We are very sad to share the news that Elana passed away on February 8, 2025. It is a traumatic and tragic loss for her family, friends, and the entire Elana’s Pantry community.
Elana was a creative beacon who was constantly looking for ways to help people and make the world a better place. She founded two companies that were the definition of doing well by doing good.
Ecosav started in 1993, was a leader in bringing recycling programs to New York City commercial establishments and helping them reduce their waste bills in the process. She was named one of the city’s 40 under 40 for her work.
Elana’s Pantry, founded in 2006, brought simple, healthy, gluten free, and grain free recipes and extensive health and wellness advice to millions of people. She was also the author of three cookbooks, including a New York Times bestseller, and an investor in numerous cutting-edge companies bringing healthy products to people, like Primal Kitchen, LMNT, Kettle & Fire, Wellnesse, Magic Spoon, SteadyMD, Serenity Kids, and Beekeeper’s Naturals.
Elana was committed to giving back with charities such as Pesticide Action Network, Not Putting on a Shirt, Tulane Medical School, Boulder Community Hospital, Baby2Baby, Castleman’s Disease Collaborative Network, and The Anti-Recidivism Fund, and was a co-founder of the Katz Amsterdam Foundation.
Elana was also a fierce advocate for women’s health and eliminating biases through systemic change in the medical system.
Elana had a number of challenges in her life but always found a way to connect and help people, never wavering from her goal to “save the world”, a goal she told her parents about when she was 22.
She will be deeply missed.
Elana is survived by her husband and two sons as well as her parents and sister. We ask for privacy for her family during this very tough time.
Gilli Scott says
Very sad to hear this news – Elana had so much love and life to live. She will live on in the hearts of everyone who makes her recipes. My thoughts are with family and friends. Rest in peace Elana xx
Sari Cohen says
Baruch dayan haemet, I am so so sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. Sending condolences to her family and friends. I use her recipes regularly, and recommend them to patients frequently. May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.
Christine Peets says
I haven’t visited the site for a while and was so saddened and shocked to read this sad news.
My health has improved so much using Elana’s wonderful recipes. I need grain and gluten free baked goods but my family and friends do not and they love my cookies, brownies, and other goodies as much as I do. I have shared many of these recipes.
My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
Elana Amsterdam made the world a better place. It is less so with her gone.
May her light always be bright.
Deborah Hill says
I’m so truly sorry for your loss- and all of ours. Elana was one of the first people who helped me find a better way to live, through delicious, healthy recipes. Crying my eyes out, but grateful for all that she imparted during her journey. We all got the gift of reading about the boys coming in after school for snacks, her books and her struggle with her health.
I sorely miss her. Thoughts and prayers for her whole family.
Susan Lewis says
I am so sorry for this news. Elena was a true warrior and I’m sure it is impossible to know how many people she gave hope to. Her love for others was always present and I can say with certainty that she will truly be missed. Blessings and prayers for her entire family.
debi tricerri says
i was looking for one of her recipes and saw this! i had no idea!! when i first started to change my way of eating, due to health issues, she was a savior!! i could eat fun stuff again! i’m so sorry to hear she is gone. my condolences and prayers to her family.