Dried Weight
0.45 lbs
Water Removed
4.55 lbs
Batch Time
24 hrs
US average: $0.12/kWh
| Food | Moisture | Base Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 91% | 24 hrs | 9% |
| Bananas | 75% | 20 hrs | 25% |
| Apples | 86% | 22 hrs | 14% |
| Blueberries | 84% | 26 hrs | 16% |
| Peaches | 89% | 24 hrs | 11% |
| Chicken Breast | 65% | 28 hrs | 35% |
| Ground Beef | 60% | 26 hrs | 40% |
| Scrambled Eggs | 73% | 20 hrs | 27% |
| Shredded Cheese | 37% | 16 hrs | 63% |
| Yogurt | 85% | 28 hrs | 15% |
| Sweet Corn | 76% | 22 hrs | 24% |
| Green Peas | 78% | 20 hrs | 22% |
| Broccoli | 89% | 22 hrs | 11% |
| Potatoes (diced) | 79% | 24 hrs | 21% |
| Cooked Rice | 68% | 18 hrs | 32% |
| Cooked Pasta | 62% | 16 hrs | 38% |
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Inputs
Result
Five pounds of fresh strawberries (91% moisture) yield only 0.45 lbs dried. One batch in a small Harvest Right at standard thickness takes 24 hours and costs $2.85 in electricity.
Inputs
Result
Ten pounds of chicken breast (65% moisture) produces 3.5 lbs of freeze-dried chicken. The medium machine handles it in one batch at 28 hours, costing $4.37 in electricity.
Inputs
Result
Twenty pounds of apples (86% moisture) sliced thin yield 2.8 lbs dried. The large machine handles it in one batch. Thin slices reduce cycle time to 17.6 hours, saving about 4 hours vs standard thickness.
Most foods lose 60–90% of their weight during freeze drying because the process removes nearly all moisture. Strawberries lose 91% (9 lbs of water per 10 lbs fresh), while cheese loses only 37%. The dried weight equals fresh weight multiplied by (1 minus moisture percentage).
| Food | Moisture % | Dried from 10 lbs | Weight Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 91% | 0.9 lbs | 91% |
| Chicken Breast | 65% | 3.5 lbs | 65% |
| Bananas | 75% | 2.5 lbs | 75% |
| Cheese | 37% | 6.3 lbs | 37% |
A typical freeze drying cycle takes 16–28 hours depending on the food type and slice thickness. High-moisture foods like yogurt and broccoli take 22–28 hours, while lower-moisture items like cheese and cooked pasta finish in 16–20 hours. Thicker slices increase time by up to 30%.
| Food Category | Base Time | Thin Slices | Thick Slices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits | 22–26 hrs | 18–21 hrs | 29–34 hrs |
| Meats | 26–28 hrs | 21–22 hrs | 34–36 hrs |
| Vegetables | 20–24 hrs | 16–19 hrs | 26–31 hrs |
| Grains | 16–18 hrs | 13–14 hrs | 21–23 hrs |
A small Harvest Right freeze dryer uses about 0.99 kWh and costs $2.85–$3.80 per batch at $0.12/kWh for a 24-hour cycle. Medium units cost $3.74–$4.99 per batch, and large units cost $4.90–$6.53. Annual cost for weekly use ranges from $148–$339 depending on machine size.
| Machine Size | Power (kWh) | Cost/24-hr Batch | Annual (weekly use) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 0.99 | $2.85 | $148 |
| Medium | 1.30 | $3.74 | $195 |
| Large | 1.70 | $4.90 | $255 |
Fruits, vegetables, and cooked grains freeze dry excellently and rehydrate well. Meats and dairy also work but require longer cycles. Foods high in fat (butter, peanut butter) or sugar (jam, honey) do not freeze dry well because fat does not sublimate and sugar prevents proper crystallization.
| Rating | Foods | Reason | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Fruits, vegetables | High moisture, rehydrate well | 25+ years |
| Good | Meats, eggs | Dense but effective | 25+ years |
| Moderate | Cheese, yogurt | Lower moisture or thick | 25+ years |
| Poor | Fats, sugars | Won’t sublimate properly | N/A |
Properly sealed freeze-dried food lasts 25–30 years when stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers in a cool, dark location. Unsealed freeze-dried food absorbs moisture within days and should be consumed within 1–2 weeks. Temperature and light are the main enemies of long-term storage.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mylar + O₂ absorbers | 25–30 years | $0.50–$1.00/bag | Long-term emergency prep |
| Vacuum-sealed jars | 5–10 years | $2–$5/jar | Pantry rotation |
| Regular mason jars | 1–2 years | $1–$3/jar | Short-term snacking |
| Open/unsealed | 1–2 weeks | Free | Immediate consumption |
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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.