nondurables
Quickly used products
Nondurables are consumer goods designed for immediate or short-term use, typically lasting less than three years.
Food, paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries are classic examples—things you use up rather than keep.
Economists track nondurable goods spending as an indicator of consumer behavior, since these purchases reflect everyday needs rather than major investments.
The term contrasts with durables like appliances or vehicles, which are built to last.
Food bought at stores
- toiletriesPersonal care products
- cleaning suppliesMaterials for removing dirt
- paper productsGoods made from pulp
- beveragesDrinkable liquids
snacks · cosmetics · detergent · soap · shampoo · toothpaste · tissues · diapers
For one application only
- throwawayDesigned for discard
- replaceableAble to be exchanged
- expendableAble to be sacrificed
- short-livedLasting only briefly
Make or manufacture
- dairyMilk-based foods collectively
- meatAnimal tissue for food
- seafoodMarine creatures as cuisine
- fruitsEdible seed-bearing crops
vegetables · bread · eggs · flowers · fresh herbs · baked goods · milk · cheese
Products bought by individuals
- soft goodsTextile-based retail merchandise
- household spendingFamily's monetary outlays
- repeat purchasesSubsequent orders of same items
- shopping basketHandheld store container
Printed daily publications
- magazinesPeriodic illustrated publications
- paperbacksBooks with flexible covers
- periodicalsRecurring printed publications
- journalsPeriodicals or personal logs
catalogs · newsletters · tabloids · circulars · pamphlets · brochures · flyers · almanacs
groceries
Food bought at stores
- toiletriesPersonal care products
- cleaning suppliesMaterials for removing dirt
- paper productsGoods made from pulp
beverages · snacks · cosmetics · detergent · soap · shampoo · toothpaste · tissues · diapers · deodorant
single-use
For one application only
- throwawayDesigned for discard
- replaceableAble to be exchanged
- expendableAble to be sacrificed
short-lived · nonreusable · temporary · biodegradable · discardable
produce
Make or manufacture
fruits · vegetables · bread · eggs · flowers · fresh herbs · baked goods · milk · cheese · yogurt
consumer goods
Products bought by individuals
- soft goodsTextile-based retail merchandise
- household spendingFamily's monetary outlays
- repeat purchasesSubsequent orders of same items
newspapers
Printed daily publications
- magazinesPeriodic illustrated publications
- paperbacksBooks with flexible covers
- periodicalsRecurring printed publications
journals · catalogs · newsletters · tabloids · circulars · pamphlets · brochures · flyers · almanacs · digests
nondurablesdurables
Items resisting quick wear
durable goods · hard goods · capital goods · appliances · furniture