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.
Kelly Weiss says
Elana made the connection to good food after diagnosis and lifestyle choices that are made not always by choice but for survival. I’m so devastated for her and her family. Reading her story is utterly shocking and indicative of the medical system’s. Patients treated as parts and doctors stay in one office but a human must cart themselves from office to office without support. I will always have the fondest feeling for her recipes and I’m happy to own all her books- they are treasure and I hear her voice whenever I use them. Thanks to the family for sharing her with us and we respect the privacy requested to manage a soul-shock. God bless.
Jean Mowbray says
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Elana’s passing. I have thought of her so many times as I use her recipes, and even when I am not cooking. She had such a beautiful spirit and was an inspiration. May your family find peace and comfort.
Holly says
My husband and I met Elana once years ago. I’d reached out to her with some questions about hyperbaric chamber treatments, and she was kind enough to offer to meet us in person. She took us to a juice bar in Boulder, and we had a wonderful conversation.
What I remember most was how ALIVE she was. She had just had a glutathione port put in, and she was so grateful for it. She didn’t complain about her condition. She was matter-of-fact about what she was dealing with and downright joyful about the juice bar having just opened, her morning hike that day, etc.
Lovely, beautiful, inspiring woman. Our condolences to Elana’s family, who must miss her terribly.
Michele Kather says
I am so very sad and crying for your family. She was a true inspiration to me! I loved her recipes and hope the family will consider continuing her website here. It was made with love and enjoyed reading all of her stories. My heart goes out to every one of you!
Nancy says
I am so sorry to hear this. I am a health coach who has experienced her own health challenges, and my family has relied on Elana’s recipes especially for celebrations and helping us to feel “normal” even with dietary restrictions. I also regularly recommend her recipes to my clients and will continue to do so. Her work was a blessing to many. Sending healing thoughts to your family.
Sarah says
I type this as I cry for all of the pain Elana felt in her life. My heart goes out to her family during this very challenging time. A friend introduced me to Elana’s recipes many, many years ago and we both loved her website. She was truly an inspiration to all. I suffer from OCD and mental health issues run in my family. I have been struggling over the past few months and came to Elana’s website today to clean up my diet as much as possible to help with my own mental health struggles. I was devastated to see that she has passed away. I never knew Elana, but her loss saddens me greatly. All the illnesses she had to deal with must have been so very painful and she did it with grace and passion. You will never be forgotten, Elana, and thank you for all you contributed to the world.
Kirsten says
I’m so sorry to hear this – Elana’s recipes and words were my companions through health challenges, and many celebrations, including the cake I made for my best friend’s wedding. May her loved ones find comfort in the company of all those who mourn, and Elana’s memory be a blessing.
Carole Pepin says
Je suis triste et c’est avec le coeur lourd que j’ai appris cette nouvelle. J’ai eu des problèmes de santé, divers allergies, au blé entre autre, et cela est de cette façon que j’ai connu Elana. Ces livres de recette ont été pour moi une planche de salut et ont changé ma vie. Je l’ai toujours trouver énormément inspirante comme femme d’affaire. Je souhaite toute ma sympathie à sa famille
Sunny H says
My deep condolences to the family of this lovely woman. I have come to admire and appreciate her over several years via my journey of becoming gluten free through a celiac diagnosis. Her recipes and her advocacy are an inspiration.
Deep gratitude for her spirit.
Suzi says
ברוך דיין האמת
My heart broke when I read this post. I have relied on Elana’s wonderful website for years and often share it with nutrition clients. Her recipes are a staple in my home, especially during Pesach.
My deepest sympathy to her husband, sons, parents, and sister. May Elana’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. I pray you find comfort in knowing how beloved she was by so many.
Jo Thompson says
She will be missed. Her recipes are wonderful and helped me to prepare nutritious foods and snacks for my daughter who has severe Crohn’s and restricts her gluten. Elana’s contributions to mankind are paramount to anything else offered in this realm of nutrition. My condolences and prayers to her family!