Consumables

Consumables or consumable goods are non-durable goods that are purchased by people for immediate consumption.

Updated: November 23, 2023

Consumables or consumable goods are non-durable goods that are purchased by people for immediate consumption. Day-to-day living products like food, water, clothing, or office supplies such as paper, file folders, Post-It Notes, and ink cartridges are some common examples.

Consumables need recurring replacements since these products are typically used up or transformed by businesses or individuals. Consumables like chemicals, welding rods, semiconductor wafers, and electrodes as components of end products are also used by some manufacturers.

Disposable consumables are only used once by individuals. Single-use batteries or hygiene products are some examples. Inventory control software is used by production-focused companies to track physical inventory, evaluate vendors, predict demands, and optimize orders.

Consumer staples and Consumer discretionary items are two types of consumables. Essential goods that consumers use regardless of their financial situation are known as consumer staples whereas the non-essential goods and services are the consumer discretionary items. Foods and beverages, hygiene products, and household items are some examples of consumer staples. High-end products, leisure activities, big ticket items, automobiles, expensive apparel, and durable goods are common examples of consumer discretionary items. 

Consumer spending patterns are closely monitored by financial institutions to identify potential inflation and economic shifts. The income that people spend on discretionary items are lowered by high inflation.