Consumer staples are products that are understood to be regularly purchased by the largest majority of consumers. In some cases, a consumer staple is a product considered to be a necessity, such as basic food items. A product that is not a necessity but is commonly purchased by the vast majority of consumers is often also considered a staple item.

The range of consumer staples is very broad. Food certainly qualifies as one of the consumer products that is a staple in most homes. Along with food, personal hygiene products are among the most common products sold in the market today. Just about every consumer will purchase a staple such as soap, deodorant, and toothpaste as part of the inventory of items that are maintained in the household reserves.

Along with hygiene and food products, consumer staples also include household maintenance products, such as cleansers for then kitchen and bath areas. Laundry detergent and dishwashing products are other examples of some of the most common consumer products within this category of consumer staples. Just about everyone washes clothing and dishes, as well as cleaning and freshening the home from time to time.

Other examples of consumer staples may appeal to a slightly smaller range of consumers, but are considered desirable items that are consumed on a regular basis. Tobacco products, vitamin supplements, and various types of beverages command a great deal of consumer attention and are commonly found in many homes across the world.

The main identifying factor of consumer staples is the consistency of demand for the products among consumers. Often products that are intended to last only a short time, consumer staples tend to be items that must be purchased repeatedly in order to keep up with the level of consumption among buyers of the products. Generally, consumer staples will be available in a wide range of brands, sizes, and types, providing the average consumer with many options on how to satisfy the particular desire for products of this nature.