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.
Laura Verba says
I am just so sad to hear this. She was such a brave warrior. I learned so much from her. Have all her cookbooks.
Prayers and hugs to her family.
Monique says
This is such crushing news…truly breaks my heart. My deepest condolences, to all that loved her, especially her family and friends.
Paula says
This is heartbreaking to me. I felt such a connection with her in my own celiac journey and her 2 boys who are close to my sons’ ages growing up in Boulder. She was kind, inspirational and wise. A gifted writer and chef. We will miss her presence. I’m praying for her family during this time of loss. Your mother was a beacon of light in this world.
Ruthie says
I am so sad to hear of Elana’s passing. She will be remembered by me as the one who brought sanity back when I found I must eat a certain way to get my health back, to be able to just be. Those almond muffins and coconut carrot muffins were my first recipes. They meant the world to me. Without that, I don’t think I would have had courage and confidence to walk through the health journey I was on. Thank you Elana and thank you to her family for your support of her endeavors. She will be greatly missed by her followers.
Elizabeth says
I have been using Elana’s recipes for more than 8 years and I always felt I found a treasure for tasty eating and good health. I am so thankful! I have recommended her site to so many people. I was also aware of her health struggles and admired her very much. My heart goes to her family as I myself am still mourning the loss of my beloved husband a couple years ago and I know the pain. May our precious Lord Jesus comfort you all and strengthen you all at this time. Elana was a great person. Much grace to you.
Victoria says
The world has lost a gem!
Our deepest condolences to Elana’s family!!
Vanita says
Praying for strength for family. Hope they will continue in keeping her wonderful legacy of healing and health alive. We will miss you Elena. Your recipes and stories were always a source of joy. ❤️❤️
Jacqualine Marie Baxman says
Gratitude to Elana for being a pioneer, and for bringing important information to the world that has made a difference to so many.
May love and memory envelop her family, friends, and all those who were a part of her world and bring comfort on difficult days. Her courage was incredible.
Elana made a difference. She was loved and will be greatly missed.
rhianne NewLahnd says
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I was personally enriched in many ways by her work and presence, her inspiration…love and blessings to the family and this community.
Gretchen says
So very sorry to learn of this! Heartfelt condolences to all who were close in her life. She touched people far and wide with her shared experiences and generosity. She will be missed.