Quarantine Food Calculator

Build a balanced pantry plan for 7–30+ days of isolation. Factor in calories, protein, water, and pet needs in minutes.

Includes drinking + basic cooking (CDC recommends ≥3.7 L adults).

Total calories

100.8k cal

7200 cal/day

Protein target

3220 g

Maintain muscle + immunity

Water storage

168 L

44.4 gallons

Standard omnivore pantry breakdown

  • Dry grains (rice, pasta, oats): 40.3k calories (~11.2 kg / 24.7 lb)
  • Canned beans & veggies: 25.2k calories (~7.0 kg / 15.4 lb)
  • Frozen meats & fish: 20.2k calories (~5.6 kg / 12.3 lb)
  • Shelf-stable fruit & snacks: 15.1k calories (~4.2 kg / 9.3 lb)

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter household details

Add adults, kids, days to cover, and any pets so essentials scale properly.

2

Choose diet preference

The calculator shifts protein needs and pantry mix to match standard, vegetarian, or high-protein households.

3

Review calorie and pantry breakdown

Use the results to build a shopping list of shelf-stable items, frozen goods, and water storage.

Formula

Total calories = (Adults × 2200 + Kids × 1400) × days

Water (L) = (Adults + Kids) × daily liters × days

Example: 2 adults, 2 kids, 14 days → 2×2200 + 2×1400 = 7200 cal/day → 100.8k calories total, 168 L water.

Tip: Add 10% buffer for unexpected guests or extended outages.

Full Description

Extended quarantines or emergencies require thoughtful pantry planning. This calculator estimates daily caloric needs, protein intake, water storage, and staple categories so your household stays nourished. Customize for different diets and use the pantry breakdown to balance grains, proteins, vegetables, and snacks.

Maintain a rotation system—consume older items first and restock to keep inventory fresh. Pair this plan with vitamin-rich items (canned tomatoes, frozen berries) and consider special needs such as baby food or medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I rotate supplies?

Check pantry items quarterly. Use soon-to-expire items in regular meals and replenish your stockpile.

What about refrigeration?

Prioritize shelf-stable staples. Keep a cooler and ice packs ready for power outages to preserve perishables.

How do I store water?

Use sealed food-grade containers. For tap water, replace every 6 months. Bottle water within expiration dates.

Can I include comfort foods?

Yes—add shelf-stable treats to boost morale. Balance with nutrient-dense staples for overall health.