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.
Christine Webster says
So sorry. Elana will be in our prayers.
Roula C says
My condolences to the family for such a tragic loss. You are missed Elana. You are an inspiration, a wonderful soul. There are no words to describe this tragic loss.
Judit says
So sad to read about Elana’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to her family. Much love and strengths in this difficult times. I always think of her when I bake the cinnamon coffee cake or prepare for a Jewish holiday. May her legacy continue to inspire us.
Vince says
Eternal rest grant her O Lord. May she rest in peace.
Lorien says
I am so shocked and saddened to hear this. I found Elana’s Pantry when a “parlor trick” done at a nutritionist’s presentation given free at work indicated a gluten sensitivity for me. This was one of the first websites I found. I’ve used many of her recipes and shared them with coworkers, friends and family; many without people even knowing they were gluten free and healthy. Such a kind, generous soul to share so much of her own personal trials with us; allowing us all to benefit from her experiences.
Lately, my inbox is so full of an ever-increasing amount of spam so newsletters like this sometimes get buried. I’m sad to have missed anything prior to this current post but am truly grateful someone took the time to send this out with her newsletter. It must have been hard to write this. Thanks so much and I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and all of her friends and family.
Christiana Hancox says
Such a loss. So very sad to hear this, she was such an inspiration. I use all her cook books, constantly. Many condolences to her beloved family.
Karen Nemiah says
I’m so saddened to hear of Elena’s passing. She was always such a bright light and a ferocious champion of a life well lived. She modeled radical self care long before it was “popular”. I feel like our online “friendship” goes way back- to before her first book (I now have many!) and she was definitely my GF guru as I learned the benefits of healthier eating. Elena was a brave, strong, and compassionate woman who will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. My deepest sympathies to her family. Wrap yourself in the love of her memories. Sending you peace.
Molly Honigsfeld Greenspan says
RIP Elana. You were a good soul and inspired me and so many more to eat well and eat delicous. Molly Greenspan
Wendy says
My heartfelt condolences to Elana’s family at this difficult time. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, Elana was like a breath of fresh air and I have been following her for many hears and have all of her books. May her memory be a blessing.
Rochelle Chimenes says
So very sorry to hear of Elana’s untimely passing. She was an inspiration to me and to my health coaching clients. I have been reading her words and making her wonderful recipes for over 15 years.
Her spirit has touched so many of us, and her memory is a blessing.
Sincerest condolences to her family and friends.