training - helping free up time in already stretched kitchens.
Available via the Nestlé Professional website, the library includes more than 100 ready-to-use prompt templates, all developed around real kitchen needs.
The prompts are designed to help teams answer practical, day-to-day questions, from adapting menus to meet dietary and nutritional requirements, to managing compliance and documentation, planning seasonal menus or even exploring how they compare to competitors in their local area.
They also cover tasks across both kitchen and business operations, including cost management, team leadership, sustainability, training and marketing.
Every prompt follows a simple “Copy. Paste. Go.” format, giving chefs and foodservice managers an easy starting point to use AI at work, even with no prior experience.
Nestlé Professional General Manager, Kristina Czepl, said: “AI is already becoming part of everyday life, but many chefs are still working out how it can practically support them at work. We’re launching this resource to help move AI from curiosity to something that can be used in professional kitchens across the country to help ease pressure on teams.
“AI fluency is the future of our industry, but it doesn't replace the judgement, creativity and critical thinking that define a great chef – it amplifies them. If we can take some of that admin off their plate and make these tools easier to use, it gives chefs and operators more time to focus on running the kitchen, supporting their teams and delivering great food.”
Supporting foodservice teams beyond products
The Nestlé Professional AI Prompt Library includes two tailored collections for aged care kitchens and pub and casual dining venues, reflecting the different needs of these settings.
In aged care kitchens, prompts can support menu planning aligned to nutritional and dietary requirements, help teams respond to changing care standards, and streamline documentation and compliance.
At pub and casual dining venues, the library can support menu planning and specials, cost control and portioning, recipe consistency and team coordination, helping kitchens stay efficient and consistent during busy service periods.
Nestlé Professional says the initiative reflects its broader commitment to supporting the industry beyond products, allowing kitchens to operate more efficiently and adapt to an evolving foodservice landscape.
“Our role is to be a practical, forward-thinking partner to the industry. That means providing tools and solutions that genuinely help kitchens run better. This is one way we’re supporting foodservice professionals to navigate change and build more efficient, resilient businesses,” said Kristina.
The Nestlé Professional AI Prompt Library is now available to explore and download for free at, https://www.nestleprofessional.com.au/ai-prompt-library with chefs and operators able to sign up and start using prompts in minutes.
- Nestlé Professional’s research, Shaping the Future Kitchen: Passion, Pressure and the Next Generation of Chefs, was conducted in April–May 2026 and included 300 young and apprentice chefs aged 18–25 across Australia and New Zealand.34% of chefs aged between 18-25 use AI for work. With 5% using AI for work only and 29% using AI for work and personal purposes.
- 44% of chefs use AI only for personal use
- The Nestlé Professional AI Prompt Library is a free online resource designed for foodservice professionals across Australia and New Zealand.
- The library includes over 100 ready-to-use prompt templates across two tailored collections: Aged care kitchens (52 prompts across 12 categories)
- Pub and casual dining kitchens (64 prompts across 14 categories)
- Prompts cover key areas of kitchen and business operations, including recipe and menu development, cost management, compliance and food safety, team leadership, sustainability and marketing.
- Each prompt follows a simple “Copy. Paste. Go.” format, designed for immediate use with no prior AI experience required.
- Prompts can be used on any language model (LLM) of choice.
