Cofounder & Research Director (Volunteer)

Elise Hutchinson, PhD

Elise is a cofounder of foodfacts.org, she has a PhD in cognitive linguistics and focuses on fighting misinformation & creating meaningful debate.

About Elise Hutchinson, PhD

Elise is one of the founders of foodfacts.org. She is a linguistics professional who was awarded Summa Cum Laude for her PhD thesis, which focused on the cognitive and discursive mechanisms behind effective persuasion, particularly in the long term. She is passionate about finding ways to fight against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and to generate meaningful, constructive debates.

She is Director of Research and Co-Editor in Chief at foodfacts.org. Her responsibilities include:

  • Conducting research into misinformation, its mechanisms and evidence-based methods to fight it effectively
  • Training all of our volunteer fact-checkers
  • Overseeing the fact-checking process, from selecting claims to fact-checks, writing fact-checks to editing final drafts
  • Content creation

Elise earned her PhD at the Université de Neuchâtel and currently lives in England.

Articles featuring  

Elise Hutchinson, PhD

FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

The great fat debate: what science really says about butter and plant oils

We dig into the fat facts to settle what’s hype, what’s harmful, and what’s heart-healthy
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

There is no evidence that a low vitamin A diet might be beneficial for your health

Cutting out vitamin A isn’t a biohack—it’s a health risk with no scientific upside
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

Plants are good for you, so why do wellness influencers call them toxic?

Calling broccoli “toxic” makes for great clicks, but terrible nutrition advice
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

No, honey isn’t unhealthy because it spikes your blood sugar, but why does this influencer say the opposite?

We break down the flawed logic behind judging honey by a single spike—and explain what the evidence actually says
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Media Literacy

Exposing misinformation: how influencers twist the truth on social media

Misinformation Detractors: How Social Media Influencers Deflect Accountability in Nutrition Conversations
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

Debunking the grain-depression myth: what you really need to know

“Grains are depression foods.” It’s a bold claim made by social media influencer Candi Frazier, but is there any truth to it?
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Food Systems

Salt debate: Are we really better off with a beef burger? What does the data say?

Too salty to be healthy? What's the big picture comparing beef burgers to plant-based meat?
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Nutrition

‘Going vegan destroys the environment’ says Fox News. Is there evidence of this?

Fox News claims that veganism harms the environment, but evidence shows plant-based diets are significantly more sustainable.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

'Pregnant vegans warned of deadly complications' media cites study on preeclampsia; is there cause for concern?

Regardless of your dietary patter, it's important to make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy.
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Health

Is ginger good for you? Or are the benefits of this "superfood" overstated?

Many people eat ginger when they're feeling unwell, but are ginger's health benefits anecdotal or based in evidence? We find out in this fact-check!
FACT CHECK
Opinion
Media Literacy

Exposing misinformation: how influencers twist the truth on social media

Misinformation Detractors: How Social Media Influencers Deflect Accountability in Nutrition Conversations