essential goods
Things you need
Essential goods are products necessary for basic survival and daily functioning—food, water, medicine, fuel, and similar necessities.
The term gains prominence during emergencies, rationing, or supply disruptions, when governments may prioritize distribution of essentials over luxuries: Price controls were placed on essential goods during the shortage.
What counts as essential can shift with context; during pandemic lockdowns, debates arose over whether alcohol or garden supplies qualified.
- flashlightsPortable battery-powered lamps
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- drinking waterSafe liquid for consumption
- waterClear essential liquid
- clothingBody coverings worn daily
shelter · first aid kits · disinfectants · medicine · vaccines · hygiene products · basic needs · bare necessities · batteries · fire extinguishers · necessaries · survival gear · first aid · agricultural tools · infant formula · electricity · blankets · prescription drugs
- recession-proofutilities, healthcare, groceries, pharmaceuticals, government jobs
- Retail staplesstaple foods
- merchandisemerchandise, merch, products, items, wares
- Stockpilingstockpiling, reserves, storage, hoarding, stocking up
essential goodsluxury goods
Costly non-essential purchases
luxuries · non-essential goods · luxury items · extravagances · indulgences