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.
Audra says
This is tragic and shocking news! She was a pioneer in her field and she taught me so much about living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy food alternatives. Considering the amount of food allergies I have, I would have been miserable had I not found her creative and innovating recipes. I use her recipe books constantly to this day. Sending warm wishes and love to her family. Rest in peace, Elena. You will be greatly missed!
Sharon Mack says
I am so heavy hearted….. her death is a shock. I have enjoyed MANY of her recipes! Please accept my sincerest condolences during this most difficult time of grief. I will be praying for the whole family. She is now free of all pain and limitations.
Christy says
I am saddened to read this – Elana gave so much to so many that she never even met, including me. To Elana’s family and friends, you will all be in my prayers…
Lisa says
Hello, I’m so sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. I’m deeply sad for her family mostly but for the world in general too. I am so grateful for her recipes and research into gluten free cooking. Finding Elana’s recipes that actually work and taste great was the beginning of my gluten free journey. I will be eternally grateful to Elana.
Carol says
My heart is so very heavy with this news. I was blessed to have some personal interactions with Elana about ten years ago and she was a very special person. I have followed her for many years and have enjoyed all her cook books and recipes.
I pray she is at peace and will pray for her precious family at this sad time.
She will be terribly missed.
Becky Rigo says
My deepest condolences to the Rob and the boys. This hurts my heart to hear of this tragic loss of such a wonderfully passionate mother, wife, and daughter. My mother and her friends in Minnesota and I here in Colorado have loved and enjoyed and shared many of Elana’s recipes over the years. It was such a pleasure working with Elana and considering her a friend as well.
Jillian Rothschild-Scholar says
Wish you all as much peace and blessings as possible during this transition. May her memory and legacy be a blessing.
Marie says
oh no! I am so sad to hear of Elana’s passing. she was the first person that I found for advice when a doctor advised I go gluten free and I bought her cookbook in 2009ish. she was such an encouragement to me and a pivotal person in my health journey. she started putting out Paleo recipes about the same time that I turned to a Paleo lifestyle. I continued to receive her emails for years. I love looking at the recipes and trying them when I had time. I didn’t notice her emails had stopped. After visiting her blog post just now I realized we were very close in age and both were teenagers in Davis California at the same time it seems. To Elana’s family and close friends who love her, just know how meaningful and important she was to somebody many through her recipes and stories and I’m so so sorry for your loss.
Aileen Wolfe says
I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was such a caring individual who truly gave from her heart to the world around her. She will not be forgotten and I am sure will be in the hearts of countless individuals for many years to come. My condolences to her family and all to all that cared for and loved her.
Nancy Mercurio says
I have to admit this has hit me very hard. I am so very saddened to hear of Elana’s passing. I am especially saddened for her sons, husband, family, and friends. Her gifts, books and courageous transparency has inspired countless others evident by the popularity of her works. Be free, sister. Your kindness and work will live on forever. ✝️