John Robbins – Obituary

John Robbins, whose paradigm-shifting book, Diet for a New America, transformed our understanding of health by making clear the connections between nutrition, environmentalism, and animal well-being, passed away on June 11th, 2025, at the age of 77. He died peacefully in his home from complications of Post-Polio Syndrome. An early leader of the modern healthy food movement and bestselling author of numerous books on the topic, John dedicated his life to promoting healthy, ethical, and sustainable food choices, inspiring millions to rethink their relationship with food, animals, and the planet.

Robbins’ books collectively sold over 3 million copies. His work was the subject of a PBS special, and he received multiple awards, including the Rachel Carson Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, and the Peace Abbey’s Courage of Conscience Award.

Born in 1947, Robbins was the only son of Irvine Robbins, co-founder of Baskin-Robbins. Though he was expected to take over the family ice cream business, he chose a different path — one of conscience and conviction. Walking away from the immense wealth he could have inherited, he followed his heart to a more meaningful life based on service. John’s life story is the subject of the 2024 documentary Love Over Money, which chronicles how his radical decision to walk away from the Baskin-Robbins empire in pursuit of a more meaningful life eventually led to healing with his father.

After a decade of living simply on an island in British Columbia with his wife Deo and their son, Ocean, he felt called to write his first book. Published in 1987, Diet for a New America became a landmark publication and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Robbins went on to author many other bestselling books, including The Food Revolution, Healthy at 100, and Reclaiming Our Health. His work was widely recognized in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, and on many television shows, including Oprah, Geraldo, and Donahue. An inspirational public speaker who routinely received standing ovations, John spoke for a multitude of events and venues, including international conferences, the United Nations, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

In 2012, Robbins co-founded Food Revolution Network with his son, Ocean, to expand his mission of empowering individuals to make informed, health-promoting food choices. His advocacy influenced public policy, cultural attitudes, and scientific research, cementing his status as one of the most respected voices in food justice and sustainability.

Robbins is survived by his wife Deo, his son Ocean, his beloved family member Teresa, his grandchildren River and Bodhi, his “daughter-in-love” Phoenix, and his sisters, Erin and Marsha. Memorial information, if applicable, will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Food Revolution Alliance at foodrevolutionalliance.org, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to continuing John’s mission of changing the way the world eats.

John understood that the food revolution was always bigger than any one person — it was a movement for the health of people and the planet. His words continue to light the way: ‘The food revolution is not just about what’s on our plates, it’s about what’s in our hearts. It’s about how we nourish ourselves, how we care for one another, and how we take responsibility for the world we are shaping.’ John may no longer be with us, but his voice and his mission live on in the choices we make each day. To learn more about John and his work and legacy, visit https://foodrevolution.org/john-robbins.