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.
Julie says
Elana’s recipes and health insights are such a gift to me. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
Elona Eisenshtadt says
If not visited Elana’s pantry for a while. But as I now came to find Passover recipes I remembered the photo she bravely shared from the surgery she had sadly experienced last time I did. Over the years
had hoped I’d run into her,by chance,at Whole Foods or the Ideal Market, or on a hike while visiting my grandchildren in Boulder so I could tell her in person what a blessing she was by her dedication to help others having specific dietary needs with healthy alternatives presented with her beautifully professional style. My condolences go out especially to her family and many loved ones who knew her. I will keep you in prayer as I did Elana many times. She will surely be in my remembrance as I will shortly include recipes she created for Passover.
Laura says
My heart breaks when I think of Elana’s suffering and her passing so young. I have relied on her books and this blog for over decade and it has brought me great joy and satisfaction to be able to enjoy foods that I love using healthy non-inflammatory ingredients. She was truly a blessing and I felt so close to her every time I used her recipes, and will still continue to cook and bake with them, keeping her memory and her spirit alive. Deep condolences to Elana’s family.
Vincent says
This tribute to Elana is so beautifully written – it really captures her incredible spirit and the lasting impact she had through her recipes and warmth. I’ve been a fan of her work for years, and it’s heartwarming to see her legacy celebrated like this. One small suggestion: maybe include a link to a few of her most beloved recipes for newcomers to discover her magic? Thank you for honoring her memory so thoughtfully – she’ll truly be missed.
Dedria Barker says
I received the email a month ago but could not visit Eliana’s site until today. She’s really gone.
Elana’s pantry helped me deal with my husband’s diabetes. Her almond flour recipes are exquisite and so good for both our bodies. I have learned several by heart — Tropical Chocolate Chip Cookies is a big favorite.
My condolences to her family. Such a loss for all of us.
Diane says
Just wanted to say that every year at Passover I look forward to making some of Elana’s recipes. Thinking of her while preparing for Seder. She will be missed by many.
Myrite says
It is Passover, and of course, as I struggled to come up with recipes this year, every year I come back to this home page for the best most creative nourishing recipes and ideas! So I came on here, the words “Elana’s pantry” popping into my mind, and then I was so devastated to discover she has passed away. My deepest sympathies to her husband and beloved sons and family. Surrounding you all in love, may her memory be a blessing, I will always remember her fondly and this year in pesach, as I dip into the salt water, thinking of our salted tears, of losing someone precious, of the impact she had on so many- just being herself. I will make a recipe in her honor.
ברוך דין האמת- אשת חייל
Elissa says
Sending love to her family. So sad to read this news. Always loved her recipes ❤️
Caryn says
How very sad and a great loss to her family and all those of us who so admired her strength in the face of adversity. I am at a loss for words. Strength to her family at this time.