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.
Ruth says
I am so sorry for your loss, such shocking and devastating news. A friend told me about Elana when i was going through some health concerns and was so inspired by her fighter spirit and delicious recipes. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed <3
Judy says
Elana supported me so much in her work. I thought of her as part of my support system. She was so determined and caring through her work and I will always be grateful to have had her in my life through her journalism. Blessings to all who loved her.
Tina says
My condolences to Elana’s family and her friends. I am shocked to hear this terrible news. I will miss her wonderful recipes. She had a sweet soul in helping people. Prayers for your family.
Cia says
I looked at many photos on Elana’s Instagram today, and feel that I came to know her family, her husband, sons, father, and cat. It causes me pain to think that those aspects of her family’s life have been brought to an end for whatever reason. I am deeply sorry for your pain.
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Nancy Diamond says
My heart goes out to Elana’s family. I am so deeply saddened to learn of her death. I discovered her website many years ago. I bought all her books and used them and still use them. Her website with well tested recipes gave me a new lease on life and the ability to have delicious recipes while being on the specific carbohydrate diet. I thank you all for supporting her so that her online community thrived. It wasn’t just her recipes but all her health tips and stories. Elana will be greatly missed.
Rachel says
What a wonderful wonderful human. The world will be a lesser place without her presence.
Rosalinda says
My deepest deepest deepest condolences w her family, close friends, and those that followed her for her delicious and healthy recipes. I am deeply saddened to hear this news ❣️
Rest in peace my sweet friend
Mary Katka says
Elana’s legacy is so evident in the comments of others. She touched my life when I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Disease of Unknown cause. It was 2014 and my doctor sent me to a dietician who started me on a plan that made it impossible for me to imagine how I was going to make meals without the items that I had to avoid. I found her on the internet and signed up for Elana’s Pantry. Knowing her journey, hearing her stories of the boys and her husband, and finding my way to health was a true gift that she gave to me without us ever meeting.
My heart is feeling so saddened by a wonderful life cut short, way to soon. I want her family to know that you are all in my heart as you walk this journey of grief. How lucky you have been to love this precious soul and can carry with you all the memories of a life that she lived surrounded by your love.
She is a part of my story and I will always be thankful for what she did to make my life so much more liveable.
Renee says
My deepest sympathies to Elana’s family. I feel like I knew Elana through everything she shared. You are in my prayers.
nancy young says
I wish blessings to all! Elana was an inspiration to me!